Emotional Support Dog: Benefits, Breeds, and Legal Rights

An emotional support dog (ESA) is vital for individuals facing mental health challenges, offering comfort, companionship, and emotional stability. 

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks but provide therapeutic benefits through their presence. Various breeds excel as ESAs, including Labrador Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, and even mixed breeds, depending on the owner's needs and lifestyle. 

The benefits of having an emotional support dog extend beyond companionship, aiding in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and loneliness. They also foster a sense of routine, reduce stress, and promote social interaction. 

The legal rights of ESA owners, protected under laws like the Fair Housing Act, allow emotional support animals to live in housing with no-pet policies, offering peace of mind and accessibility. Embracing the companionship of an emotional support dog enhances overall well-being and provides unwavering emotional support.

What is an Emotional Support Dog for?

An emotional support dog (Emotional Support Animal) is a type of companion animal specifically designated to provide comfort, emotional stability, and therapeutic benefits to individuals coping with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional disorders. “Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are animals that provide therapeutic benefits to individuals with mental health or psychiatric disabilities, but are not considered service animals,” according to the study by Gatesy-Davis, A. titled “Emotional Support Animals: The Basics” published in the website of Psychiatry Information in Brief in 2021.

Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, the primary purpose of an emotional support dog is to offer unconditional companionship and alleviate emotional distress through their presence. 

Studies have shown that the mere act of interacting with or being near an emotional support dog reduces cortisol levels (a stress hormone), increases oxytocin (the "bonding" hormone), and improves mood. 

The role of an ESA extends beyond companionship; they help mitigate feelings of isolation, encourage regular activity through care routines, and serve as a calming presence during periods of stress or emotional upheaval, thereby improving the overall quality of life for their owners.

What are the Benefits of Having an Emotional Support Dog?

The benefits of having an Emotional Support Dog or ESA dog include a positive impact on mental health, physical health, and overall well-being, particularly for individuals with emotional or psychological conditions. Some of the key benefits are listed below.

• Emotional Support and Comfort: ESA dogs provide companionship and unconditional love, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Their presence offers comfort during difficult emotional times, such as anxiety, depression, or stress.
• Reduction in Anxiety and Stress: Interacting with an ESA dog has been shown to lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase the production of oxytocin (the "love hormone"), promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.
• Improved Mental Health: For people suffering from conditions like depression, PTSD, or anxiety, having an ESA dog is a therapeutic tool. The dog provides a sense of purpose, motivation, and routine, which helps improve overall mental health.
• Increased Physical Activity: ESA dogs often require regular walks and outdoor play, encouraging their owners to be more active. This increased physical activity has additional benefits for both physical and mental health, improving mood and overall well-being.
• Improved Social Interaction: Having a dog, especially an ESA dog, helps break down social barriers and increase social interactions. People feel more comfortable interacting with others when their ESA dog is with them, helping to foster connections and reduce social anxiety.
• Sense of Security and Safety: For people with PTSD or anxiety disorders, an ESA dog offers a sense of security. The dog's presence helps individuals feel safer and more confident in public spaces or at home.
• Non-judgmental Support: Unlike human interactions, ESA dogs offer unconditional support and are non-judgmental. This makes them especially helpful for those who feel misunderstood or isolated because of their mental health struggles.
• Help with Routine and Structure: Dogs require regular feeding, walking, and care, which helps individuals establish a daily routine. This structure is particularly beneficial for people who struggle with motivation or managing time due to mental health issues.
• Emotional Regulation: ESA dogs assist in managing emotions by offering a calming presence. Their companionship helps individuals better regulate their emotions, preventing feelings of overwhelm or distress from escalating.
• Legal Rights and Housing Benefits: ESA dogs are allowed in no-pet housing and travel with their owners on airplanes (specifically for international travels), under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This provides individuals with mental health conditions more freedom and access to accommodations and travel options

Having an ESA dog greatly enhances quality of life by providing emotional support, promoting mental and physical health, and increasing independence and overall well-being.

What Dog Breeds Are Suitable for Emotional Support?

Emotional support dog breeds are chosen based on their temperament, adaptability, and ability to provide emotional comfort. While any dog is possible to be an ESA animal, the breeds listed below excel due to their natural qualities

• Labrador Retriever: Friendly, gentle, and highly trainable, making them ideal for offering comfort and companionship.
• Golden Retriever: Affectionate and intuitive, they provide unwavering emotional support and are great with families.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:  Small, affectionate, and calm, these dogs are perfect lap companions for reducing stress.
• Poodle: Intelligent, hypoallergenic, and adaptable, suitable for individuals with allergies or specific needs.
• Yorkshire Terrier: Compact, loyal, and attentive, making them ideal for those seeking a devoted and portable ESA animal.

These ESA dog breeds are celebrated for their ability to bond closely with their owners, offering emotional stability and comfort tailored to individual needs.

Can Any Dog Be an Emotional Support Animal?

Yes, any dog can be an emotional support animal (ESA), as long as it provides the emotional support needed by its owner. Unlike service dogs, which require specialized training, emotional support animals do not need specific training to qualify. The key requirement is that the dog must offer comfort and companionship that helps alleviate symptoms of a person’s emotional or psychological condition. ESA animals are any breed or size, as long as they are well-behaved and reliably provide the necessary emotional support. However, it's important to note that a medical professional must prescribe the dog as an ESA for it to receive the legal protections and benefits that come with being an emotional support animal.

What Documentation is Needed for an Emotional Support Dog?

The documentation needed for an emotional support dog includes an ESA Letter, which is a prescription from a licensed health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, physician,  stating that they have a qualifying mental or emotional disability and that their emotional support dog helps alleviate their symptoms. 

The ESA Letter must be written on the professional’s letterhead and include details such as the professional’s license, the patient's diagnosis, and the specific role of the emotional support dog in the treatment plan. This letter is crucial for the legal recognition of the emotional support dog and is required for accommodations such as housing or air travel. Obtain an ESA Letter by scheduling an appointment with a licensed mental health professional who is authorized to assess the owner’s condition and provide the necessary documentation. Ensure the letter meets all legal requirements, as incomplete or fraudulent letters lead to complications.

What are the Considerations Before Getting an Emotional Support Dog?

The considerations before getting an emotional support dog are listed below.

• Mental Health Needs: Ensure that an emotional support animal is the right approach for addressing emotional or psychological needs. Consult a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), or a health care provider to determine if an ESA is beneficial to the patient’s treatment plan.
• Time and Commitment: Emotional support dogs require daily care, including feeding, exercise, and attention. Consider the time, energy, and resources to properly care for a dog.
• Behavioral Requirements: Although emotional support animals don’t require specialized training like service dogs, they must be well-behaved and comfortable in public and private settings. Consider the ability to manage any behavioral challenges.
• Living Situation: If an owner lives in a rental property, consider the housing policies regarding pets. Having an ESA allows patients to live with their dogs in no-pet housing, but they need an ESA letter to ensure they are legally protected.
• Allergies and Sensitivities: Check if any member of the household has allergies to dogs. Consider the potential impact on family members before getting an ESA dog.
• Long-Term Commitment: Dogs require care for their entire lives, which typically lasts 10-15 years or more. Consider readiness for the long-term commitment to owning an emotional support animal.
• Financial Responsibility: Owning an emotional support dog involves costs for food, medical care, grooming, and other expenses. Be prepared for the financial commitment of caring for a dog.
• Compatibility: Consider the breed and temperament of the dog that best suits the patient’s needs and lifestyle. An ESA dog must match the personal preferences and emotional support requirements.

How to Get an Emotional Support Dog?

To get an Emotional Support Dog, follow the instructions listed below. 

• Assess the Need for an Emotional Support Dog. Before getting a support dog, evaluate whether an emotional support animal is the right solution for one’s emotional or mental health needs. Consulting with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) or a licensed health care professional helps determine if an ESA is appropriate for them.
• Visit Certapet.com. Certapet.com offers a convenient online process for obtaining an emotional support dog. Start by visiting the website and completing a brief pre-screening questionnaire to determine the eligibility for an ESA.
• Complete an Online Consultation. If one meets the initial eligibility criteria, Certapet.com arranges a consultation with a licensed mental health professional who assesses the patient’s mental health and whether an emotional support dog is suitable for the condition.
• Obtain An ESA Letter. If the mental health professional deems an emotional support dog appropriate for the situation, the patient receives an official ESA Letter. This letter is crucial for legal protections, such as housing and air travel accommodations.
• Find a Suitable Emotional Support Dog. Once the ESA Letter is released, start looking for a dog that fits the patient’s emotional and lifestyle needs. Certapet does not directly provide dogs, but they guide patients through the process of choosing the right animal.
• Ensure Compliance with Local Laws. The ESA Letter grants specific legal rights, such as the ability to live with the support dog in no-pet housing or travel with them on flights. Make sure to keep the documentation up to date and comply with any local regulations regarding emotional support animals.
• Provide Ongoing Care and Support. After getting the support dog, remember that they require ongoing care, including daily exercise, feeding, and attention. Be ready for the responsibilities of providing a loving, supportive environment for an ESA.

By following these steps on Certapet.com, patients easily navigate the process of getting an emotional support dog, ensuring both their mental health and legal rights are well supported.

Can you Adopt a Dog for Emotional Support?

Yes, you can adopt a dog for emotional support. However, it’s important to understand what an emotional support animal is and how it differs from a regular pet. 

While it is possible to adopt a dog and later designate it as an emotional support animal (ESA), the key is that the dog must help alleviate symptoms of a mental or emotional condition. To officially qualify as an emotional support animal, owners need an ESA Letter from a licensed health care professional, or  who confirms that the dog provides therapeutic benefits for the patient’s specific condition. 

Adoption is done through a shelter, rescue, or breeder, but the emotional support role is determined by the need for emotional assistance. Once the dog is adopted, ensure it is well-behaved and suited to the patient’s needs. Remember that an ESA does not require special training, but the dog must offer comfort and companionship to help manage emotional or psychological challenges.

What are the Responsibilities of Having an Emotional Support Dog?

Having an emotional support animal comes with several important responsibilities. First and foremost, the owner is responsible for the well-being and care of their support animal, which includes providing proper nutrition, regular veterinary checkups, and meeting their exercise needs. This ensures that the dog remains healthy and continues to provide the emotional support the owner needs. 

The owner must make sure the dog is well-behaved, especially when in public, as emotional support animals do not require formal training like service dogs but must exhibit good manners and not pose a disruption. 

Maintaining an updated ESA Letter is crucial for accessing legal protections such as housing and air travel accommodations under certain circumstances. An owner must also be prepared for the long-term commitment of having a dog, including addressing any behavioral issues and ensuring the dog is integrated into the owner’s daily life in a way that supports both mental health and overall happiness.

What Basic Training is Recommended for Emotional Support Dogs?

The basic training recommended for emotional support dogs includes teaching the dogs essential commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "heel," which help manage the dog's behavior in different environments. 

Leash training is also important to ensure the dog walks calmly beside its owner without pulling or causing distractions, especially in public settings. 

Socialization is key, as emotional support dogs must be comfortable around different people, other animals, and various environments to avoid anxiety or aggression. 

Crate training helps with creating a safe and secure space for the dog when traveling or staying in unfamiliar places. 

Although these are not strict requirements for an emotional support dog, providing basic training ensures that the dog comfortably and safely supports its owner, making the experience more rewarding for both the dog and the person. While emotional support dogs do not require the specialized training that service dogs undergo, basic training is still highly recommended to ensure the dog is well-behaved and assists its owner effectively. 

Can a Pet Dog be Trained to be an Emotional Support Dog?

Yes, a pet dog can be trained to become an emotional support dog. Unlike service dogs, emotional service animals do not require specialized training for specific tasks or duties, but they must still be well-behaved and able to provide comfort and companionship. Pet dogs that already have a calm demeanor and are familiar with their owner naturally transition into the role of an emotional support animal. To officially recognize a pet dog as an ESA, owners need an ESA Letter from a licensed healthcare provider, who confirms that the dog helps alleviate symptoms of a mental or emotional condition. The ESA letter is essential for ESA ownership and provides legal protections for the dog in housing and travel situations. While the dog doesn’t need formal training like a service dog, basic obedience and good behavior are important to ensure that the emotional support animal appropriately assists its owner in daily life.

What are the Rights of Having an Emotional Support Dog?

The rights of having an emotional support pet are listed below.

1. Housing Rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA): The Fair Housing Act allows individuals with emotional support animals to live in housing with a "no pets" policy. Landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for emotional support pets, as long as owners provide the necessary ESA Letter from a licensed mental health professional.
2. Air Travel Rights under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA): Since January 11 2021, under new regulations passed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Access Carrier Act was amended so that emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals and their allowance onboard flights vary from airline to airline. However, it is possible to obtain an ESA letter for international travel and Canada, which allows for ESAs to fly aboard the main cabin at no extra fees. Airlines will request documentation, such as the ESA Letter, confirming the dog’s role.
3. Public Access Rights (Limited): While emotional support pets are not granted the same public access rights as service dogs, they are allowed in housing and air travel, where they have specific protections. However, they do not have unrestricted access to public places like restaurants or stores, unlike service dogs.
4. Exemption from Pet Fees: Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must not charge additional pet fees or deposits for emotional support pets. This ensures that owners do not face financial barriers to keeping their emotional support animal in their home.

By understanding these rights, owners ensure that they and their emotional support pet receive the legal accommodations needed to support their mental health and well-being.

Why do Emotional Support Dogs Need to be Registered?

No, you do not need to register an Emotional Support Dog, as this act does not hold legal value. not need to register your ESA. If any ESA Service asks you to sign up for or get “registered” in its database, it’s a fraud. You do not need a registration or certification to have an emotional support dog. The only legitimate document that is required is an ESA letter prescribing a dog as part of an individual’s treatment plan. Understanding what an ESA dog is and ensuring they are recognized through proper documentation makes the experience of owning an emotional support dog smoother and more beneficial.

Are Emotional Support Dogs Allowed in Public Places?

No, emotional support dogs are not generally allowed in public places such as restaurants, stores, or other businesses where pets are not permitted. Unlike service dogs, which are granted access to public spaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), support animals do not have the same broad legal protections. 

Emotional support animals are protected in specific situations like housing and air travel under laws such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). 

For access to public places that do not have pet restrictions, owners typically need to ensure the dog is well-behaved and need documentation, such as an ESA Letter, to confirm that a dog is recognized as a support animal for mental health purposes. Each location has its own policies, so it’s important to check with businesses in advance regarding their stance on emotional support animals.

Can you Travel with an Emotional Support Dog?

Yes, you can travel with an emotional support dog under certain conditions. There are some private jets and some international flights that will allow ESAs on board of the main cabin. Please check with these airlines and see what that would entail. Keep in mind that CertaPet therapists only have jurisdiction in the United States, and laws regarding ESAs and service animals may be different in other countries. Canadian Flair Air is one of the few airlines which allows ESAs aboard the main cabin. For domestic flights in the US most airlines will charge a fee each way for individuals to travel with their ESAs.

Airlines require specific documentation, such as an ESA Letter from a licensed mental health professional, verifying the dog’s role in assisting with the owner’s condition. While the Air Carrier Access Act provides protections for air travel, it's important to note that each airline has its own policies and requests additional forms or health certificates. It’s advisable to check with the airline ahead of time to ensure owners meet all the requirements and to confirm that their emotional support dog travels with them smoothly.

What are Common Misconceptions About Emotional Support Dogs?

The common misconceptions about emotional support dogs are listed below.

• Emotional Support Dogs are the Same as Service Dogs: Unlike a service dog, which has specific training to assist with physical disabilities, emotional support dogs do not require formal training.
• Emotional Support Dogs Have Unlimited Public Access: Emotional support dogs do not have the right to access public places like restaurants or stores unless the establishment allows pets. Service dogs have broader public access rights.
• Any Dog Is Automatically An Emotional Support Dog: While many dogs provide emotional support, an emotional support dog needs to meet certain criteria, and the owner must have a legitimate need for emotional support recognized by a licensed medical professional.
• Emotional Support Dogs Are Trained to Perform Specific Tasks: Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks to assist with disabilities; they provide comfort and companionship.
• Emotional Support Dogs Don’t Need Documentation: In order to qualify for legal protections like housing or air travel, an official ESA Letter from a licensed mental health professional is required.
• Emotional Support Dogs Are Just for People with Severe Disabilities: Emotional support dogs benefit anyone experiencing emotional or psychological challenges, not just those with severe disabilities.

How do Emotional Support Dogs differ from Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs?

Emotional support dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs all provide important support, but they serve different purposes and have distinct roles. 

Service dogs are highly trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding a person with visual impairments or alerting them of incoming seizures. These dogs have public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can travel free of charge on US domestic flights under the Air Carrier Access Act.

Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and emotional support in settings like hospitals, schools, or nursing homes, but they do not have the same legal protections as service dogs. 

Emotional support dogs provide emotional and psychological comfort to their owners but do not require specialized training. The main difference is that emotional support dogs help with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, while service dogs primarily assist with physical disabilities. 

If owners are wondering how to make their dog an emotional support dog, the process involves obtaining an ESA Letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming that their dog helps alleviate the symptoms of their emotional or mental health condition. Unlike service or therapy dogs, an emotional support dog does not need to be specially trained, though it must be well-behaved and able to provide comfort.