Emotional support animal facts for kids

An emotional support animal (or ESA) is a special animal. It helps people feel better and cope with challenges from a disability. In the U.S., these animals are not just pets. They can be many different kinds of animals.

Emotional support animals do not need to have any special training.

ESAs are different from service animals. Service animals learn special tasks, like guiding someone who can't see. ESAs don't need special training. They help just by being there and offering comfort. Any animal that gives comfort, friendship, and love can be an ESA.

In the U.S., people with certain health conditions can have an ESA. This can help them with rules about housing or travel. To get this help, a healthcare professional usually writes a letter. This letter says the animal helps with the person's condition.

What Kinds of Animals Can Be ESAs?

Most emotional support animals are cats and dogs. But other animals can be ESAs too! When someone wants to have an ESA in a rented home, the animal is checked. This check makes sure the animal won't cause harm or damage. It's not about the animal's type.

Even animals like guinea pigs or miniature horses have been recognized as ESAs. However, wild or exotic animals that might be dangerous are usually not allowed.

Some airlines let emotional support animals fly with their owners. This needs special paperwork from a doctor or animal expert. Small animals like cats and dogs can sometimes sit on the passenger's lap.

There are no rules saying ESAs must wear special tags or vests.

Do ESAs Need Special Training?

Emotional support animals do not need any special training. They don't learn specific tasks like service animals do. Their main job is to provide comfort and support.

Other Animals That Help People

Emotional support animals are one way animals help people. There are other types of animals that help people with disabilities or other needs:

• Service animals or assistance dogs: These animals, usually dogs, are trained for specific tasks. They help people with disabilities in many ways.
  • Guide dogs and guide horses: These dogs and miniature horses help people who are blind. They guide them safely when walking.
  • Hearing dogs: These dogs help people who are deaf. They alert their owners to important sounds, like alarms or someone calling their name.
  • Medical response dogs: These dogs are trained to notice health changes. For example, they might alert someone with diabetes if their blood sugar is low.
  • Mobility assistance dogs: These are often larger dogs. They help people who have trouble walking. They can pull wheelchairs, open doors, or offer support for balance.
  • Psychiatric service dogs: These dogs perform specific tasks for people with mental health conditions. For example, they might check a room to make sure it's safe. This group includes autism service dogs.
  • Seizure response dogs: Similar to medical response dogs, these dogs can alert their owners before an epileptic seizure happens.
• Therapy cats and therapy dogs: These cats or dogs comfort people in tough situations. They might visit people in hospitals or schools. Unlike service animals, therapy animals don't usually do specific tasks. They also don't have to be owned by a person with a disability. They visit many different people to offer comfort.

Images for kids

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  An emotional support animal comforting a college student.