Getting an ESA: What to Look for in an Emotional Support Animal

Emotional support animals have a unique approach to aiding people. While training would not be a requirement for these animals, they would be more akin to owning pets. While it may sound simple, there is more that goes down in getting an ESA. There are some considerations and processes to take on first before adopting one to help you. Today, we will look into those intricacies and see how you can get an emotional support animal.

getting an ESA

What You Need to Get Started

In getting an ESA, there are a few things that you need to secure first. One of which is an ESA letter; you can get these with the help of a mental health advisor. You can look at this to know how to get the best ESA letter online. Aside from this, you would also need an animal to serve as your ESA. You might already have a pet that would serve as your emotional support animal. In case you haven’t, you can go about getting one to fill this role.

Which Animal to Pick

If you don’t have one yet, you might be wondering about what animal to go for. There would be some considerations to note when looking for support animals. For instance, consider these pointers:

  • The ESA’s role in helping you
  • Affordability and price
  • Level of maintenance
  • Suitability to your lifestyle
  • Age of pet

You might want a support animal to snuggle up to you or one that helps you calm your nerves by caring for it. Another thought would be how well it suits your lifestyle. These considerations can help you choose what you need from an ESA.

Dogs stand out as great ESAs, due to how well they can aid their owners. In case they seem too much to handle, you can also opt for cats or bunnies. Each animal has the potential to serve as a support animal as long as they fit the standard.

Support Animals vs. Service Animals

If there is something that you should remember, it is the distinction between an ESA and a service animal. One notable distinction here is that service animals aid people with disabilities. These animals, like service dogs, received training to assist. They may also get training to call for help or retrieve and carry medication. Meanwhile, emotional support animals take on the role of companion animals. They don’t need the training to fulfill their tasks to provide emotional support. They do need proper documentation to receive this particular designation. Even so, these animals aim to assist in any way possible. Both of these animals can provide emotional support when needed.

Getting an ESA for Your Mental Health

In distressful situations, getting an ESA can help a lot of people with their mental health. These service animals provide relief for those with depression, anxiety, and more. Secure an ESA letter and get an animal as a companion once you qualify.

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