The Truth about Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are becoming increasingly more common, but a lot of people still seem to be unsure about what they are, how and if they differ from Service Animals, and the benefits they bring to their owners. So let’s clear some of this up!

An Emotional Support Animal provides a therapeutic benefit to individuals with emotional or psychological “disabilities”. This can include people diagnosed with depressive disorders, anxiety or panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more by a licensed mental health provider.

This means you’re looking for a counselor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist with some of these letters after their names:

• LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
• LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist)
• LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
• PsyD (Doctorate of Psychology)
• PhD (Doctorate degree in psychology or other related field)
• MD (Doctor of Medicine, specializing in psychiatry)

How Are ESAs Different From Service Animals?

Here are some of the differences between ESAs and Service Animals:

ADA Approved Service Animals

• As of 2011 only dogs are recognized as Service Animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)       **Separate ADA regulations exist for miniature horses as service animals.
• Individually trained (not necessarily professionally) to perform tasks for people with disabilities. These tasks are directly related to the person's disability
• Protected by ADA, FHAA, and the ACAA
• Are allowed access to apartments, airplanes, AND public spaces, such as restaurants, movie theaters, and stores where other animals are not usually permitted, as long as it doesn't pose a direct threat to public health & safety.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

• No specific species: ESAs can be a cat, dog, or other species of animal
• Not specifically trained to perform certain tasks
• Protected by the Fair Housing Amendment Act (FHAA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
• Allowed access only to apartments (even those with no-pet or breed/weigh discriminatory policies) and on airplanes with necessary documentation

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Here are some similarities of ESAs and Service Animals

• Not required to wear a vest or other identifying accessories
• Must be able to behave appropriately in public
• Can be any breed of dog (remember Service Animals are just dogs, ESAs can be other species)

One of the biggest differences between what qualifies as an Emotional Support Animal and a Service Animal is how they are trained. If an animal is specifically trained to sense a panic or anxiety attack and take action to avoid or de-escalate it, then that animal would qualify under the ADA as a Service Animal. This is because the animal is trained to perform a task (stop or decrease intensity of the oncoming anxiety or panic attack) that is directly related to the disability (anxiety or panic disorder, in this case).

What Benefits Do ESAs Provide?

ESAs can simply be an animal companion to their human with an emotional or psychological disability. The ESA’s presence provides the owner with emotional support, which helps them function more effectively in their homes and while traveling.

Additionally, ESAs can be used in Animal Assisted Therapy or as part of other psychotherapeutic or medical treatments.

ESAs & Housing

• A housing provider’s “no-pet policy” does not apply to ESAs.
• Other animals in the residence who are not designated ESAs are subject to this kind of policy.
• Breed and/or weight discriminatory policies do not apply to an ESA.
• Pet deposits and fees required by a housing provider do not apply to ESAs.
• Waiving policies, fees, and deposits for an ESA is considered a reasonable accommodation and requires documentation from one of those professionals mentioned earlier.
• The housing provider CANNOT ask for details about your disability, only that one exists for you and the animal provides emotional support
• You can still be charged fees for any damage caused by the animal
• If your animal is not housebroken or is not behaving appropriately in common areas, you can be asked to find more private routes in and out of your building
• Allergies are not a reason for a “reasonable request for accommodation” to be denied. For cases of other residents with severe allergies, housing providers will work to limit interaction between the person with a severe allergy and the person with an ESA.

ESAs & Air Carriers

• An airline’s size or breed restrictions for pets do not apply to ESAs UNLESS they are too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin according to animal health and safety regulations.
• Airlines are not required to permit snakes, rodents, spiders, reptiles, or ferrets.
• Airlines can require specific documentation (dated within 1 year) and/or 48 hours notice for ESAs
• Keep in mind, the protections from the ACAA only apply to U.S. airlines. Foreign airlines do not have to comply with the ACAA and may have different laws or regulations.

How Can My Animal Become an ESA?

Despite many sites popping up claiming to help you “register” your animal as an ESA, there is no official registry for this. Beware of these kinds of sites.

If you believe you believe symptoms you’re experiencing align with a psychological or emotional disorder and want your pet as an ESA:

• Find a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist qualified to make that kind of diagnosis and provide the help you need
• Look for someone experienced in documentation for ESAs
• After establishing the therapeutic relationship and determining your symptoms do align with a psychological disorder, ask your provider for documentation for your housing provider or airline to request a reasonable accommodation from them.

If you are not flying with your animal and do not have extra fees or limitations related to having your animal in your residence, it is unlikely you will need any documentation and can continue receiving the emotional support you receive from your animal!

Sources:

1. https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
2. https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
3. https://www.transportation.gov
4. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/AirTravel_with_ServiceAnimals-Digital_Brochure_0.pdf

Supporting Grieving Loved Ones

Grief is one of those ubiquitous human experiences. We all feel it, no matter who we are or where we come from. Though it’s universal, it is also deeply personal, and every loss is uniquely mourned. This can make it extremely challenging to be the supportive friend or family member you want to be when someone else is grieving. How, then, do we support those we love when they experience a loss, be it a person, pet, job, health, relationship, or opportunity?

Ease the Challenge of Daily Functions

We often feel at a loss as to how to support others. We ask them how we can help but they’re not sure either and may not want to burden you. This is a time to take action and, within reasonable boundaries, roll up your sleeves and help out.

Here are some ideas of what to do:

Drop off meals that are:

• Freezable
• Healthy
• Individually portioned
• Within their dietary restrictions and preferences

Do simple, unintrusive chores, such as:

• Laundry (stick to things like towels & bedding, avoid delicates/undergarments)
• Sweeping and mopping
• Washing dishes
• Dusting
• Taking out trash
• Mowing, raking, weeding, shoveling
• Grocery shopping for simple items (bananas, granola bars, toilet paper, etc.)
• Helping care for pets.

Make or bring coffee/tea in the mornings (but not too early)

**Always let the person know what you’re doing and confirm they feel comfortable with that. When you’re there, offer a supportive ear without creating a feeling of obligation for the other person to talk.

Hold Off Judgment

The reality is, we make judgments about our friends and family members--as much as we try not to. We too often let these judgmental thoughts about how intensely and how long people “should” mourn certain losses that we forget our loved one is suffering and in need of support.

So here’s what you do:

• Accept that your brain comes up with judgmental thoughts, even when it seems terribly inappropriate to do so.
• It’s what you do with these thoughts that matter!
• Remember, even if a loss seems less significant to you, it could be a major upheaval for others (the opposite can also be true!)
• There is not a prescribed period of time for grieving
• Just because it’s been a year, two, or ten since the loss, does not mean a person is “over it”.

If you truly are concerned about your loved one’s behaviors as they grieve, encourage them to seek professional help and support them as they do.

Acknowledge the Difference

Grief is, in part, a reflection of the lost relationship. This loss will be different from any other before and most definitely different from other people’s losses--even if situational similarities exist. It’s essential you acknowledge this for yourself (you may even need to verbalize this to your loved one).

It’s helpful to refrain from:

• Bringing your past experiences of grieving up unless prompted or asked
• Saying, “I know exactly what you’re going through”

Instead try saying something like

• “There’s no way I can know exactly what you’re going through but I’m here to support you any way I can.”
• “I know this hurts and I’m here with you.”

Don’t Forget

Remember birthdays, wedding anniversaries, anniversary of the deceased’s parting, or any other significant dates. These will likely be challenging times for your loved one. Verbalize that you remember and offer support.

Use the deceased’s name specifically

• It can be difficult for a person to move forward in grief if they think their loved one will be forgotten.
• We often refrain from using the deceased’s name because it feels gentler but for the grieving, use of the name can be a comfort
• Be mindful that for some cultures or religions, use of the name of the deceased in the first year is inappropriate

Ask your loved one what feels right and best for them, then respect that.

Ask the Hard Questions

If you become concerned about how your loved one is coping, it’s important not to shy away from some of the difficult questions. You may be the only person asking them.

Ask if they have started to have thoughts about not wanting to exist

Ask if they have had thoughts about suicide or otherwise hurting themselves

• If they say yes, ask if they have thought of a plan.
• Ask if they have intention to act on the plan.
• Remain calm and understanding, especially if they say yes.

Keep resources on hand to help you help them.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Texting Crisis Line: Text “Help” to 741741
• www.NowMattersNow.org
• Nearby hospitals
• Mental health professional contact information

Above all, don’t panic. Remember it is not uncommon for thoughts of suicide to arise for a person who is grieving.

Just Be There

Enough said. Your friend or loved one may not want to be with you. They may not want to talk all the time. They may want to do their own chores, they may want to work, they may not want to leave the house. Respect any and all of these. Everyone grieves in their own way.

You don’t have to have the perfect words or know what to say. After all, there’s nothing you can say to bring back their loss.

It’s difficult and uncomfortable, but the most supportive thing you can do is just be there.

Be ready to listen and be ready to help.