Many parents would be surprised to learn how much therapeutic value an emotional support animals can have for children.
Bringing an animal into a child’s world can be life-changing.
An emotional support animal can be a new best friend, the keeper of secrets, and a stabilizing influence in a world that is ever confusing. Even the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry touts the positive benefits animals have on children: “Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.”
And if that “pet” provides comfort and support for a child who gets lonely or anxious, that animal is probably functioning as an emotional support animal (ESA). An emotional support animal is not a pet. (Not all human doctors know this.)
It’s also a good method of helping a child learn the value of taking responsibility for another. Just as the animal provides support, the child can reciprocate by helping to take care of the animal. And the child will grow in the process.
How to Get an ESA letter for Children
For a child (or anyone) to practice their rights as an ESA owner, they must have a letter from a practitioner stating that the animal is helping relieve symptoms of a disability. Of course, before a legitimate letter can be written, the condition or disability must be determined by a licensed practitioner. That takes an interview. And it must be established that an emotional support animal helps relieve symptoms of the disability. With children, the parents are part of the interview process.
How can an ESA letter Help?
There are advantages to having that special companion legally recognized:
Just knowing that a therapist or a doctor has certified an animal as an ESA can be an acknowledgment of the relationship between child and animal. In other words, a child feels better knowing someone “gets it.”
If you are renting, you and your child can live with the Emotional Support Animal, even if there is a “no pets” policy. Pet deposits and fees don’t apply because an ESA is not a pet. The Fair Housing Act of 1988 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act cover the right to live with an ESA.
Children being treated for autism may benefit from Guinea Pigs as an adjunct to their therapy, according to one study. They can be calming and help children with social interaction. A cuddly cooing Guinea Pig can brighten up almost anyone’s day.
Though no law permits Guinea Pigs or any animal to accompany children in a grade school, who knows? With an ESA letter from a doctor, a small school might allow or even encourage Guinea Pigs, especially a school that is accustomed to children on the autistic spectrum. You never know until you ask. And it’s another way of educating others on the value of emotional support animals.
Emotional Support Animals in College
It’s different with college campuses. ESAs are permitted under the Federal Disabilities Act. In fact, a walk through the halls of a few colleges these days, highlights just how much the validation of Emotional Support Animals has grown.
If your child is getting ready to enter college, has an ESA, or feels they need one, we can help. Our staff and doctors have helped many college students keep their ESAs with them at school. The feedback from these students has been positive. There is a great article about the benefit of ESAs for college students in Psychology Today.
Be Mindful with Your ESA
But please, if an ESA is headed for college, be mindful. Keep emotional support animals in good repute. We don’t want schools revolting against ESAs and making it difficult because of out-of-control animals or unprofessional letters. So don’t use a fly-by-night company to get your letter.
Of course, everyone wants the best outcome with their Emotional Support Animal. That’s why we help our clients practice their ESA rights responsibly and review ethical practices during the interview. (We will speak to younger children too with their parents, so everybody is on board.)
No matter where you get your letter, please don’t allow your ESA to bother others by barking, jumping on others, or making messes at your school. If you have an ESA cat, keep the litter box clean. Please don’t mess it up for other people who rely on their ESAs. This is what happened in the airline industry – a passenger got bitten because of the carelessness of their owner. And 1000s of legitimate ESA owners have paid the price over the last few years.
What Animal is Best for You as an ESA?
If you think an emotional support animal would be helpful for your child, but you don’t have an animal, call us. You can still get your letter, even without an animal. This way, you can give your landlord or college a heads-up. But then, you will need to find that perfect friend.
There’s a lot to think about when looking for an ESA. Smaller children need different kinds of pets than older ones. And breeds of cats or dogs behave differently. Also, consider guinea pigs or hamsters. Study up before you bring the animal home.
Finding the right emotional support animal is a very personal thing. We won’t pick your animal, but we can help. Check out our article here: How to Find and Certify an Emotional Support Animal.
Shelters can be a marvelous place to get an ESA. It’s a win-win situation. Here is a link to shelters all over the country from Fluffy Planet
The value of emotional support animals for children is not talked about enough.
Let’s start the discussion! At My ESA MD you will always speak with a doctor.
Call us at 1-833-372-6311 (1-833-ESA-MD11)
