Do you think an Emotional Support Animal is right for you, but you don’t know where to begin?
Even if you don’t have your support animal yet, we will help you with the process from the beginning to the happy end of enjoying your certified ESA.
Before we begin, there is one important thing to understand – Your Emotional Support Animal is personal to you. Just as no one can tell you who your best human friend will be, no one can tell you which animal will turn into your best furry friend. (Or best feathered or scaled in some cases.) Know that it’s going to work out fine.
You may want to get your ESA letter before you find your Emotional Support Animal. This way you can give your landlord or others in your household a heads up before you bring your support animal home. Once you have your letter, we will be there to help you with any questions you or others may have about the ESA process and regulations.
Steps to get an ESA Letter in 24 Hours
- Call us at 833-693-7211 to schedule an interview appointment with a doctor. (We schedule them quickly and convenient to you.)
- During your appointment the doctor will interview you to assess your need for an ESA. The interview is complimentary. You only pay if you qualify for our service.
- If the doctor determines that you fit the diagnostic criteria for an ESA, (for things like anxiety and depression) they will offer you a preliminary letter to certify an ESA. (It’s preliminary because you don’t have your animal yet.)
- If you decide to go ahead with the service, then payment will be processed at this time. -$100
- You can give the preliminary letter to your landlord to start the process. (Later, once you have your special friend, the doctor will update your prescription letter if necessary) -$40
- Your next task is to find the right Emotional Support Animal. This is where the adventure begins.
How to Find Your Emotional Support Animal
Finding your ESA might not be as simple as filling out a questionnaire for a dating service– but it will be fun with perhaps more lasting results.
Though there isn’t a pre-written questionnaire, there are a few things to think about before you start your search for your ESA. Remember, your support animal will be there to service and support you, but you have your responsibilities to the animal as well. This is all part of developing a mutual healthy, supportive relationship.
Assess your lifestyle and what your expectations are of your ESA. Do you want to take your ESA to visit friends or pet-friendly events? How much time can you spend each day with your ESA? Do you have the time and patience to housebreak a dog? How about taking care of a litter box? Would you enjoy walking a dog every day? Do you travel much?
Dogs and cats first are the most popular ESAs, with ESA dogs coming in 1st, but ESA cats have recently been catching up in numbers.
ESA Dogs
If you want your ESA to be with your side as much as possible, then an ESA dog will probably be best for you. If you do the research, you can find dog-friendly places, many of which will happily recognize the ESA status. Most dogs like to ride in the car, go on vacation, and are fun to walk and play with. Dogs are excellent ESAs for those who want more continuous emotional support.
Some dogs have special talents such as recognizing cancer, detecting low blood sugar, and perceiving their owner’s darker emotions. You can learn more about dogs in this informative article, The Science Behind How Dogs Can Help Depression. It cites some good studies.
Remember that your ESA dog will be interacting with other people, so there are added responsibilities for you. They must be calm, well-behaved, friendly, clean, and housebroken. Nobody should have to put up with a nervous barking dog or one that poops all over the carpet, even if that dog is a certified ESA. The regulations don’t cover dogs that cause damage. An ill-behaved dog is not likely to be a good ESA anyway. They are there to be calm and supportive to you.
Deciding on what sized dog or which type can take some study. Or you may find an instant connection by going to your local adoption center. (Which we advocate.)
ESA Cats
Cats can make great ESAs, and there are several reasons they are increasing in popularity as ESAs.
It’s unlikely that a cat will go to a pet-friendly restaurant, take a walk or go on vacation with you. And they might try to scratch the furniture. But cats will curl up and lay on your lap, sleep with you, play and entertain with their gymnastic stunts. And a cat’s purr can be calming (even scientifically calming, according to some studies). Anyone with an ESA cat doesn’t need a study to know how soothing a cat’s purr is or how uplifting a cat can be.
If you take short business trips or can’t always predict your schedule, a cat might be a better choice. They almost always know instinctively to use a litter box, and you don’t have to walk them every day.
If you have a heavy workload, it might be better to have two cats for the sake of the cats and you. Cats don’t like to be alone and happy cats will be better-natured and better support for you. (And we can write your prescription letter for two cats.) Here is an excellent article about the cat and human relationship, and it cites some interesting studies. The Science-Backed Benefits of Being a Cat Lover.
Other ESA Animals
Maybe you’re not a cat or dog person. How about an ESA rabbit, hamster, bird, turtle, fish, or turtle? Those are recognized as ESAs by the government. (It doesn’t mean you can’t certify an ESA reptile, rooster, or pig, but more about that later.)
ESA Rabbits
Rabbits are playful and cuddly, but they require devoted care and attention. For example, rabbits need four hours of exercise a day. This takes a big cage unless they get the entire run of the house. It might seem fun to have Thumper jumping and doing tricks throughout the house – that is until you find teeth marks in the furniture – a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing! Each rabbit has a unique personality. Some like to cuddle, and others don’t.
If you decide to certify an ESA rabbit after doing research on rabbits, please get one from your shelter. They are the third most abandoned animals in shelters.
ESA Hamsters and Guinea Pigs
Hamsters can be the perfect ESAs, especially for children. They can also work in college dorms. Hamsters are interactive and playful, and they don’t require as much care or attention as a cat or a dog. Hamsters keep themselves clean – it’s fun to watch their cleaning routine. And they are good housekeepers too. Hamsters use one corner of the cage as their bathroom, leaving the rest of the cage tidy. Of course, they need human help to keep their cage clean, but not as much as other rodents do.
It’s important to socialize with a hamster early in their life, so they grow up feeling comfortable interacting with humans. In other words, a hamster pet can easily become a hamster ESA. Children can learn responsibility as they care for a hamster’s simple needs. The hamster gives an abundance of entertainment and friendship in return.
Guinea Pigs are another type of “people” rodent and make excellent ESAs, especially for children. If you are considering a guinea pig ESA, do the research so you know what you are getting into. Guinea pigs have their own special needs including big cages and daily care. They like their days scheduled and make special cute noises.
ESA Parakeets
Birds are great companions and the most popular ESA bird is an ESA parakeet. They can learn a few simple commands, and many of them can learn to speak simple phrases. Birds play in their cage or sit on fingers. Minimum care requires changing the sheet in their cage and giving them fresh water and food daily. A cage doesn’t take up much room, but it’s nice to have one with enough toys to keep your ESA bird busy, and you entertained. ESA birds can be perfect for seniors.
Fish and Turtles Can be ESAs
Fish and turtles are likewise low maintenance, fun to watch but not as interactive. Yet, there are individuals that bond with their fish or turtle. Many fish and turtles fulfill the role of Emotional Support Animals and are legally recognized. Only someone who has one of these as an ESA could fully explain the meaning that a turtle or a fish brings to their life. But we have come to learn that there are some very special turtles and fish in this world. So, yes, we can certify an ESA fish or an ESA turtle.
We Can Certify an ESA Pig
Though late on the list, potbellied pigs are not last when it comes to Emotional Support Animals. Pigs are the 4th smartest animal on the planet – (after dolphins). They are clean, often kind, and easily trained. Pigs are herd animals and usually fit in well with a human family if introduced correctly. Potbellied pigs are small compared to other breeds of pigs – but not small compared to cats or dogs.
There are a couple of things to know if you are considering a pig. A potbellied pig can weigh anywhere from 80-120 pounds. And pigs require specialized veterinarian care.
Pigs aren’t as simple to get recognized but we can certify an ESA pig. (The regulations require clarification as to why a particular person would need a particular animal.)
All things considered, pigs make excellent ESAs if there is enough space and their owner has the patience to train them. In fact, potbellied pigs have become more popular in recent years as ESAs.
ESA Chickens and Goats
Other animals such as chickens and monkeys could be someone’s Emotional Support Animal. There are some! Our doctors have added goats and alpacas to the list of certified ESAs. And we can even certify an ESA lizard.
Where to Look for Your Emotional Support Animal
Before choosing which animal will work as your ESA, there is a lot to consider but the search often ends quickly. We suggest that you visit your local Humane Society, shelter, or any place, such as a vet office that has animals up for adoption. Sometimes there will be an instant connection with one of these animals and you will know that this is the gal or guy for you.
(And remember, once you have found your Emotional Support Animal, depending on your circumstances, you may need to call us so a doctor can update your ESA letter.)