Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are those animals that have been recommended by a doctor and appointed to provide assistance. While they are different from service animals, they are recognized by United States federal law. Although service animals are limited to particular types of animals and breeds, a wide range of animals can be considered emotional support animals. These emotional support animals are used to treat issues like depression, anxiety, phobias, and other emotional or psychological conditions.

Of course, the only way to determine if an emotional support animal is right for you is to talk to your doctor. If you have any of the above conditions, bringing up the idea of an emotional support animals to your doctor could be a great option. All you need to qualify for an emotion support animal is to receive a recommendation from your doctor or mental health professional.

It is also important to note that any type of animal or breed of dog can qualify as an emotional support animal. If an animal comforts you, it could be a great option for providing you with the support that you need.

According to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a physical disability is “[a]ny physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.”

Some of the common conditions that qualify for a service dog include autism, arthritis, asthma, blindness, deafness, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, paralysis, scoliosis, and seizures. On the other hand, emotional support animals are commonly recommended for conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, neurocognitive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotic conditions, and substance abuse problems.

According to the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), it is illegal to discriminate against someone with a recognized impairment. This law is relevant to emotional support animals because it means that housing rights must be given to those with emotional support animals. In other words, even if a property has a “no pets” policy, they must make reasonable accommodation to emotional support animals. This applies to public housing, college dorms, and any other accommodation. It is worth noting, however that this law does not override existing