It’s no secret that dogs have a unique way of making us feel good. For centuries, humans have known that petting animals can help improve their mental state. The most popular choice of animal has always been dogs.
They provide us with unconditional love and companionship, and they’re always happy to see us—no matter what kind of day we’ve had. That’s why so many people choose to get an ESA.
Pets can provide a lot of emotional support. They can be there for you when you’re feeling down and provide companionship when you’re feeling lonely. They can also help to ease anxiety and provide a sense of security.
For people who suffer from mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, an emotional support animal can be a valuable part of their recovery. These animals can provide compassion and unconditional love. In addition, research has shown that dog ownership can help to heal the mind and body.
What is an Emotional Support Dog?
You may have seen them in airports or on airplanes – dogs accompanying their owners in the cabin. These are amazing dogs, and they provide a vital service to those who need them.
In this blog post, we’ll explore emotional support dogs, also referred to sometimes as comfort animals, and how they help those with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
An emotional support animal is a dog that provides comfort and support to its owner through companionship. Unlike service animals, trained to perform specific tasks for their owners, emotional support dogs do not require any special training. All that is required is that the dog be well-behaved and calm in public places.
These dogs can be of any breed or size, although some airlines have restrictions on which types of dogs they will allow in the cabin. For example, American Airlines only allows cats and dogs that are small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of the passenger.
How Do Emotional Support Dogs Help?
These comfort dogs provide companionship and unconditional love, which can be helpful for those who suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. The presence of a dog can also help to soothe anxiety during times of stress.
For many people, having an ESA is vital to maintaining their mental health and quality of life. These dogs provide an invaluable service and bring joy into the lives of those who need them.
The Differences Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs
Service dogs and emotional support dogs provide essential assistance to their owners, but there are some key differences between them. Here’s a look at what sets these dogs apart.
Service Dogs
These dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. For example, everyday tasks performed by these dogs include retrieving items, providing stability for someone who uses a wheelchair, and alerting the person to an impending seizure.
They must be highly trained and well-behaved to perform their duties, and they typically undergo years of training before being placed with a disabled person.
Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires that businesses allow these specially trained dogs to accompany their owners into public places. However, companies are not required to allow ESAs because they do not have the same training.
Emotional Support Dogs
Emotional support and therapy dogs provide companionship and emotional comfort to people with mental health conditions or other disabilities. Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not need to be trained to perform specific duties.
Instead, their very presence is often enough to provide their owner with much-needed comfort and support.
While emotional support animals do not have the same legal protections as service animals under the ADA, some states have laws that protect a person’s right to live with an ESA.
Additionally, the Fair Housing Act requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, which may include allowing an emotional support animal even if the landlord has a “no pets” policy in place.
Emotional Support Dog Breeds
Many people don’t realize that there are different types (ESAs). For example, while dogs are the most common type of ESA, there are also cats, rabbits, birds, and even miniature pigs.
But of all the different types of emotional support animals, dogs are by far the most popular. So if you’re considering getting an emotional support dog, here are some breeds that would be a great fit.
1) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed of dog known for being gentle, loving, and affectionate. This breed is an excellent choice for an emotional support dog because they form strong bonds with their owners and love to cuddle. Cavaliers are also relatively easy to care for, which makes them a good option for first-time dog owners and those who need an ESA.
2) Corgi
Corgis are medium-sized dogs that were originally bred in Wales as herders. Today, they’re known for being loyal, playful, and intelligent. Corgis make great ESAs because they are very attached to their owners and love to please them. They’re also relatively easy to train, which can be helpful if you live in an apartment or have other pets in the home.
3) Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are a large breed of dog known for being highly intelligent and trainable. In addition, they make great comfort dogs because they have a calm demeanor and love to be around people.
Standard Poodles also don’t shed much, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies or who prefer not to have pet hair around the house.
4) Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and for a good reason. They are incredibly friendly, outgoing, and loyal.
Labs are also terrific with children and other animals, making them perfect for families. And because they are so food-motivated, they are very easy to train.
5) Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are very similar to Labrador Retrievers in terms of temperament and trainability. They, too, are incredibly friendly and make great family pets.
They are also very intelligent and have an innate desire to please their owners. Goldens are known for being “gentle giants,” as they are large dogs with big hearts.
6) Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is an excellent option if you’re looking for a small emotional support dog breed. Yorkies are energetic, loving, and fiercely loyal. They are also very protective of their owners, making them excellent watchdogs. Yorkies require quite a bit of grooming, but their cute little faces make it all worth it!
7) American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit bulls get a bad rap, but the truth is they can make loyal and loving emotional support animals. Pit bulls are intelligent, affectionate dogs that bond closely with their owners. They also have a strong desire to please, which makes them easy to train.
And while pit bulls may have a high energy level, they are just as capable of snuggling on the couch as they are of going for a run. Just be sure to socialize your pit bull from an early age so that they learn how to interact appropriately with other people and animals.
8) Pugs
Pugs are another excellent breed for emotional support. These little dogs are known for being cheerful and affectionate, two qualities that are essential in an ESA. However, pugs also have a low energy level, which means they’re content to lounge around the house all day if that’s what you need them to do.
However, pugs require regular grooming due to their short coats and wrinkled skin. So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance ESA, there may be better choices than a pug.
9) Border Collies
Border collies are brilliant herding dogs that are always alert and ready for action. While this may sound the opposite of what you want in an emotional support animal, border collies make great ESAs because they’re very responsive to their owner’s moods and needs.
A border collie is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an ESA that will go on long walks with you or play fetch until your heart’s content. Just be prepared to give them plenty of exercise; if left without a job to do, border collies can become restless and destructive.
10) English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed known for being calm, loving, and loyal. English Bulldogs make great ESA dogs because they are easy to train and love being around people.
They don’t require a lot of exercise, so they’re perfect for people who live in apartments or have limited space. However, keep in mind that English Bulldogs do require regular grooming due to their short coat.
11) The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large-sized dog breed known for being gentle, patient, and devoted. Great Pyrenees make great emotional support dogs because they are devoted to their families and thrive on companionship. They’re also very easy-going, which makes them a good fit for people of all ages and personalities.
However, keep in mind that Great Pyrenees need a lot of exercise and should not be left alone for long periods. They also require regular brushing to prevent mats from forming in their long coats.
12) Maltese
The Maltese is a small-sized dog breed known for being affectionate, gentle, and intelligent. Maltese make great comfort dogs because they are loving and enjoy being around people.
They’re also very quiet dogs, so they’re perfect for people who live in apartments or small spaces. However, Maltese do require regular grooming due to their long white coats.
13) Great Dane
With their gentle giants, it’s no wonder that Great Danes are one of the best emotional support dog breeds. These dogs are patient, loyal, and loving, making them perfect for those who need a furry friend to lean on. Great Danes are also known for being great with kids, so if you have a young family, this might be the breed for you.
14) Havanese
Havanese dogs are small but mighty when it comes to emotional support. These dogs are affectionate, devoted, and cheerful, making them perfect for those who need a pick-me-up. Havanese dogs are also known for being great with other animals, so if you have other pets at home, this breed might be a good fit.
15) American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers (also known as Amstaffs) are confident, courageous, and loving dogs that make great emotional support animals. In addition, these dogs are protective of their families and make excellent guard dogs.
However, they’re also known for being gentle and loving with children, making them perfect for families with young kids. American Staffordshire Terriers require a lot of exercise, so if you’re active and looking for a furry companion to join you on your adventures, this might be the breed for you.
16) Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant. These dogs weigh an average of 120 pounds and stand about 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Yet, despite their size, they are known for being calm, loving, and easy-going.
They make great emotional support dogs because they are so gentle and affectionate. Caring for an Irish Wolfhound is relatively simple.
They only need moderate exercise and can live comfortably in an apartment or a house with a yard. However, because of their size, there may be better choices if you have very small children in the home.
17) Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest breeds of dogs out there. They typically weigh no more than six pounds and stand no taller than nine inches at the shoulder. But, even though they’re small, they pack a lot of personality into their little bodies.
Chihuahuas are known for being fiercely loyal and protective of their owners. They make great emotional support dogs because they will form strong bonds with their owners and will always be there when you need them. Just be careful not to pick them up too much—these little guys are prone to injury if handled roughly.
18) German Shepherd
A German Shepherd is a large, athletic, active dog originally bred for herding sheep. They weigh an average of 70-90 pounds and stand 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder. They are fearless and fiercely loyal, which makes them excellent emotional support dogs.
German Shepherds will protect their owners from anything they perceive as a threat—even if that threat is someone coming to the door to deliver a package! Like the Irish Wolfhound, German Shepherds need moderate exercise but can live comfortably in either an apartment or a house with a yard. Just be prepared to vacuum frequently—these guys shed like crazy!
19) Beagles
Beagles are a popular choice for emotional support dogs breeds in the United States thanks to their friendly nature and easy-going personality. They’re also easy to train, which is another crucial factor when choosing an emotional support dog. They’re also relatively small, which makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other small spaces. As long as they get plenty of exercise, beagles make great emotional support dogs.
20) Pomeranians
Pomeranians are another popular breed of emotional support dog. These small dogs are known for being loving and affectionate. They typically form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy snuggling and being petted. Pomeranians require a fair amount of grooming, but many people find the effort worth the companionship they provide.
21) Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises make great emotional support animals. They’re gentle and loving and tend to get along well with other pets and children. Bichon Frises require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best, but they’re generally low-maintenance dogs.
ESA owners often find that their dog helps reduce anxiety and loneliness and can even relieve symptoms of mental illness. Bichon Frises are a great option If you’re considering getting an ESA.
22) Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan breed of dog that is loyal, protective, and good-natured. Lhasa Apsos can be good emotional support dogs because they are very devoted to their owners. These dogs require regular grooming, so prospective owners should be prepared to invest some time in brushing and trimming their coat.
23) Mini Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small German breed of dog that is highly intelligent and energetic. Miniature Schnauzers make great emotional support dogs because they are playful and loving, but they can also be very protective of their owners. However, these dogs require plenty of exercise and stimulation, so they may not be a good fit for people who live a sedentary lifestyle.
24) Dachshund
The Dachshund is a German breed of dog that comes in two varieties: Standard and Miniature. Dachshunds are known for being loyal, bold, and lively—all qualities that make them great emotional support dogs. These dogs require special care because of their long backs, but they are relatively easy to take care of.
Conclusion
ESAs are a great way to provide companionship and emotional support. You can pick almost any breed of dog as your ESA. They can stay with you on any rental property or college dorm by certifying them with a legitimate Emotional Support Animal Letter.
Some popular breeds of ESA include Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, Beagles, Pomeranians, and Bichon Frises. But no matter which breed you choose, your emotional support dog will surely be a loyal and affectionate companion!
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*photo by 6bears – depositphotos