Humans and animals have developed an integral bond of affection and emotional attachment for ages. Humans have cherished their pets as a part of their family and have paid great attention to their welfare. In return, pet animals have provided loyal and affectionate company and emotional support to their owners. Emotional support animals are not necessarily service animals. However, they are regarded as assistance animals that provide comfort and unconditional love to emotionally or mentally unstable people.
Pets always provide valuable and trustworthy companionship to their owner. Pets are considered to be the best source of emotional support in the modern busy life where family members and friends are not always available to rely on. It is human nature that they are more vulnerable to negative thoughts during stressful situations. However, pets can wipe out all negativity with their presence and adorable activities. Owning a pet is also directly proportional to an active lifestyle. Hence, an active lifestyle is remedial for patients experiencing depression, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other mental illnesses.
Humans are naturally more conscious and responsive to beautiful and vibrant surroundings. The lovely fluffy pets also have a large contribution to it. Apart from adding beauty to nature, research studies have found that animals can emotionally support people who are suffering from emotional and mental disorders. Therefore, mental health experts usually recommend ESAs that promote emotional stability and instill a sense of joy and responsibility in their owner’s life. There are a variety of animals that can provide affectionate support, such as cats, rabbits, miniature horses, parrots, chickens, sheep, goats, monkeys, turtles, and even fish.
- Dogs
Many people keep dogs due to their intelligent personalities and loyal companionship. Dogs can easily understand and react to the gestures of their owner as compared to other animals. Scientific research says that dogs respond energetically and their playfulness promotes happiness hormones in a person’s body. Naturally, these hormones are responsible for reducing anxiety. This is the reason why dogs are among the most popular ESAs.
- Cats
Cats are also considered to be the most common ESA. You will instantly melt and fall in love with the adorable personality of a cat. The playful company of a cat can help a patient suffering from feelings of loneliness. Most importantly, the calm and lovely nature of a cat plays a significant role in the lives of socially isolated people or those suffering from terminal illnesses.
- Miniature horses
Miniature horses are also the perfect choice, even if you have a smaller backyard. The cuteness of miniature horses can cure people living with psychological or mental illnesses. Miniature horses are easygoing and calm animals which makes them suitable companions. Yet, you would need to get a real esa letter from a certified mental health expert to own a miniature horse. The horses are trained to motivate people, especially children undergoing any physical or mental therapy.
- Rabbits
What can make you happier than having an adorably fluffy bunny in your hand? Rabbits can make excellent ESAs. The gentle nature of a rabbit helps in forming a quick bond with the owner. Studies have revealed that hugging a fluffy rabbit can reduce stress levels and provide comfort.
- Monkey
A monkey’s funny activities can make you laugh and brighten your mood. For this reason, monkeys are also the best options for ESAs. More specifically, capuchin monkeys are good at reading people's behavior, especially during stress and panic attacks. Thus, they show affection by tickling and hugging to help their owner overcome the panic attack.
- Parrot
Apart from their beautiful colors, parrots can sweetly imitate human speech and behavior. They can love their owner unconditionally, which helps to alleviate anxiety and lighten the depressive mood. Research studies have found that parrots are capable of reading human body language and sensing emotional distress. Thus, they can help you by repeating calming and loving phrases.
- Fish
Water waves and their creatures have always had a therapeutic effect on the human mind. Watching the colorful and quiet fish in an aquarium acts as a distraction from negative thoughts. This gentle companion gives you a purpose in life by totally depending on you. Fish, as an ESA, might be an exceptional choice but a soothing toner for your stressed mental condition.
- Sheep
Along with fish, sheep are also an incredible ESA choice. The calm and woolly animal is a feasible choice for people going through mental trauma. Mental health professionals often prescribe this calm and collected animal for aggressive-natured children and adults.
- Hen
Other than conventional therapy animals, hens are energetic and full of life which makes them a perfect choice as ESA pets. Their smooth textured feathers are extremely beneficial for people allergic to furs. Research studies have found that hens can reduce the depression and loneliness of elderly people by providing them with a sense of companionship. However, in certain residential areas, you might need a realesaletter for housing from a therapist for keeping hens in the backyard of your house.
- Goat
Goats are human-friendly and humans usually enjoy their company. Scientific findings indicate that interaction with an ESA goat increases the level of hormones in your brain, such as dopamine and oxytocin. The hormones can help in reducing the risk of anxiety and stress.
- Turtle
The gentleness and shy nature of a turtle can make it a good emotional support animal. Turtles need a small area of your house and are easy to move. The turtle lives a very long life of almost 30-50 years. Turtles can help in developing a calm nature in children. People suffering from physical disabilities will have pleasant communication with turtles because of their slow movement. For a turtle, you might need an emotional support animal letter issued by a certified therapist to take it to public places.
- Squirrel
Squirrels are small furry and cute creatures and a convenient option as emotional support animals. The responsibility of this tiny and wonderful pet gives you motivation, reduces boredom, and helps to fight PTSD. The playfulness of squirrels can also ease mental and emotional illnesses.
