Emotional support animals (ESAs) can have a huge impact on mental health and recovery. At Sabino Recovery we utilize this human-animal connection in our holistic approach to help our clients on their journey to recovery. In our equine program for addiction, people can experience the companionship of our horses and learn more about self-care and acceptance through interactions with our horses.
Recognizing the role ESAs can play in the emotional well-being of those with medical and mental health conditions is a good step toward recovery and managing illnesses. Learn more about what mental health conditions and disabilities qualify for an emotional support animal and how animals support someone’s recovery!
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides comfort and support to individuals experiencing emotional or psychological challenges. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks, ESAs alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions through their presence and companionship. These animals can be of any species, although dogs and cats are the most common.
Federal laws, such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), protect individuals with ESAs, ensuring they can live with their animals in housing that might otherwise have pet restrictions. At Sabino Recovery, we understand that ESAs are not just pets, but integral components of a person’s emotional and psychological recovery journey.
What Disabilities Can Qualify Someone for an ESA?
Numerous emotional and psychological conditions can qualify someone for an ESA. These include, but are not limited to:
Emotional support animals help reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder by providing consistent companionship. This can alleviate feelings of worry and fear because individuals do not feel alone. The calming presence of an animal can also prevent or lessen panic attacks, offering a sense of security and grounding during stressful moments. In recovery, ESAs help individuals with anxiety practice emotional regulation and foster a sense of stability.
ESAs support individuals with depression by offering unconditional love and companionship, which counteracts feelings of loneliness and despair. Interactions with an ESA can boost dopamine and serotonin levels, enhancing mood and motivation. In recovery, they provide structure and a sense of purpose through daily care routines.
ESAs help manage PTSD symptoms by acting as a source of comfort during flashbacks or heightened anxiety. Their presence can create a sense of safety and predictability, which is crucial for trauma recovery. At Sabino Recovery, ESAs help trauma survivors rebuild trust and explore healing in a supportive environment.
ESAs offer emotional stability by sensing mood changes and providing comfort during difficult times. They encourage routine and structure, which are essential for managing bipolar disorder. In recovery, ESAs help individuals maintain balance and connect with a grounding presence.
ESAs help individuals with OCD by disrupting repetitive thoughts and behaviors through engagement and interaction. They also provide emotional reassurance, reducing the distress associated with intrusive thoughts. In recovery, ESAs foster a sense of normalcy and support cognitive-behavioral therapy efforts.
ESAs help individuals confront and manage phobias by offering a consistent sense of security. Their calming influence can make facing feared situations less overwhelming. In recovery, ESAs act as steady companions, helping individuals build confidence and resilience.
How Do Emotional Support Animals Help with Recovery?
Recovery is a multi-faceted journey that often involves addressing deep-seated emotional pain and building resilience. ESAs provide a unique form of support by:
- Offering Unconditional Love: The nonjudgmental nature of animals creates a safe emotional space.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Physical interactions like petting can lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin.
- Encouraging Routine and Responsibility: Caring for an ESA fosters a sense of purpose and stability.
- Enhancing Social Interaction: Animals can act as social catalysts, reducing feelings of loneliness and encouraging connection.
We’ve found that ESAs can be particularly effective in addressing co-occurring disorders, such as trauma and addiction, by providing consistent emotional grounding during periods of uncertainty and growth.
How ESAs Support Mental Health and Emotional Regulation
Mental health recovery is dependent on the ability to regulate emotions and manage stress, ESAs can help with this regulation in several key ways. Animals can sense shifts in mood and offer comfort during emotional dysregulation. Learning your ESAs behaviors for comforting you may help identify triggers for emotional distress.
Having an animal for your emotional health can also encourage mindfulness. Interacting with an ESA urges individuals to be present and this can reduce feelings of anxiety and worry.
ESAs like dogs can promote physical activity which is beneficial in recovery from addiction or a mental health disorder. Walking and playing with a dog encourages owners to be active every day.
Steps to Qualify for an ESA
Qualifying for an ESA involves specific steps to ensure that the animal is recognized as an essential part of your emotional health. These steps include:
A licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist can evaluate your condition and determine whether an ESA would be beneficial.
This document, written by a licensed professional, must state that you have a qualifying condition and that an ESA is necessary for your emotional well-being.
Select an animal whose temperament and needs align with your lifestyle and emotional requirements.
We at Sabino Recovery can guide our residents through this process, connecting them with resources and support to incorporate ESAs into their recovery journey.
What Animals Can Be ESAs?
An emotional support animal can be any domesticated animal. They are not considered service animals but are also not considered pets, although most owners would classify their ESA as a pet. Common animals to be an ESA include:
- Cats
- Mice
- Rats
- Dogs
- Birds
- Minipigs
- Rabbits
- Ferrets
- Hedgehogs
How To Choose Your ESA
Choosing an ESA involves careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to help you find the right animal companion:
If you have anxiety, a calm, affectionate animal like a cat or small dog can provide comfort and reduce stress. For depression, an energetic pet might encourage you to be more active, while a cuddly one can offer companionship. If you struggle with PTSD, an animal that has a consistent presence can offer a sense of security and help ground you in the present.
Think of your current lifestyle when choosing an ESA, including:
- Living Space: Consider size, energy level, and grooming needs. A large dog might not be suitable for a small apartment.
- Time Commitment: Some animals require more attention than others. Factor in feeding, exercise, and training time.
- Allergies: If you or someone in your household has allergies, choose hypoallergenic options like certain breeds of dogs or cats.
Do you prefer a playful or cuddly animal? Consider your own personality and how it might interact with the pet. Consider also how you will be able to bond with your animal. Some people prefer adopting an adult animal, while others prefer raising a puppy or kitten.
The training and veterinary care for your animal should also be a factor in your decision. Consider:
- Training Needs: Some animals require more training than others. Research breeds known for their trainability.
- Veterinary Care: Factor in the cost of routine checkups, vaccinations, and potential medical issues.
Check with your landlord or housing association about ESA policies. Understand the rights and responsibilities of having an ESA in public spaces. There are laws to protect you and your ESA, but some areas may have restrictions on animals or certain breeds.
Ultimately, the best ESA is the one that provides you with the most comfort and support. Spend time researching different animals and consider fostering or volunteering to experience living with a pet before making a commitment.
How Sabino Recovery Incorporates Emotional Support Animals
One of our most cherished programs is equine therapy, where horses help individuals explore emotional and psychological challenges. Horses, with their heightened sensitivity to human emotions, act as mirrors, reflecting the inner state of those interacting with them. Through guided equine sessions, our residents learn:
- Emotional regulation
- Non-verbal communication
- Trust-building
- Self-awareness
Many of our residents describe these sessions as transformative, with lessons learned from the horses carrying over into other aspects of their recovery.
Embracing ESAs as Part of a Holistic Recovery Journey
At Sabino Recovery, we understand that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Emotional Support Animals represent one of the many tools available to help individuals reclaim their lives. After bonding with our horses in equine therapy, individuals may learn that having a connection with an animal will support their long-term recovery after they complete treatment at our residential rehab. Integrating ESAs gives your recovery a more holistic approach, similar to our approach to treatment at our facility.
ESAs also ensure that individuals continue practicing the coping strategies and routines that they learn in recovery, such as mindfulness, staying active, and being accountable.
FAQ for ESAs
Still curious? Review these frequently asked questions:
Yes, many in need of an ESA get their pet certified as their emotional support animal. This is beneficial because you have already bonded and received emotional support from your pet. To certify your pet as an ESA, talk to your therapist or primary healthcare provider to get a letter that states you need an ESA for medical reasons.
You do not need to register your ESA with any ESA Services. Be wary of services trying to sell you a registration or certificate for your ESA. You do need a letter stating your need for an ESA to be verified by a licensed mental health professional.
No, your emotional support animal does not require special training. ESAs are not service animals, which perform special tasks to aid their owners, so they do not need training to support your mental health. However, it’s important to do basic training with your ESA. Skills like obedience, house-breaking, and socialization will help your animal be a better support system for you.
If you’re already seeing a licensed mental health professional, you can ask your therapist for an ESA letter. You can also ask your primary care doctor for help in getting an ESA letter by talking about a diagnosis for qualifying conditions and getting referrals to see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.
No. ESAs are animals that provide support and comfort to alleviate symptoms of a mental health disorder. If you feel you need an animal to regulate your emotions, then seek professional mental health treatment. You may have a mental health disorder that helps you qualify for an ESA.
ESA letters can expire. This is why it’s helpful to update your letter and visit your mental health care provider regularly. You may need to “renew” your letter each year.
Explore Holistic Healing at Sabino Recovery
If you’re considering a path to recovery that embraces the healing power of animals and nature, we invite you to join us at Sabino Recovery. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you build a life of resilience, connection, and purpose. Together, we can harness the transformative power of Emotional Support Animals as part of your journey to well-being.
Our treatment approach includes residential treatment for all substance use and mental health disorders. We also specialize in treating trauma at our Arizona rehab. If you’re struggling please reach out! Sabino Recovery can help you find your way again and start a healing journey.
