emotional support animals

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets that provide comfort and support to individuals facing emotional or mental health challenges. Unlike service animals, which are trained for specific tasks to assist people with disabilities, ESAs do not require specialized training. Their primary role is to offer companionship, helping to alleviate symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. ESAs can be any type of animal, but dogs and cats are the most common. While they can provide important emotional benefits, ESAs have specific legal protections that may vary by jurisdiction, especially regarding housing and travel.