Pomeranian
These balls of fluff are the ultimate lap dogs, making them a perfect choice as an ESA. Pomeranians love nothing better than being close to their owners at all times, so they’re the ideal pets to provide attention and affection as ESAs. If you want a pet to become your closest friend, a Pomeranian is a great choice.
Emotional Support Dog vs. Service Dogs
ESAs provide support through companionship and can help ease anxiety, depression, and certain phobias. However, they are not service dogs, and ESA users do not receive the same accommodations as service dog users.
A service dog, such as a guide dog or psychiatric service dog, is generally allowed anywhere the public is allowed; ESAs are not. For example, ESAs generally cannot accompany their owners into restaurants or shopping malls.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” The act clearly states that animals that simply provide emotional comfort do not qualify as service animals. Some state and local laws have a broader definition, so be sure to check with local government agencies to learn if ESAs qualify for public access in your area.
The key difference between a service dog and an emotional support dog is whether the animal has been trained to perform a specific task or job directly related to the person’s disability. For example, service dogs are trained to alert a hearing-impaired person to an alarm or guide a visually impaired person around an obstacle or provide pressure on someone with PTSD who is suffering from a panic attack.
Behaviors such as cuddling on cue, although comforting, do not qualify. The tasks need to be specifically trained to mitigate a particular disability, not something instinctive the dog would do anyway.
Pug
Just one look at a pug’s adorable yet hilarious mug puts a smile on your face. Pugs are great with kids, and also great at tuning into the emotions of their owners. This makes them excellent at being emotional support animals, as they’re able to sense your mood and lift it with their cheeky behavior and cute mannerisms. One consideration if youre thinking of a pug as an ESA: some airlines don’t allow these dogs to fly due to their classification as a short-nosed breed. The breed can experience breathing problems, so if you plan a lot of travel, its probably best to choose another breed.
Top 10 Emotional Support Dog Breeds
Anyone who owns a dog will know they can be a source of great friendship, companionship, and emotional stability.
Just owning a pet can see people living longer and healthier lives. But therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists might also prescribe an Emotional Support Animal to vulnerable people who need additional support.
Emotional Support Animals, also known as ESAs, are any animal specially trained to provide comfort and relief from the symptoms of certain emotional disorders.
While any dog with the right temperament can be trained to be an ESA, there are some breeds that are better suited to the role than others.
Below, you will find a list of the 10 breeds most suited to be emotional support dogs, as well as a list of the characteristics that are most important when it comes to choosing an emotional support dog.
But, of course, when choosing the right ESA for you, make sure you also think about lifestyle considerations, such as the amount of space and level of exercise the dog needs.
Luckily, the list includes some of the biggest breeds, as well as pups that will easily fit in your handbag.