A growing number of people across the world are benefiting from having an emotional support animal (ESA) to help them cope with stress, anxiety, trauma and day-to-day mental health challenges. As a parent who wants to provide Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), an ESA can be an excellent addition to your family.
What Is An Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal differs from a Service Animal in that it provides comfort and companionship to someone with a mental health condition rather than performing a specific task for someone with a sensory or physical disability. ESAs offer therapeutic benefits simply by their presence and don’t have to perform any specific tasks. For an animal to qualify as an ESA, the owner must have a qualifying mental health or psychiatric disability confirmed by a medical professional.
Under US law, an ESA is not a Service Animal; however, it is not considered a pet, nor does it have to be a specific type of animal. While emotional support dogs and cats are the most common, you’ll also find ESAs that are rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, mice, rats, ferrets, hedgehogs, and just about any other animal you can think of. Regardless of what the animal it is, it must be manageable in public and under control at all times.
How To Choose The Right ESA
Choosing the right emotional support animal for a child, especially one facing emotional or psychological challenges, can be a crucial decision. The right ESA can provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of security, playing a significant role in the child’s overall well-being and development.
Here are five key factors to consider when selecting the perfect emotional support animal:
1. Child’s Specific Emotional and Psychological Needs
Understanding the specific needs of your child is the first and most important step in selecting an ESA. Children facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, or trauma may require different types of support and comfort. For instance:
- Anxiety and Depression: A calm, affectionate animal like a dog or a cat can provide consistent companionship and comfort.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Animals like dogs or guinea pigs that are known for their predictable behavior and gentle nature can help children develop social skills and reduce stress.
- Trauma: Nonthreatening and nurturing animals, such as rabbits or cats, can offer a sense of safety and unconditional love.
Matching the animal’s temperament and capabilities with your child’s specific emotional needs is essential to ensuring a beneficial relationship.
2. Animal’s Temperament and Behavior
The temperament of the ESA is critical, especially for vulnerable children. Certain animal breeds have specific characteristics and energy levels that won’t make them a good match, so you need to do your homework to ensure the animal you choose fits in well with your child and that it supports them in the areas they need it the most.
An animal with a calm demeanor can help soothe your child’s anxiety and provide a stable presence. The animal should also be patient, especially if your child has a mental disorder that results in unpredictable behaviors or they need extra time to bond. It’s important that the animal enjoys physical contact, as this will help children to feel loved and secure. If any animal is aloof or unfriendly, it may exacerbate rejection issues or cause further mental trauma.
By choosing an animal with the right temperament, you can enhance the bond between your child and the ESA, making the support more effective.
3. Allergies and Health Concerns
Before selecting an ESA, think about any allergies or health issues your child may have or any members of the household may suffer from. If allergies are a concern, you will need to research hypoallergenic dog breeds like Maltese Terriers, Poodles, or hairless cats to determine which option is best.
If a health condition rather than an allergy is present, you must also ensure that a pet won’t exacerbate this. In this case, reptiles or rodents may be a better option as they are low-dander and less likely to cause irritation.
4. Living Environment and Family Dynamics
Your home, family dynamics, and lifestyle play a major role in selecting an animal that will not only suit your child but also fit in without causing further stress.
You’ll need to assess how much space you have and whether it can accommodate the animal. Larger dogs will obviously need more space than cats, rabbits, or hamsters and will need to be exercised regularly. You’ll also need to determine whether you need to pet-proof your home in any way, such as securing windows and doors to ensure cats don’t roam or providing toilet areas.
Exercise, training, toilet access, and other pets in the home are other important concerns, as a new ESA will have to fit in with an existing dynamic. As a parent, you may have to dedicate a large amount of time to initial training, so this must be weighed up, too.
A supportive and accommodating living environment is essential for the well-being of both your child and the ESA, and the new addition should be a harmonious one.
5. Level of Care and Responsibility
Different ESAs require varying levels of care and responsibility, which is a crucial factor to consider. Some animals, like dogs, require regular walks, grooming, and social interaction. Others, like cats or fish, might need less intensive daily care.
Before committing to an ESA, assess your child’s ability to contribute to the care of the animal. Caring for an animal can foster a sense of responsibility and routine, which is beneficial for many children facing emotional challenges. Additionally, ensure that everyone in the family or extended care group is willing and able to take on the primary care responsibilities, especially if your child is too young or unable to manage the care independently.
A Healthy Addition To A Child’s Life
Choosing the right emotional support animal involves careful consideration, research, and planning. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that an ESA provides the necessary emotional support and fits seamlessly into your family’s lifestyle, fostering a nurturing and supportive bond that benefits your child’s overall mental health and well-being.