PAWS & REFLECT: Filling a gap: emotional support animals

Published 4:30 pm Saturday, November 18, 2023

If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety, depression or trepidation about traveling, an ESA — emotional support animal — may be your answer. ESAs are not service animals, which are specially trained to assist people in daily living activities when they are dealing with a handicap or are trained to protect at risk individuals such as epileptics.

An ESA is an animal that provides comfort, affection and can help you manage your anxiety, even lower your blood pressure, just by being your constant companion. Many ESAs are companions to ex-service members, victims of abuse or trauma and the elderly. They can offer relief in times of stress and challenging situations.

Because ESAs are not certified or specifically trained, you will need to choose your ESA (preferably from a shelter or rescue), then work with it to become your support.

Some things to keep in mind when selecting an ESA: choose an animal that you feel you have a connection with, or one with whom you share empathy for your past experiences (such as abandonment or insecure living situations); also, your ESA will have to be relatively well trained, as it cannot act out, be terrified in public or pose a threat to others. An overly large animal may not be a suitable choice for most people due to their living situation, which makes cats and dogs ideal for the job.

Also, when choosing an ESA, consider the animal’s background. If you meet an older cat that has been left at the shelter because their owner died, and you are suffering grief from a loss, the two of you likely share some of the same emotional issues and bonding becomes easy as you each fulfill the needs of the other. People who have ESAs report that having their pet gives them purpose & a reason to get up every day. If you find your ESA in a shelter or rescue, you have saved their life & greatly benefited yours.

The Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter has many animals that are waiting for their forever home and could be the perfect match to your ESA needs.