Emotional support animals aren’t just companions. These animals belong to a category called assistance animals. Therefore, emotional support animals are more than simply pets, and not everyone can have one. Only individuals with a valid emotional support animal letter from their licensed mental health professional can have an ESA.
However, there are no guidelines for what animals can be an ESA. While the Americans With Disabilities Act limits service animals to dogs, the same restrictions don’t apply to emotional support animals. An ESA can be any pet an individual is allowed to have, and as expected, there are many types of emotional support animals.
In this article, we’ll go over six of the most popular types of emotional support animals. Read on to learn which animals are the most preferred when it comes to holding the responsibilities of an emotional support animal.
Most Popular ESAs List
Below, you’ll find the six most popular types of emotional support animals.
Dogs
The top of our list isn’t surprising, as dogs are already the most popular pets. With over 44% of households owning at least one dog, it is no surprise that dogs are the most popular type of emotional support animal.
When it comes to specific breeds, those known for their affectionate and loving nature are preferred over others as emotional support animals. This includes small dog breeds like the bichon frise and miniature poodle to gentle giants like the Newfoundland and Bernese mountain dog.
Additionally, just as there are no rules on the type of emotional support animal, there isn’t a restriction on what breeds can be an ESA. In fact, even dog breeds that are banned or restricted in certain city ordinances can become emotional support animals.
Cats
Cats are only second to dogs in popularity as pets and emotional support animals. Being low-maintenance and small, coupled with their popularity as pets, make cats the second most popular type of emotional support animal.
Although cats can also have breed-specific traits, there aren’t many cat breeds highly regarded as emotional support animals, as the loving side of cats more or less depends on individual temperament.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are one of the most popular types of emotional support animals on our list, and no, it isn’t because they are the third most popular pets. That achievement goes to freshwater fish. Guinea pigs are affectionate and cuddly animals that enjoy spending time with their owners, making them a popular emotional support animal choice.
Hamsters
Hamsters don’t often come to mind when thinking about assistance animals, but these little rodents can be exceptionally good at providing comfort to individuals with psychiatric conditions.
Many individuals find that watching their hamsters run on their wheels and burrow provides a sense of calm. However, it is the presence of a loving creature, as with any type of ESA, that comforts their owners.
Rabbits
Rabbits are docile pets that bond strongly with their family. This bond should never be underestimated, as they are highly devoted animals that enjoy nothing more than snuggling up with their humans. Petting a rabbit’s fluffy coat and feeding them treats to watch them eat cutely will surely entertain and fill you with joy.
Miniature Cows
With their fluffy appearance and innocent facial expressions, miniature cows are one of the most popular types of emotional support animals for individuals living in rural areas.
If you have the space and the time to take care of a miniature cow, these animals will make an excellent companion that provides comfort simply by existing.
Which Type of Emotional Support Animal Is the Ideal for You?
There are several types of emotional support animals. The companionship of every animal, not just the ones covered in our article but any, is unique. While the ones we’ve listed above are popular, you can have any domesticated animal as an emotional support animal.
By simply considering your emotional needs, living circumstances, and lifestyle, you will find the best type of emotional support animal. You should also consider registering your animal in order to receive certain benefits like an animal ID card and legal support for your emotional support animal.
While there are many, we recommend US Service Animals for its 24/7 support and extensive network of mental health professionals in all 50 states. The services this ESA registry provides make life easier for ESA owners and those looking for additional certifications for their emotional support animal.