The Mental Health Benefits of Emotional Support Animals

Published on: May 31, 2021
Updated on: October 20, 2025
Author: Kentucky Counseling Center

Taking care of pets can do far more than just fill our hearts with love. Many mental health professionals now recognize the therapeutic potential of emotional support animals (ESAs) to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Even Sigmund Freud often had his dog present during therapy sessions, realizing the powerful influence an animal can have on a person’s emotional well-being. Below, we discuss how ESAs improve mental health, who benefits the most, the science behind it, and how to qualify for an ESA.

Emotional Support Animal vs. Service Animals

It’s important to note that emotional support animals are not the same as service animals:

1. Service Animals
   
   • Typically dogs
   • Trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities (e.g., guiding a visually impaired person, pulling a wheelchair)
   • Protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
2. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
   
   • Can be various species (dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, etc.)
   • Provide companionship to help with emotional or psychological issues
   • Do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks, but must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional
   • Protected under certain housing and travel laws

How ESAs Improve Mental Health

Essential vitamins for dogs may contribute to improved mood, energy levels, and overall well-being in pets. Ensuring that ESAs receive complete nutrition with all the necessary vitamins and minerals helps them remain active and resilient, ultimately enabling them to provide more effective emotional support.

1. Offer Mental and Emotional Encouragement

For individuals with PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, or phobias, ESAs offer unconditional comfort—often lowering stress levels and promoting an overall sense of safety.

2. Boost “Happy Hormones”

Dogs, for instance, increase production of dopamine and norepinephrine—chemicals that promote feelings of love and pleasure. Simply looking into your dog’s eyes can release these beneficial hormones.

3. Help Calm Anxiety on Planes

For those who fear flying (aerophobia), having an ESA by their side can reduce panic attacks and stress during flights, thanks to the soothing presence of the animal.

4. Provide Unconditional Love

Pets don’t judge, hold grudges, or criticize. This unconditional love can dramatically ease psychological pain—especially in times of grief, loneliness, or deep sadness.

5. Complement Other Treatments

Emotional support animals can enhance psychotherapy—like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—by offering a grounding presence. Engaging with an ESA may accelerate the healing process for those with mental health challenges.

6. Stabilize Intense Emotions

Animals help bring you back to the present. Stroking a cat’s fur or playing fetch with a dog can redirect your focus from intrusive worries to a calm, positive interaction.

7. Foster Social Support

Loneliness can worsen depression and other mental health issues. An ESA can act like a social companion, encouraging activities like taking regular walks, which in turn can expand social opportunities.

Who Benefits Most from ESAs?

1. Children and Teens at Risk for Depression

Youths experiencing trauma or parental conflicts can find emotional solace in caring for a pet—developing responsibility, trust, and affection that counter depressive thoughts.

2. Psychiatric Patients

Those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions may gain motivation, structure, and joy from interacting with an ESA.

3. War Veterans and Soldiers

Service members with PTSD often find relief through a trained dog’s comforting presence—lessening flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

4. Prison Inmates

Programs that allow inmates to care for dogs or cats demonstrate reduced stress levels, better coping skills, and enhanced emotional connection.

5. University Students

Under Fair Housing rules, many dorms now allow ESAs to help combat stress, depression, and the homesickness that can affect academic performance.

6. Essentially Everyone

Anyone facing stress, loneliness, or simply seeking companionship can gain emotional benefits from having a pet around.

Qualifying for an Emotional Support Animal

If you want an ESA for travel or housing, you’ll need a letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) or doctor confirming that the animal provides necessary emotional support. Key steps:

1. Consult a Mental Health Specialist: Discuss symptoms, history, and any existing diagnoses.
2. Obtain Documentation: A formal ESA letter must specify the need for the ESA, signed by an LMHP.
3. Present to Landlords/Airlines (where applicable): ESAs typically have certain housing and (previously) airline protections. Check updated regulations, as laws can vary.

Conclusion

Emotional support animals do more than offer affection—they enhance mental health by relieving anxiety, depression, and isolation. Their presence can serve as a powerful supplement to therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. If you think you or a loved one might benefit from an ESA, talk to a mental health professional about your qualifications and specific needs.

If you’re ready to explore whether an ESA is right for you, reach out to Kentucky Counseling Center (KCC). Their licensed therapists can assess your mental health condition, provide therapy, and determine your ESA eligibility—all via telehealth, making it simple and convenient. Experience the unconditional love and therapeutic benefits these special animals can deliver.