Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2018
- I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!
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Miniature horses are also recognized as service animals under the ADA
Taylor Hamilton I laughed out loud reading that.
(It’s great that they are. It’s just funny)
ADA and the AODA.
Taylor Hamilton imagine pulling up to the mall with a fucking horse 😂
They are grandfathered in, but as of March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized.
Unfortunately, the new law changed that. Because the public couldn’t stand being next to a horse in the produce aisle.
This is a huge problem. I'm a veterinarian that fills out health certificates for pet travel and many people abuse this to bypass airline rules. And it undermines the people who really need it. Which is too bad.
ESAs have no public access rights because they have no training. So even with a doctors note they are only allowed in no pets housing and are allowed on airplanes.
Exactly! No one seems to get this. If you need the animal in public than it has to be a service animal and have at least 1 legit task that it performs. I'm currently working with a pup to be a psychiatric service dog for myself - even though he's not a full service dog yet, just having him around is already beneficial!
Steffany Roman that’s exactly what I’m going through
My Hershal was an Emotional Support Dog although I never even tried to take him into stores but I bet some stores would have accepted him in.He rode the bus with me no problem.He went with me to all of my dr. appts.And some other stuff no problem.But I am drawing blank.lol.May he R.I.P.....I Miss and Love him so much.
With Hershal as Emotional Support Animal/Dog I also got accepted no pet/dog housing.
Thank you for clearing that up :)
my husband brought me a bunny last month and she is so sweet, i really feel that she is making my days brighter
Awe that's so great to hear :) xoxo
If you keep it alone please look into getting a second one! Buns are really social animals and they normally do much better in pairs than alone!
And if you get a second one, make sure they're fixed! :)
thanks guys! my bunny is 3 months old so i'm still waiting her to grow before fixing, and i'm going to get her a friend soon!
what do you think is better, getting another female or choosing a male? [of course both are going to be fixed as soon it will be possible for their age]
Ruslana's Self-Care Diary I believe bunnies should be kept either in female-female, or (castrated)male-female pairs. I'm not sure about that, though. Maybe try google, or better yet imo, try to join a bunny owners facebook group and ask those people who have more experience with them!
As I'm watching this video, my cat is sleeping on my lap. She's been like this for hours while I've been studying and I feel so relaxed and capable with her company :)
thanks for talking about this today :) I just started training with my new puppy for her to become my psychiatric service dog. there are so many people in my life who are not understanding why I am doing this because I "seem fine" to them on the outside. Ever since my mom passed a few months ago its been even more difficult for me to go out into public, and with me starting school back up in the fall, my therapist thought a service dog would be the best choice for me. My puppy is already helping me every day.
I am so glad you are training a puppy and it's been helpful for you :) That is so great to hear!
Awwwe, how lovely.. Enjoy!🌹
just having animals in the house is a huge help
You did a great job. I was nervous that there might be (unintentional) misinformation in this video. I was hoping you would pull some info from the ADA, but it's a super complicated topic and I know you don't have a ton of time for each video.
An animal is only a service animal if the handler is disabled, and the animal performs at least one trained task to mitigate that disability. There is no registration/paperwork/license/required doctor letter for a service animal.
Miniature horses can also be service animals (stated in the ADA)! They're used for heavy mobility work as well as guide work! But you're right, dogs are by far the most common.
ESAs do not have public access. (You said something about people wanting an ESA letter so they could bring their pet to stores, etc.) Even if someone's claiming their pet is an ESA to bring it into a store, they still wouldn't be able to do it. Same with therapy animals (unless the animal is coming to a school, hospital, etc. with permission to do their job). ESA letters are needed to fly with an ESA, or to have one in no-pets housing (edit: or to avoid having to pay pet deposits, pet rent, and so on in rentals that do allow animals with added fees). Those are the only scenarios I can think of off the top of my head where a letter would be absolutely necessary. Otherwise, any pet could be an ESA, letter or not.
I'm a guide dog handler myself and have a special interest in service animal law, distinction from ESAs, etc. Hope it was okay to add some details.
Thank you so much for adding all of that in!! Yes there is SO much to the ADA and all of the rules and regulations.. thank you for sharing! xoxo
Thank you for this comment. I’m visually impaired, and I hope to get a seeing eye dog at some point in the future. More people need to know these distinctions.
Any time! It also doesn't help that other laws are tucked away in the Fair Housing Act or Air Carrier Access Act, not just in the ADA.
Also, ESAs, therapy animals, and psychiatric service animals are all different things.
fighting blind
What kind of laws do u mean? Curious
The FHA covers service dogs and emotional support animals in places of residence (homes, apartments, etc.) as part of accommodations for disabled individuals and fair access to housing. The ACAA covers service dogs and emotional support animals on airlines along with disabled individuals' access to air travel.
You are absolutely right. My little beagle is great for my depression.
great video. We have a service dog in training. Training for almost 2 years! It is a long and hard process so if people are thinking about having one make sure you are in it for the full commitment. Make sure you are educated & ready to answer a lot of questions because people do ask. Also, it still surprises me that people still come up to ours while working & wearing her vest and just try to pet her. Recently we were at an outside restaurant (we have been given permission to bring her here while still training) & two boys were trying to get her attention with french fries. The parents didn't even say anything to them. So proud that our dog didn't even react to them at all. You have to be strong enough as a person to be able to speak out when this happens. Our SD has been the best thing for my son & I.
That is so great to hear!! I am glad it's been such a great thing for your son :) Thank you for sharing your experience with this!!! xoxo
I looked this up for the UK and we are way behind. You can't have a service animal for a mental health condition unless you have another physical disability. I wish I could have a service dog. I think it would really help with my agoraphobia, anxiety/PTSD etc. and also taking medication, feeling safe, going to appointments etc.
You're kidding!! The UK does need to catch up and add in emotional support animals! xox
Kati Morton I know right! I was angry! I got so excited when you said you could get them for mental health. Grr. Apparently there are some awesome groups campaigning and working with the government to change the law. I hope it becomes a thing here soon. :) xox
Psychiatric service animals are different from ESAs, but I don't know the ESA laws in the UK either :(
The UK does not have ESA's or psychiatric service animals sadly. 😭
So interesting. I'd never heard of a service dog for mental health conditions (I'm from the UK too) but they sound wonderful. I'd be interested to know more about them so will turn to Dr. Google :-) I have two dogs and four guinea pigs and was reflecting on how just looking after animals in general is therapeutic.
So good to actually know the difference between the ESA's and service animals! I've been trying to convince my Mum that we need to get another dog that I can look after. I definitely find it hard to get out of bed/take care of myself etc., but after housesitting with a dog a while ago, I realised how helpful animals can be :) Thanks Kati xx
LaurenAshley I bought a dog when i was 15 and it helps me alot with my recovery! I’m 18 right now and when i can’t get out of bed i gotta do it, i’m also living alone so it makes me feel less lonely. And back when i was 17 and was about to take my life my dog was the one who saved me!
They can be so helpful!!! I hope you are able to get another dog soon :) xoxo
Rescue one so the dog can rescue you. My Dane is a rescued pup but i love that 55kg lump :)
Arjan - definitely!! My dog now is a resuce one and I would only ever get one from a shelter now :) They're so loving!
Just having my cats really helps, when no one listens Duke always comes over for a pet.
Hey there! Thanks for talking about this. It's a super important thing we need to discuss! I would like to point out that ESA's have no public access rights. You can't take them into non-pet friendly places beyond certain airlines and housing. Service Dogs can go anywhere the general public is able to go, like Walmart or your local hospital! Psychiatric Service Dogs are SO important. I trained (and sadly she failed) a Psychiatric Service Dog for myself and I am fairly sure she pulled me out of the darkest place I had ever been in my life. Now I am in the process of getting a Service Dog from a program for my Psychiatric and Physical disabilities! My future dog will be trained to respond and interrupt dissociation episodes, provide grounding through pressure (putting body weight on my lap), responding to my distress and many other tasks related to my Physical disability such as picking up dropped objects and forward momentum support to conserve energy!
Fostering cats made SUCH a huge difference in my mental health. It helped me feel grounded and connected to another being and gave me a strong sense of purpose. I've since adopted two cats of my own, who aren't ESAs but have been so wonderful for my emotional wellbeing. Cuddling an animal is one of my favorite ways to relieve anxiety.
I have an uncle who helps train service dogs for veterans at no charge to the veterans (Patriot Assistance Dogs based out of Minnesota if anyone is curious). This kind of distinction between service & emotional support animals is very good for people to understand. A big thing for people to remember is to not distract a service dog, & always ask the owner if you can pet an animal before you do so. A service dog needs to be able to react to their owner's needs in some situations very quickly. Things like seizures coming on or panic attacks due to PTSD are important for the dog to get their human to a safe place & help them through it.
When I was inpatient we had pet therapy (2 guinea pigs and a rabbit) every day and it was amazing. There was also a dog which can in every so often. I was terrified of dogs but because of pet therapy I’m not now. I have a little guinea pig now and she’s amazing ♥️ I had no idea there was a difference between ESA and SA though. 💕💕
Amber p she squeaks so much ♥️
Thanks for sharing what animals you have had and what helped you :) xoxo
If i was an inpatient for my depression, i would need that. Else it would get worse.
Or me being allowed to bring my dog.
We wanted to train her for it. To go and do charity stuff with her. Like visiting kids in the hospital.
But it wouldnt be good for her, she is too reserved for it. And accepts it, but doesnt like getting pet by random people.
I have PTSD and TBI from car accidents and my psychiatric service dog has been amazing with distracting me from self harm and reminding me to take my medicine which is very important for my sanity!
Thanks for making these videos it is a wonderful addition to my personal therapy!
Miniture horses can also be service animals. They have been trained as guide animals
Hi! I accidentally trained my pug to remind me to take my medications by giving her HER medicine when I took mine. She loves her medicine because it’s suspended in peanut butter. She won’t let me go to sleep until we’ve had “medicine time.” Because of this, I was able to get my doctor to approve my apartment complex’s paperwork to keep my dog.
However. Having had to leave my husband recently, I have found that having a dog has been the single biggest barrier to getting housing. I’ve had private landlords tell me straight up that they allow NO pets, no matter what the status and regardless of the law. Landlords know how to reject an application on other grounds.
As a pro tip, I’ve found that government housing is better. They are more sensitive to following the law. I’m in project-based, section 8 housing now. Because it’s well-managed and in a rural area, it’s a safe option. And most importantly, they allow Zoe my pug. It’s the housing route I would recommend to anyone with a pet and a limited income (rural, government-funded housing).
Thank you for another great video, Kati!
Main Street Boxer Thank you. I’ll remember that for the future. Although my reasoning was that I didn’t want to rent from someone who was shady. It actually turned out for the best because now that I’ve lived in town for a while, I know that landlord is indeed shady and basically a slumlord. The place I ended up is much better and I’m very happy with it. But thank you - I’ll keep your advice in my back pocket just in case.
@Main Street Boxer This is quite deceptive and essentially lying to your landlord. You give people a bad name who have an emotional support animal!!! Landlords do not like when people lie to them and will make life difficult for you, and make them have a bad outlook on the next ESA tenant they have. By starting off the relationship on a deception, your karma is not good. So yeah, stop screwing over the rest of us!!!
@@iris__and_rhizomes Jori, stick with your original impulse of being a good person. If you follow Main Street Boxers advice, you yourself become the shady one. And not to mention, the more people act like Main Street says we should, then everyone else who needs an esa gets tagged with the "deceptive liar" label and this is not good for any of us. Remember the law of karma and thank goodness you didnt wind up with a slumlord! That is karma in and of itself!
In less she is not emotional support they can deny your dog housing but she is emotional support they can't it would be breaking the law also airlines have to let your esa be in cabin with you without a fee I'm a esa dog handler and under the ada any demostic anmail can be a service anmail
I meant esa
I was starting thinking about this because I was offered a service dog to accompany me during my tribunal.
I though how animals help me in general and how, when I feel overwhelmed and in an instable mood, my pets help me a lot.
I remember one time I was stuck with unbearable suicide thoughts, I just took my hamsters in my hands, and almost immediately I felt much much better.
It’s almost magical :)
Great video. I guess if I'd thought about it, I would have realized there was a difference between the 2 types of therapy animal categories. I worked as a Resident Manager of an apartment building, which was housing for the elderly and adults with disabilities. One small pet was allowed. If someone wanted another, they needed a note from their doctor or other health care professional. Of course, a service dog didn't require that.
I have a cat that's too smart for my own good. When I've felt suicidal, he reminds me why I cannot. Who would adopt him? Who would feed him? If I killed myself, how would he get fed? Would he have enough water? (I'm specifically thinking about how long before my body would be discovered. Gruesome and true.) I feel so much better when I pet him. And that good feeling lasts even after he runs off to look at the birds. I'm also thankful I have my little guy, Sargie, a brown and gray tiger cat.
Thanks for another interesting video. Certainly informative, as always. :)
Thanks for sharing your experience with this! I am so glad your cat has helped you fight through any suicidal thoughts. xoxo So glad you liked the video too! xoxo
Yes, indeed.
If I am correct min-horses are also considered to be able to be service animals in some countries including the US.
laartje24 Only in some states.
Yes they are allowed everywhere in the U.S. it states so in the ADA.
Don’t forget ESAs don’t have public access, where as a service dog does. I’ve had some ESAs attack my service dog, which has caused problems for both me and my dog. My service dogs name it Hank (we also have an Instagram @hanktheservicedogg in which I love educating people and show our journey) he is a psychiatric service dog and a soon to be medical alert service dog. His tasks are to alert to a panic attack, lead me out of a building if I get too overwhelmed, preform Deep pressure therapy, interrupt self harm, block, retrieve items I drop when in a numb and dissociative state, retrieve me medication when it’s time for me to take it, and alert low blood sugar. I love the idea of ESAs and service dogs, but I dislike that people bring their ESAs into public no pet friendly places, that don’t allow ESAs. Keep in mind according to ADA stores and restaurants are allowed to ask what task dog your service dog preform, and if it’s for a disability.
Thank you for covering this topic I suggested Kati! I am beyond thrilled to see this video. You have made my day. Thank you so so much!! I personally use a psychiatric service animal that also doubles as a medical alert dog and this topic is so near and dear to my heart.
Awesome video regarding the science behind animals and our health. But there are some things that are incorrect about the three categories of animals you mentioned. To start off with, miniature horses can be service animals as well. Also therapy animals and emotional support animals completely different. Therapy animals HAVE some training to go to hospitals, nursing homes ex. Emotional support animals can be any animal and are allowed on airplanes and in no pet housing. Emotional support animals do NOT have public access rights, so you are totally right about saying they cant go in a restaurant, but grouping airplanes and restaurants together is a bit misleading. Since emotional support animals can be any type animal, and do not have to be trained, they technically be any animal as long as the handler needs them for psychiatric comfort of course. I believe the service animal community is being used incorrectly more then Emotional support animals as well, since people will bring there PET dog everywhere with no training and claim its a service animal. It gives service dog handlers like myself a bad reputation. Btw, love you Kati!
Edit: I also think its important to add that service animals have no registration and also do not need to be vested. (These are common misconceptions, I know they were not mentioned in the video.)
Exactly. ESAs, therapy animals, and psychiatric service animals are three different things. :)
whether emotional support animals or trained service dog they are all good boys and girls
No, the emotional support animal is not all good boys and girls. They poop, pee, bark and bite, they dont belong in business places, only in a dog park!!
Thank you for these videos. You help so many people each day. Thank you.
You are so welcome :) xoxo Happy to help!
What helps the most for me with my ESA; Shadow, is that he gives me a reason to go outside and get out of bed. His happiness depends on my functionality. He is not trained, he is not a service dog; and as such I always ask before I enter a place to not violate their rules or the law. What is even better, he doesnt even oow how much he helps me, he just wants all of the love I can throw his way. I am diagnosed with ptsd and because of that I struggle with interactions, I sturggle with motivation, and I struggle with getting trapped in my mind. He elviates every single bit of that. My therapist is the absolute best and I love her and my boy Shadow!
Please don't abuse the privilege we have of having a family member who helps us.
THANK YOU for this video! My cat that I raised from birth just naturally picked up on my needs. She laid with me when I was in pain, barely let me out of her sight, kneaded my swollen Lymphedema legs when I was flaring, blocked out excess light during migraines, brought me out of dissociative episodes and even attempted to go with me to the hospital during emergency situations. Even though she was a technically untrained animal in the sense that she never took classes to do these things, my medical doctors considered her my service animal and I was in the process of getting her certification when she passed away in my arms 2 years ago. I never took her anywhere, but she changed my life in countless ways. Once I move, I have plans to apply for a service dog through the same agency my best friend used. Canine Assistants is fully supported by sponsorships and donations. They cover animal training costs, vet bills, and costs to families when they need to train with the animal. This is a huge blessing since a skilled service animal can cost $20k for training alone. Thank you for all you do +Kati Morton. Especially this video. So many people think they can just slap service animal certification on anything with fur and be covered, but doing that cheapens the life-saving work these animals do.
THIS VIDEO MADE MY DAY!!! i'm actually so happy right now. THANK YOU KATI❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this video. Truly, these companions are essential for many of us.
One thing though: you said that people has abused the ESA system, to bring their pets out in public. But ESA's don't have public access rights - only airplane and no pet housing rights. Though, I have heard about people abusing the Service Animal system. Claiming their dog is a service dog, when it is not. Maybe I misunderstood, or the laws have changed. Or something else. Otherwise you might wanna look into that!
to clarify: I also have seen the abuse of the ESA system when it comes to airplanes. But not for taking the pet to a supermarket or restaurant.
Another thing that can be worth mentioning: the term "therapy animal" is often used to refer to animals that work with a handler to interact with other people. The handler is usually the dogs owner, often a therapist, teacher or just a dedicated dog owner. The "other people" can be old people at a home for the elderly, people with disabilities or a class of students. The therapy animals that work like that are highly trained, since they actually will work in schools and hospitals. Depending on who you talk to, they will define a therapy animal in different ways. Within service dog organisations and therapy dog organisations (as far as I know), an ESA is not considered a therapy animal.
if anyone cares... lol
Yeah I’m confused about that too. I have an ESA (dog) and he’s not allowed to go into public places. I would never even think to bring him into a public place because I know it’s not legal. Although now I’m seeing a lot of dogs in public places that you can tell aren’t service dogs or even service dogs in training. It frustrates me to no end when people think they’re above the law.
Perhaps it's referring to situations where the owner does not know about service animal rights and chooses to yield to all esa access requests, thus deepening the misconception.
Perhaps it's referring to situations where the owner does not know about service animal rights and chooses to yield to all esa access requests, thus deepening the misconception.
I have several mental health issues: Bipolar Disorder II, ADHD, a couple of anxiety disorders. When my depression was at its worst and I didn't care if I lived or died, having my cats always made the difference. I knew they depended on me for food and protection and love, so I needed to do something to make sure I could give them what they needed. So I got up and went to work. They loved me no matter how sad I was, how little money I had, or how awful I looked. I still adore them, and feel that we make a little family. As an aside, I wish there was a way to keep people who don't have a legitimate need for a support animal from ruining it for those of us who do. Saying your iguana (or whatever) is an emotional support animal just so you can take it on the plane with you is not cool, and makes it harder for those of us who really need our companions to function. Thanks, Kati, for speaking about this! Blessed Be.
The ADA also recognizes miniature horses as service animals a therapy dog and an Esa are two totally different they are not the same a therapy dog is a dog that goes into hospitals nursing homes visits people they also have to go through a public access test in order to qualify to be a therapy dog, and enter hospitals Etc and ESA is a dog/pet that lives with its owner that makes them feel all warm and cozy inside when they pet it plain and simple no special training✌
Coleen Taylor Mini horses are only allowed as service animals in some states, not all states.
I remember requesting this video on YouNow a couple of years and you did it!! I'm so glad you made this video! 🥰
You are amazing katie thankyou for your videos and all your support 💕 xx
Thank you for such a great video! I was never allowed to have any animals, but ever since I was little when things were tough, I loved being around them when I could. The feeling was not something I'd ever had elsewhere, and it really helped me out. I'm glad you talked about it and others will hopefully also find it helpful :) :)
I have two holland lops (floppy eared rabbits). My therapist was fully supportive of me getting them because regardless of how bad I feel, I HAVE to take care of them. It's not an option. They need to be fed, given water, time to run, clean their litterbox, etc. Sometimes it's hard to take care of them because I have no energy, but if I dont, who will? They don't demand the same levels of attention as a dog but they'll definitely nudge you until you pet them! I know I have some sort of purpose in this world, but sometimes they're the only purpose I need. Just holding them and petting them is so soothing.
THANK you!!! this topic is needed to be spread more. there's so much ignorance and lack of knowledge about ESA's vs SD's.
Psychiatric service dog... That's the kind I need🫶🏼 Thank you.
..my service dog helps me with walking, depression, anxiety, and to stop me from doing something harmful to myself and alerts me when I’m about to have a panic attack or when I’m going to lose my vision or faint. She is awesome and I love her so much. A lot of people think that service animals are big, but she is a beagle that was actually the runt and is smaller than usual, and does everything I need her to do for me! 🦮🥰😊
Nice video but I think it would've been good if you stated more clearly, that emotional support animals are NOT allowed in any public place that pets are not allowed such as business or stores or other places that say "no pets" or "only service animals". Also that service animals require a lot of training and also can be asked to leave a store/business/etc if they are out of control or behaving inappropriately.
Beautifully said!!! I am so happy that you heard our requests. Thank You for doing this video!!!! I have a Service Dog. And I did a video about what to do if you see possible abuse of the law and how to approach or not approach the situation in public. Not to self promote, lol, but I litterally just did a video on this subject on my recent uploads in my channel. Oliver is mainly for my visual disability but he helps with other tasks as well. Again thank you so much for your research and help on this topic. Hugs
Awesome video!! My dog is extremely helpful for me if I'm anxious or depressed. For some reason he knows just what to do to help me. I love him :D great video!!
Thanks for sharing the valuable information about emotional support animals and service animals. I am the owner of a pet whom I receive emotional support to deal with anxiety (but I didn’t know about this before getting an ESA letter). After my airline refused me to fly with my pet two times, I realized how hard it is to live without my pet. So, I searched for the solution to avoid pet restrictions - ESA letter. When I contacted My ESA Doctor, they provided me with a two in one letter - for housing and travel. I have availed no pet travel fee facility in many airlines. Planning to move to a new rented house next year, and will avail the housing facility.
Thank you SO much for making this video! I own a service dog named Charlie who specializes in PTSD and TBI support (visual depth perception problem specifically). It is frustrating to encounter people daily who do not understand it is not easy and the best time of your life to take a dog everywhere you go and have it under a set standard of behavior. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade him for anything because my life is now livable with him, however the misconception that I am bringing my pet around everywhere is nearly offensive. He went through so many months of training and works so very hard to perform his tasks for me every single day. This is what distinguishes him from the average lovable pet at home. It is my hope that through your video many more will understand the vitality of service animals for those of us who need them to cope with and live life to the best of our ability. Thank you!
Hey Kati! Thanks for talking about this! As a service dog handler, this issue is incredibly dear to my heart.
However, you did get some information wrong! Miniature Horses are also recognized as service animals under the ADA. Often times, people use these mini horses for assistance with their sight or mobility! Horses live much longer and are much better built for that kind of work if the person using a guide animal or mobility animal.
Therapy Animals and Emotional Support Animals are also two separate categories!
The biggest difference between the two is that ESAs provide emotional support to one person who has a disability where as Therapy Animals provide emotional support to many people who may or may not have a disability.
ESA’s (and Service Animals) also have protections under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act where Therapy Animals do not.
THANK YOU KATIE.
Animals are so great for people. My dad and I took in a shi chi puppy a few months ago. She really helps with my anxiety, and my dad's depression. She's the cutest little thing and she makes us both feel a lot better.
I had an opportunity once to meet a mini-horse that worked as a guide animal for a blind person. I believe that she had the same rights as a guide dog because she did have the same training. There is a children’s book about that particular horse called “Panda: A Guide Horse for Ann.” It was explained to me that horses are less sure-footed than dogs and will choose a longer path if it is more stable. They avoid uneven terrain and gravel, while a guide dog is more likely to take the shorter path.
Thank you for making this video Kati! Since I recently got an emotional support dog in the last two months I have become very familiar with this process. I agree with what you say about people abusing the ESA system. My therapist was the one that brought up the idea of me possibly getting an ESA and since then we have integrated it into my treatment. But, getting approved from my housing was so stressful and exhausting because too many people have abused the system to the point where those of us that truly need it still have to wonder if it will go through for them or not. Thankfully, I got approved with no problem because I was more than qualified to be legally protected to have an ESA.
Thank you for this video!
My dog is my best friend in the world and helps me immensely with my depression. It's so hard to explain how she makes me feel so okay and happy. She gives me a purpose in life and her unconditional love and goofiness is so uplifting. There's those people who are like "omg I love dogs" but then there's people that me that love them for a whole other reason, deeper than just dog videos and memes
Thanks Kati! This is something I've been wondering about.
Wow thanks for this.. I’ve been talking a lot to my counselor and my bloggers about this.. I recently posted a blog on how my dogs at my parents make me in such a better mood and it’s true they do help ya get out in life
the ADA recognizes service miniature horses as well
Alex Chapman Only in a few states, not widely throughout the US.
no, its federal law its accepted in every state, service mini horses have every single access right that dogs do, as long as their weight will not cause structural damage
The AODA also recognizes service miniature horses.
yep! federal ada law as of 2010 recognizes them :)
I can't have my dog with my at university because my flat doesn't allow pets, and I notice a huge difference in my mental state. I'm more depressed, anxious and withdrawn when I'm not around her. I'm very shy and I find it really difficult to talk to people, but when I'm out with my dog I'm so much more confident because I love talking about her and other dogs! She also gets me out of bed in the morning to walk her, and at uni I rarely leave my room. I genuinely don't think I'd be here if I hadn't got my dog 7 years ago, and I'm grateful to her every day.
I've been so excited for this video! Thank you for making it it had a lot of good information.
I'm getting my future service dog for sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and ehlers danlos syndrome.
I do feel personally that there should have been a bigger distinction between where ESAs vs. SDs are allowed to go.
People are often misinformed and are told that ESAs are service animals and that they can go into restaurants and stores which isn't true. (They can only go in the cabin of planes and live in non pet friendly places whereas a service dog can come anywhere the general public can go unless it's dangerous)
I do love that you clearly read the ADA and the QnA to answer these questions. :') I spend every day educating people and I'll definitely share this video.
It is also so very important to point out not to pet or distract service animals. They are there to help their human, that one particular human. And that human really needs the animal's full attention; often it is only thanks to that animal that they can leave their home. Please respect that. Thank you.
Thank you Kati for this video it has help me understand the difference between service animal and emotional support animal.
Of course! I am so glad it was helpful :) xoxox
I adopted my dog last year to help with my depression. She gives me a reason to get up in the morning because I love her and if I don't take care of her, no one will. She's not classified as anything, but it's been very helpful for me! 🙂🐶
Hey Kati Please do more video on this topic.
I have two cats and one of them is comfortable on a harness and leash when I take him outside. My counselor said it was fine to bring him to therapy sessions with me, so even though he is not an official ESA, he definitely fills that role for me by easing my anxiety at therapy and both cats have helped keep me going through the rough patches because I know they need me to care for them. The other cat is especially anxious so I feel I understand her better than most people would so she definitely needs me to be here for her.
I'm new to your channel.
I really enjoy your video it's very helpful. I have a Yorkie and he's helped me with my anxiety and my confidence in going about my everyday routine. 🤷♀️🐕💕
In Australia ESA is not recognized as a form if service dog so we are unable to take them to public places. I'm prone to have alot of anxiety attacks when in a mall because of the amount of people so sometimes i need my dog to put a barrier between me and everyone else with my back against the wall and sometimes it is so bad i need Deep Pressure Therapy where she lays on my chest to keep me in one place and stop me from freaking out. I need her in these public places. She calms me and lets me know i am on the verge of a complete attack wanting me to sit and relax.
When I moved to another city to study at Uni, I decided to adopt an old cat (which some volunteers told me, had depression, cause he was abandoned twice, he didn't wanna eat etc - it was like a sign for me, girl who struggled with depression and ed ;)) Now he is really trusting, gained some weight and sometimes when I have really awful mood, I look at him and remind myself that I am " responsible for what I have tamed" - so if you consider adopting a pet - like Kati said - GO FOR IT! :)
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not recognize ESAs. It covers places of business like stores, offices, restaurants, and theaters. The Fair Housing Act (FHAct) and for now the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) do include ESAs, so the only locations where an ESA is treated differently from a pet is in most housing and on commercial aircraft. The ACAA is currently under review and may change.
After a massive relationship breakdown resulting in me losing my home and having to relocate away from my job, my new housemate bought me a dog. He's really helped me, he gets me out of bed in the morning and gives me purpose. With my dog I feel super safe, which is a big thing for me. Right now he's asleep on my lap (although he is far too big to be a lap dog!) and everything feels just perfect.
Thanks for making this video, Kati! After having followed many different paths for treatment, I finally decided to get a dog as an ESA, and that was the best decision of my life. Having an ESA has been more helpful in recovery than all other aspects of treatment combined.
I have an ESA and a Service Dog (yes that is totally legal and many people do it!) Both are dogs. My ESA is a small breed and I got him first. For the last 2.5 years he has been such a help in forcing me out of bed, giving me a way to have fun, and yet being willing to just cuddle and kiss me when I'm not feeling great. Doing basic and trick training with him has been a good way for me to meet new people and get out of the house, it's also very fun! My service dog is a large black lab and I've had him for 6 months and he has allowed me to leave my house and safely navigate the world. He does a variety of tasks for my PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorder and even helps me with physical illnesses I have. He stands behind me in public to prevent anyone from getting to close to my back, he alerts me to anxiety and pre panic attack behaviors, provides deep pressure therapy to sooth pain and calm panic attacks, he provides light pressure to help me get to sleep and stay grounded, he retrievs items such as drinks medicine and anything I drop and provides counter balance so that when I am dizzy he can help me stay standing. He is always learning new tasks to continue improving my quality of life. I got him through an owner assisted training program in my area - he already was over a year and had a lot of training which relieved the stress I would have gone through had I gotten a puppy. Before having my service dog I did not leave the house without another human because my symptoms were so poorly managed. My esa cannot go in public so we would stay at home all the time and hang out inside and in our back yard. Since starting medication and getting a trained service animal I am able to run errands independantly and actually completely daily goals rather than being overtaken by my symptoms. I will say that a service animal is a HUGE commitment and I thought about and researched it as an option for about 3 years before fully pursuing it. Not a decision to be made lightly
Thank you for making this video Kati! I work at a pet store and often people with service animals come in. I was surprised how many of my coworkers did not know proper etiquette for interacting (or not interacting) with SAs.
Working with animals and the public (I work with an animal rescue as well), I sadly see a lot of animal abuse and neglect. I have a hard time understanding how someone could hurt an animal. Could you make a video on this subject?
You are correct except for a service dog being trained to bark. They cannot be disruptive
Great work.
I don't have my Great Dane registered as an ESA, but nothing has ever helped my depression and anxiety like Dexter has. When I am anxious he will lay on me and put his face against mine (his weight is calming - 115lbs), and when I'm depressed he encourages me to play or go outside with him. We share a very close bond, so we know how to read each other and help. I would highly recommend a dog to anyone with depression or anxiety... Not every dog is good at reading you though, my other dog is actually bad for me and feeds off of my bad days so do some research on breeds. I literally have a reason to function and look forward to every day because of my wonderful and huge dog. Thank you so much for this awesome video.
Thinking about getting an esa. Ty, very helpful information
I'm glad you mentioned the connection not being based on fur because I have two hairless guinea pigs who are the best little therapy buddies ever :)
I love this video, my dog helps me so much.
I was wondering if you have any tips on forgiving yourself? I get this feeling of "I deserve to feel like this" when im having a horrible day/time and I dont allow myself to calm down or self sooth and can even make it worse on purpose because i feel like i deserve to feel absolutley horrible. I think it comes from guilt and/or selfhatred but I don't really know why i do this and it makes it so hard for me to move forward.
I think youre incredible by the way, you are so empathetic, kind and provide free help and advice for so many people. Never stop being you. Thank you so much.
Hey, Kati! Great video. Thank you for covering this topic. There’s one thing I’d like to add, though. Considering that housing is one of the most significant barriers in the US right now, I think it’s important to note that one of the socioeconomic benefits of an ESA is that those of us with mental disabilities can request a waiver of a “no pets” policy and/or stipulations on pet size (i.e. someone with major depression whose documented support animal is a 55lb German Shepherd dog), nor can they charge grossly expensive fees/pet deposits that penalize disabled persons for this accommodation. Universities are also required to comply with these regulations. There are exceptions to these standards, of course, but a lot of people don’t even realize this is an option they have. So, I think it’s important to get the word out.
Fantastic video! As a veteran with a service dog many people question my need for one or assume it's an esa or that it's not a real service animal just because they don't see my scars. With all the media attention it makes it harder to go out without someone feeling entitled to harassing me or questioning my legitimately trained service dog.
I've always found it helpful to hold or pet an animal when I feel sad or stressed. I've lived with animals since I was 4 (bunnies when I still lived at home and cats when I was in student housing)
When I moved out of student housing to live with my significant other I really missed having an animal around and the support it gave me. Since "fixing" this by getting myself 2 lovely and caring mice I've got this support back and it really helps :) (They are adorable and love hanging out in my hair :P)
Also you made a mistake, emotional support animals are not therapy animals. They are two very different things. Therapy animals are the label for animals that visit hospitals and nursing homes and such, they are not for the disabled or for one person.
The clip of the dog at 4:16 had me in the stitches 😂 so relatable!
I wish I could afford a puppy companion, definitely beneficial. I've been adding cat videos as part of my mental health awareness posts, for this reason. Thanks for adding some important words into my vocabulary on the subject. I'm so grateful for your social media presence, thanks for being a warrior for health! 💕
My psychiatric service dog in training has already improved my life so much since I got her :)
Great great video thank you so much
My mum got me a dog after a breakup because she remembered the last breakup where I went into a bad depression episode. My dog is my daughter and she helps me exactly as you described: I need to get up in the morning and feed her and walk her and that makes me feed myself and walk as well. She keeps me company and I feel she keeps me healthy. Even if she isn’t described as an emotional support animal for my anxiety and depression, I think she is.
I love animals, and I agree, if the situation is right you should adopt an animal. I also think that service animals are very important in doing their jobs, and they have been trained for up to two years to do.
Thanks for helping to clarify the difference between these. I also think it's really important for everyone to understand. It's actually kind of complicated. Also, in some cases there are regional/state differences!!
One important thing I feel you missed in your video is that Emotional Support Animals are not actually covered under the ADA and therefore are _not necessarily_ permitted everywhere the pubic is. ESAs are protected for housing and sometimes travel if I remember correctly. I've seen people get very upset and insist their ESA should be allowed somewhere because they have a doctor's note. It makes me wonder if they are being properly educated on what rights this status affords them by their provider. As you said, this lack of understanding hurts everyone, especially the people we are trying to help.
[sources: www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm; adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet]
I have an ECAD trained yellow lab Great Dane mix service dog. He helps with seizures, mobility, getting medication, laundry and more. ECAD is in CT.
I came here because as someone you may know, josh dun, got an ESA and I wanted to better understand what he is going through and how his ESA helps so thank you for making this video
Thank you for making this video! I am on the waiting list for a service dog, and I constantly hear people talking about making there animal a “service animal” when they should be a support animal. I am always trying to explain the difference. It’s nice to know somebody shares my thoughts on the matter.
Quick side note. There is one other animal that is considered a service animal under federal law. That is a mini horse. They are often used for blind people, or people who need an animal that can support more weight than a service dog could.
I don't have a service animal of any kind. But I'm very glad to hear about the information you just gave about animals. My cat passed away a few years ago, I had him for 19 years. He was my best friend, and I know that might sound stupid to some people but he was. He was in my life from the time I was 5 until 24. When I was sad he would help me when I'm stressed he would help me. I have really bad panic attacks because I have PTSD and a couple of other issues because of trauma in my past, and if I started freaking out and getting panicky he would come to me and sit with me in / and it would help. So I understand why people do this. My husband promise that when we move next year we can get me another cat. Where we live now we can't have any pets.
I have a ESA. He started as a rescue. I started doing training with him a we developed a bond. I suffer from depression and panic disorder. Started noticing him jumping on me, bumping my hands to pet him, standing in front of me to hug onto, or laying on top of me when I was having a panic attacks or anxiety attack. Really wanted to do some trading with him so her could be a service dog but he is extremely nervous dog and is scared of other dogs. So service animal was out of the question. He is a great boy and has helped me so much. I wouldn’t be here with out him today. He is a Pit bull. I have extras social anxiety but let someone talk bad about my breed and I will lay some facts on them. He helps in so many different ways.
0:51
I have three out of all of the other illnesses she listed
I have depression PTSD and anxiety. I also struggle with suisidal thoughts every now and then. I’m in need of one
Great video, I love it.
Love this Kati! My kelpie Pippa 🐶 is by my side most the day! ❤️
I grew up on a farm. There was always animals around, A dog, and a 15ish chickens. Which I used to pick up and hold them in front of the plastic window where different bugs would gather and move the chicken around so it could snap and eat the bugs. I though it was really fun! After a chicken had gotten a few I would put it down and pick up a other!
The Sheepdog I grew up with my dad got 3 years before I was born. And he was a very close friend, when he died it didn't take us kids to feel like something was missing, home wasn't home anymore. And we got a Leonberger. Giant, sweet and gentle Leo.
To wrap this up, I have never felt a home really is a home if there's not a animal there. When I moved out I got two cats, since I lived alone and had to work I didn't feel it was right to leave a dog home alone for so long.
I for one, prefer animals over most humans.
In the netherlands a emotional support animal with a badge can travel for free with the NS train service as they treat them equal to service dogs. My Xiamara (semi braindead Great Dane) is perfect for me. My dad died and i was really bonded to him so Xiamara and my wife helped looking after me, my mom and arrange the cremation within a week. I was not allowed to wash him but i clothed my dad for viewing. I did not drown myself, did not cut myself.... i did better then i expected. Only at the airport after arrival when they told me on the phone he died i felt so incredibly lost. The cremation ceremony was when i fully broke down after my nephew said his grandfather was stupid to die, love that 5 year old logic and he broke down after it hit him he had to leave him behind. I grabbed the picture of the coffin so he could have it. It showed him how i felt towards him, not caring if someone else wanted it, this week true friends separated from the false ones.... but Xiamara was there to mother me, lick my tears away... i love that dog.
I have a psychiatric servicedog for ptsd. :) I need to take him everywhere to function, I had therapy for the past 7 years but it didn’t work, but since I have a service dog I’m able to do things. I’m glad you brought up the issue with ESA’s and public acess. My servicedog costed me more than 18,5k. It’s so annoying people fake their regular pet as an service dog. :/