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Is an Emotional Support Animal the Same as a Service Dog?
The terms “service dog” and “emotional support animal” are often incorrectly used interchangeably. While they fall under the same umbrella of assistance animals, these two types of dogs provide different services to their handlers. In order to find the most fitting, beneficial support, it’s important for handlers to know the difference between the two types […]
Can a Rescue Dog Become a Service Dog?
When looking for a service dog, some people will gravitate towards a specific breed or seek out an organization that specializes in training service dogs. So what about dogs that were found as a stray, were abandoned, or surrendered? Are these so-called rescue dogs able to become service dogs? The simple answer is: yes! As […]
How Do I Qualify For a Service Dog if I Have Anxiety and Depression?
For a person living with anxiety or depression, even the most trivial tasks can feel exhausting. To deal with their mental illness, some take medication or schedule consistent therapy sessions. But it’s not widely known that anyone with diagnosed anxiety or depression also qualifies for a psychiatric service dog. What is a psychiatric service dog? […]
People with anxiety and depression is no longer on the list of people who can have ESA??
I agree
That falls under cognitive disorders I think
Thank you for considering me and my dog Roxy. We rescued her about 3 months ago. She is a small 10 pound dog that is a mix of Papillon and probably a Maltese.
She had 2 puppies when she was found in a ditch cold and hungry. The family that found her wanted the puppies but not her. My sister -in-law works in surgery at this vet office.
She thought of us. We loved her at first sight and she took right to us. It is uncanny her sense of something is wrong. I recently had open heart surgery and the doctor allowed her to visit me at the hospital a lot. She was quiet and very well behaved. The staff and Doctor were all crazy about her!
That’s awesome I would of never imagined my dog being allowed with me at such a stressful time like being hospitalized.
I have Bipolar disorder AND depression, I’ve had my dog alfie with me for 16 years and now I’m needing him certified so I can move into another apartment , how may I get this done ?
Is there a cost to this process?
If you have anxiety and depression, do you qualify? If so, how do you go about getting my dog certified.
I’m medically retired out the military. Will my paper be my evidence to have a ESA. I have conversion disorder and PTSD
Thank you for your service. The VA has developed programs to provide qualified veterans with service dogs. This article on the Steps for Veterans to Get a Service Dog might be helpful to you https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/steps-for-veterans-service-dog/
Why?
2. Can I qualify for an Emotional Support Dog?
emotional support dog
Emotional support animals help people with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and more.
You may qualify for an emotional support dog if you have emotional or mental illnesses. If you suffer from one or more of the mental illnesses listed below, you may qualify for an emotional support dog.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Learning Disorders
Autism
General Anxiety Disorder
Gender Identity
Bipolar
Cognitive disorders
Depression
Severe anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or any of the illnesses listed above, you may be interested in having an official Emotional Support Animal. If you do not have access to a therapist, the next step is to learn more about how to get an ESA Letter online.
Source: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-requirements/
I have been a diabetic for 4 years. Do I qualify for a 11 year old dog?
If a teenager that has been throughout the foster system and has meantal health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorter, ptsd, add, adhd, ddd, and has had suicidal thoughts in the past would they have a chance of getting an emotional support animal even though they do not have a therapist any longer?
In order to qualify for an ESA a therapist needs to agree that an animal would be beneficial to the patient’s recovery. If agreed, an ESA letter from said therapist is required. For individuals who cannot reach a lmhp, there are online services that can help make an assessment through telehealth. But be aware to contact a legitimate service with actual health professionals. You may find this article on how to qualify for an ESA interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
So if someone has PTSD & therapist id’d This diagnosis it still doesn’t count?
Hello I was wondering about service dogs.
I have bad anxiety, depression, PTSD, learning disorders and autisim.
I love animals and I think this would help me in day to day tasks.
Is Personality disorder a recognized mental disorder
Regards
Michelle
Mental disorders are disabilities that qualifies you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
Oh yeah I definitely have that I am also too nice like no joke I never say no to anyone and never ask for what I want I always say what people want to here I am not outgoing anymore I’m far too nice is there a service animal that can help me with that? Don’t take this as a joke it’s not I’m always worrying I think I have anxiety and I worry about that too I am a huge introvert I have only two very distant friends I try to make more but everyone hates me and they don’t hesitate to tell me and I worry about that too every time I interact with anyone after I’m done I go over everything that I said to make sure I didn’t do something wrong I worry about the fact that I said something wrong all day and I worry about the fact that I spend all day worrying I need help can I get a service animal for that?
No freaking joke! I have both and thought that they would be #1/#2 on the list. Sexual disorder? Really????? I’m pissed.
You all don’t read very well…
2. Can I qualify for an Emotional Support Dog?
emotional support dog
Emotional support animals help people with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and more.
You may qualify for an emotional support dog if you have emotional or mental illnesses. If you suffer from one or more of the mental illnesses listed below, you may qualify for an emotional support dog.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Learning Disorders
Autism
General Anxiety Disorder
Gender Identity
Bipolar
Cognitive disorders
Depression
Severe anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or any of the illnesses listed above, you may be interested in having an official Emotional Support Animal. If you do not have access to a therapist, the next step is to learn more about how to get an ESA Letter online.
Source: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-requirements/
why you feel that way on the contrary any one with a Diagnosis PTSD THERE SHOULD BE NO IF OR BUTS ONCE YOU ARE UNDER PSYCHOLOGIST HELP THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANY PROBLEM
Cognitive would cover that I imagine ?
Yes, Lindsey, I wonder wh yt not!
I think anxiety and depression fall under one or more of the listed items. Tic disorders, Cognitive disorders, etc
My 10 yr old was diagnosed with PTSD. Is she eligible?
Yes, if a licensed healthcare professional deems it helpful to her PTSD.
I was wondering the same. The questionnaire on here is more for the adult needing help. Is there something that parents of children can fill out. I have a 13 year old with anxiety, having trouble going to school, etc.
Could I get verification for any kind of animal for my mental health or only a list of certain types.
Yes anyone and everyone can qualify for an esa
Scroll to the top of this page. There is a list of disorders that qualify for ESA.
I have bad depression would I qualify?
Depression does qualify a person to have an emotional support animal.
What if the person gets so depressed crippling to the point where they dont get out of bed or eat etc? like would end up having to go to an institution due to the lack of drive to care for self at all. I have seen this with my mom and I am looking at getting her dog transitioned into a service animal so that way she can have her dog with her to avoid those lows.
That’s sad but a sexual disorder does 🤷🏽♀️Smh!
I have PTSD and anxiety disorder . Can I qualify?
Yes, this could qualify for getting an emotional support animal.
I have had 2 strokes, year 2013 and 2017, it’s caused me to have disability issues, I have to have a knee replacement in both knees and I have bone spurs in both knees I had a cortisone shot about 4 days ago and I can’t have the knee surgery for three months now and now I’ve been diagnosed with blood cancer it’s calledl paratha Vera( PV blood cancer),, the stroke has caused my right side 2 ache deep in the muscle in the bones clear up over my shoulder do the tips of my finger down to the bottoms of my feet and toes, and then the stroke cause my left hand pinky it won’t bend straight and then my pointer finger and thumb are numb I can’t feel anything in the left part of my face feels numb and then I’ve got nerve pain on my right whole side from the stroke so it’s very hard to get around because my hands don’t work well and neither do my legs,
Wish you all the best. If you don’t have someone to take responsibility, please consider first whether you’re physically able to care for a dog.
I have anxiety, ptsd, depression, insomnia, and don’t like to eat breakfast lunch or dinner. I also have adhd. Do I qualify?
Yes
2. Can I qualify for an Emotional Support Dog?
emotional support dog
Emotional support animals help people with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and more.
You may qualify for an emotional support dog if you have emotional or mental illnesses. If you suffer from one or more of the mental illnesses listed below, you may qualify for an emotional support dog.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Learning Disorders
Autism
General Anxiety Disorder
Gender Identity
Bipolar
Cognitive disorders
Depression
Severe anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or any of the illnesses listed above, you may be interested in having an official Emotional Support Animal. If you do not have access to a therapist, the next step is to learn more about how to get an ESA Letter online.
Source: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-requirements/
My wife has anxiety. Would she qualify for an ESA
Why can’t people with anxiety and depression get esa?
They should! These are the people that need them most.
I honestly have no idea why they’re not on here. They can almost benefit the most from them.
There not all on this list for some reason. All those things qualify Google it. I have a dog for depression etc.
I think depression and anxiety goes with cognitive disorders.
Does person with tbi qualify for emotional support dog
As far as I know You can get an ESA if you have depression and anxiety. It’s just whether or not you dr. Deems you bad enough to have an ESA, if it interferes with your daily routines then you should be able to. I have had depression, anxiety, panic attacks, I’m bipolar type 2, an alcoholic in recovery and have PTSD from being in an extremely abusive marriage for 10 yrs and nearly got killed. Yet none of my drs. And/or therapists have been willing to get me an actual full service PTSD dog let alone an ESA…it’s totally screwed up. Because then I know others that just have depression and get one.
You should look into the links above helping you get it online.
I have provided my coop board with letters from 6 doctors (all expressing an esa would be beneficial to me due to my depression, mental anxiety, Foot Drop due to recent total left hip surgery and now Peroneal Neuropathy. My coop board immediately had coop lawyer get in contact with me. I was ordered to remove my puppy immediately although I had registered him as an esa. They dont want to hear it, after 6 medical professional letters, they continue to deny me stating there is insufficient proof that an esa would benefit me. Who are they kidding, how dare they challenge medical professionals? Im at my wits-end. I feel this is now personal as another has a dog in my complex, why can she and not me? All letters indicate my diagnosis and last letter clearly states ‘certificate of disability’, yet they continue to say no. How can they get away with this. What is my next step?
Have your attorney talk to the HOA attorney, threatening violation of ADA.
They CAN!!! I have one for depression.
Yes. Both are on here.
2. Can I qualify for an Emotional Support Dog?
emotional support dog
Emotional support animals help people with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and more.
You may qualify for an emotional support dog if you have emotional or mental illnesses. If you suffer from one or more of the mental illnesses listed below, you may qualify for an emotional support dog.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Learning Disorders
Autism
General Anxiety Disorder
Gender Identity
Bipolar
Cognitive disorders
Depression
Severe anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or any of the illnesses listed above, you may be interested in having an official Emotional Support Animal. If you do not have access to a therapist, the next step is to learn more about how to get an ESA Letter online.
Source: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-requirements/
I have ptsd, anxiety disorder, depression, and somatic system disorder. Would this qualify me for a esa?
Absolutely.
How much does it cost? I’ve had my dog for 7 years. He’s helped me with PTSD, depression and anxiety. He’s my best friend even through my mood swings.. It’s like a roller coaster ride that never stops
If you go on the main page it starts out at $39. And it goes up to $77. I would recommend the $77 one
And will I be able to have him at my apartment?
How much does it cost?
I have bipolar 2 so I have Hypo-manic episodes. Would I qualify for an ESA?
I struggles with depression. Does I need a doctors note prescribing an emotional support animal
Yes, a doctor’s note is required for emotional support animals.
i have borderline personality disorder (BPD), ADHD, and severe problems with anxiety.. would i qualify?
Is it legal for apartments to rent to people without these cert. and still say aggressive breeds are care dogs?
i have adhd+add, as well as anxiety and i get stressed out very fast. can this qualify me to get a ESA?
I suffer from fibromyalgia. My yorkie helps me when I’m in the most pain would in emotional distress due to the pain. Would this qualify me to make him my emotional support animal?
Would postpartum depression (PPD) be a cognitive disorder and qualify?
Depression is a disability that may qualify you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
Hello, I live in Argentina but I am a U.S citizen. Can I have a doctor’s letter from here in Argentina?
No! Aegentina rules applies, hun.
Can a family physician write a letter for a emotional support animal?
If they have some sort of qualifications in psychology. Not just any doctor can write the letter it needs to be someone with a mental health background.
Have to get letter from a mental health provider and the animal and all apt shots food cage etc tax deductible under medical expense
does it have to be a therapist to RX one or can it be a normal doctor? I have severe anxiety and depression but don’t go to therapy, i just take medication and want to get a support animal.
You need to see a Psychiatrist. The letter can’t be from any doctor but a Psychiatrist.
I mean you can speak to a psychiatrist on this web page. Main page. Or if your personal care
physician (family Dr.) helps you with your psychiatric needs like antidepressants or anxiety meds she is allowed to write you a letter on her letterhead. Read through all of these comments. Everyone is asking the same questions over and over.
I have PTSD and very depressed can i get a support animals .
How do you break it to your parents that you’ve been hiding your anxiety and depression from them, and have almost had a panic attack before? (I just ended up laying down on a bench until I could actually breathe and wasn’t lightheaded, and my legs didn’t feel weaker then a small twig.)
Julian,
Just tell them how you’ve been feeling, no parent wants their child to suffer like that… Or if you are anxious about that, ask to speak to your guidance counselor at school, they might be able to better explain it to your parents. Hope this helps!
The best way is to just tell them. They might want to know why you’ve been hiding it from them; when I told my parents, I also told them that I felt like I had to keep my appearance of being someone who brought joy to other people and that I was afraid of being judged. Reaching out is the hardest step in getting help, but once you do, it can change your life in the best way. I also have anxiety with panic attacks— at one point, enough for it to be Panic Attack Disorder. Hope this helps! Good luck, I have faith in you!
Cosette, this is the best advice. I am “old”, but I still go through all of those feelings in my regular life— Deep depression and anxiety. I’m saying this to tell that I know how debilitating having those issues can be.
I am also replying because I have children, three of whom went through and sometimes are still going through this. So much so that my youngest had began cutting at 13. I saw her going through so much. It is hard for a parent to know what she is going through and watch her suffer. The BEST thing is to talk to your mom OR dad Or even an adult sibling.
I hope this helps SOMEone…
Does the note have to come from a therapist or could it come from a primary care provider? Or a regular doctor?
Dose having sever headaches anxiety from being apart depression and anxiety EMS or service dog?
There are so many websites offering certifications. How can I tell which are valid? None of the ones I have looked at ask for my doctors information.
I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity (ADHD) for 7 years now. For me it’s really difficult to get my brain to pay attention, and it makes it very difficult for me to learn. I have really bad generalized anxiety, but it’s not diagnosed. My cat is the only thing that can calm me down when I’m shaking from anxiety. I’m currently in another country thousands of miles away from my home, and it’s nearly impossible for me to stop my own anxiety attacks. My cat also has some issues like he has anxiety as well, we were each other’s comfort. For me my anxiety affects me much worse than my ADHD, I take care of my ADHD as soon as it affects me. What should I do to get my cat certified as an emotional Support Animal, or if he can’t what should I do to get one in general? Should I go with my anxiety, or go with my ADHD? For me it’s no difference.
I live in Canada and my country does not recognize emotional support animals. Can I get certified through your organization ?
When/how are you supposed to prove the dog to be ESA?
People with mental disorders qualify for ESA. You need a letter from a Psychiatrist. Some of the disorders are ADD, Cognitive disorders, learning disorders, bi-polarity, etc. Be sure to get the letter from a Psychiatrist nor your Primary Care doctor.
Yes. Bi-polarity is one of the disorders that qualify for ESA.
are ESA’s allowed into buildings just like service animals?
How do I get the actual ESA certification/letter, do they provide the dog vest? How much does it cost? Where can you register? Help!
I have ADHD and Gender Dysphoria do I qualify for an ESA
Can my psychologist prescribe me to own a bearded dragon as a support animal for ptsd and depression?
I have eye herpes, it can flare up with stress. could this qualify me with an emotional support dog?
can you have an ESA if you have really bad mood swings?
Does OCD qualify as one of the disorders?
If I get my dog certified as an ESA will I be able to bring her into stores/restaurants/etc.?
I’m curious about the same
I have RAD and severe clinical depression. Would I qualify for an ESA?
Hi I have Epilepsy Gad PTSD Anxiety Panic Attacks n have really really bad nerves!! Would I qualify for a Dog at all?? And how would I go bout it
They can read the list PEOPLE
Hello, my 11 year old brother has been diagnosed with ADHD. Can he qualify for a emotional support dog? The list only mentions ADD, but can he qualify also? Thank you!
I am clinically pronounced with Major Depression Disorder and have some cases of random panic attack and social anxiety attacks. Do I qualify?
I have separation anxiety do I qualify for a ESA dog?
Anxiety is a disability that qualifies you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
I have suffered long-term from depression/ocd/anxiety and have a diagnosis from a medical doctor. In the past 5 years I have had 2 major car accidents not caused by me but because of them I suffer now from PTSD. I have severe anxiety while driving, especially when it rains. Do I still need a certification from a psychiatrist to have my dog certified? And would I qualify?
Would I qualify for an esa
I have severe anxiety and depression . Also always had a learning disability all my life hard for me.to concentrate also I have health problems chronic pain. Serve migraines. I’m borderline almost diabetic . With some sugar issues sometimes . Have emotional problems due to being in abusive relationships .
Anxiety is a disability that qualifies you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
can you get an esa lizard?
Yes, a lizard can indeed be an ESA. Any animal can become their handler’s ESA if it provided the owner with comfort and support in times of need. If you’re wondering how to qualify for an ESA you may find this article helpful https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/