CATS AS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS
An emotional support animal is a legally recognized assistance animal that alleviates symptoms of mental or emotional health condition. Cats can provide a calming presence that helps alleviate symptoms for people with disabilities, mental health issues, or people who just want a bit of comfort, a cat can be a great friend and companion.
Cats provide therapeutic companionship and comfort people with physical or mental illness. Here are some examples;
Support Anxiety Patience
The primary reason for individuals needing an emotional support animal is for managing anxiety attacks and fighting depression. No one have a perfect life, we all struggle with stress that can weigh on us from time to time. Even when faced with a challenging situation that could affect how a person functions, the person can turn to the animal to alleviate his or her discomfort.
Hearing Assistance
Dogs have been commonly used as hearing assistance animals. However, cats are also good options for those with hearing impairment. Cats are being trained as hearing assistance animal for the deaf, alerting them to sounds, such as alarm clock or door bell, which they cannot hear. This service could also be especially beneficial for those who are not completely deaf.
Visual Assistance
Cats are trained as guide animals for the visually impaired, helping them navigate unfamiliar environments safely.
Medical studies in the field of human-animal interaction have documented people’s recovery from stress-related illness through interactions with dogs, cats and horses. Additionally, research shows ESAs can lower anxiety, reduces depression, decrease feelings of loneliness, and may even offer benefits to those with PTSD. Owing an ESA cat seems to melt away troubles. Their playfulness adds more fun to life and their cuddling is comfort.
However, given this scenario, emotional service animals are not considered by law as service animals. As stated in the California’s Disability Rights, An animal is not a service animal if its mere presence benefits the individual with a disability.
DOGS AS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS
What is an emotional support dog? It’s an animal that provide comfort, companionship and therapeutic benefits for those facing emotional or mental health challenges, such as panic attacks, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, cancer and chronic stress.
The purpose of an emotional support dog is to help reduce the impairment related to a health condition. That doesn’t mean your dog needs a specific training.
• Having a dog guarding your home may reduce fear caused by post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD)
• Taking care of a dog might give you purpose if you have severe depression. Its helps keeps a depressed person from being socially isolated by getting them outside for a walk.
• Petting a dog helps control panic attack. Easing every form of tensions that is around the individual.
Emotional support dogs don’t require any training and can be theoretically be any breed or mix of breeds you choose. More so if you are looking for emotional support animals, here are some candidates for you:
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Golden Retriever are highly sociable and highly compassionate dogs. They have a natural instinct to connect and comfort with people. They tend to be very easy to train and are one of the most reliable breeds out there.
Golden Retriever are often trained as service dogs because of their unique qualities. They’re a great option for those in need of emotional support.
Their Traits
• Easy to train
• Intelligent
• Reliable
• Patient
• Eagar to please
LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Labrador’s are known for their affection, kindness, and loyalty. They have an innate ability to sense emotions and provide unconditional love to their owners. Their friendly disposition and adaptability make them well-suited for various environment. Labrador is different from Golden Retriever in character and body type. In character Golden are a bit clingy, while Labradors are independent. In body type Labradors have a shorter coat than Golden Retrievers.
Their Traits
• Affectionate
• Sensitive to emotions
• Versatile
• Independent
• Loyal
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier king Charles spaniels are well- suited for individuals seeking a smaller breed. They are particularly attuned to human emotions, making them excellent, empathetic companions.
They form a strong bond with their parents and thrive on close companionship. These small yet charming dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Their Trait
• Strong bond
• Affectionate
• Gentle
• Small size
POODLE
Poodles are highly intelligent and have a calm and composed demeanor. They are not hypoallergenic but also very adaptable, making them a great choice for those with allergies.
Their keen are intelligent enabling them to provide both emotional support and assist with various tasks.
It’s important to note that poodles are typically high-energy dogs that need lots of attention, both physically and mentally.
Their Traits
• Composed demeanor
• Hypoallergenic
• Adaptable
• Intelligent
• Different in sizes
SHIH TZU
Shih Tzu are small in size, but they love effortlessly, they thrive on human companionship, and are very durable for apartments. With their long, flowing coats and expressive eyes. Shih Tzus make excellent emotional support animals. They are very attentive, loving and have a way of bonding rightly with their owners.
Their Trait
• Affectionate
• Friendly
• Long, flowing coats
• Indoor- friendly
• Very attentive
It’s important to note that an emotional support dog is not a therapeutic tool, but also a pet in every sense. It is important to choose a breed that matches your lifestyle as well as your emotional need.
