Emotional Support Service Dogs: The 5 Benefits of Having One

Emotional support service dogs (ESSDs) are becoming increasingly popular as people realize the many benefits they can provide. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are over 300,000 registered ESSDs in the United States alone.

What is an Emotional Support Service Dog?

An emotional support service dog (ESSD) is a dog that has been trained to provide emotional support to people with disabilities. These dogs are not considered to be service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but they are still able to provide valuable assistance to their owners.

What Are the Benefits of Having an Emotional Support Service Dog?

1. Provide companionship and unconditional love. ESSDs can provide companionship and unconditional love to their owners. This can be especially helpful for people who live alone or who have difficulty forming relationships with other people. In fact, A study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that people who have an emotional support animal have lower levels of depression and anxiety than those who do not.

2. Help reduce stress and anxiety. ESSDs can help people to reduce stress and anxiety. This is because dogs have a calming effect on humans. Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

3. Increase social interaction. ESSDs can help people to increase social interaction. When you have an emotional support service dog, you are more likely to get out and about and interact with other people. This can be especially helpful for people who have difficulty socializing or who are isolated.

4. Improve sleep quality. ESSDs can help people to improve sleep quality. This is because dogs can provide a sense of security and comfort, which can lead to better sleep. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that people who have an emotional support animal have better sleep quality than those who do not.

5. Provide a sense of purpose. ESSDs can help people to feel a sense of purpose. This is because they provide a way to help others. Many people who have emotional support service dogs volunteer their time at hospitals, nursing homes, and other places where they can provide comfort and support to others.

What Are the Requirements for Getting an Emotional Support Service Dog?

In order to get an emotional support service dog, you must have a disability that is recognized by the ADA. You must also be able to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you need an emotional support animal.

How to Register Your Emotional Support Service Dog

Once you have a letter from a licensed mental health professional, you can register your emotional support service dog with the AKC. This will allow you to take your dog with you on public transportation and into public places.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting an Emotional Support Service Dog

There are a few common mistakes that people make when getting an emotional support service dog. These mistakes include:

• Not getting a dog that is the right fit for your needs.
• Not getting your dog properly trained.
• Not registering your dog with the AKC.
• Taking your dog with you places where they are not allowed.

Why Emotional Support Service Dogs Matter

Emotional support service dogs matter because they can provide valuable assistance to people with disabilities. These dogs can help people to reduce stress and anxiety, increase social interaction, improve sleep quality, and provide a sense of purpose.

How Emotional Support Service Dogs Benefit People

Emotional support service dogs benefit people in many ways. These benefits include:

• Providing companionship and unconditional love
• Helping to reduce stress and anxiety
• Increasing social interaction
• Improving sleep quality
• Providing a sense of purpose

FAQs About Emotional Support Service Dogs

Here are some frequently asked questions about emotional support service dogs:

• What is the difference between an emotional support service dog and a therapy dog?
  An emotional support service dog is a dog that has been trained to provide emotional support to people with disabilities. A therapy dog is a dog that has been trained to provide comfort and support to people in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

• Can I get an emotional support service dog if I don't have a physical disability?
  Yes, you can get an emotional support service dog if you have a mental disability that is recognized by the ADA.

• How do I register my emotional support service dog?
  You can register your emotional support service dog with the AKC. This will allow you to take your dog with you on public transportation and into public places.

• Can I take my emotional support service dog with me everywhere I go?
  No, you cannot take your emotional support service dog with you everywhere you go. You can only take your dog with you into public places that allow dogs.

• What are the benefits of having an emotional support service dog?
  The benefits of having an emotional support service dog include companionship, reduced stress and anxiety, increased social interaction, improved sleep quality, and a sense of purpose.