To qualify for an emotional support animal, you need to have an emotional or mental health disability that limits your normal daily activities. A licensed mental health care provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, must certify that you have such a condition by issuing an ESA letter.

Emotional support animals help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, boost your mood and increase social support feelings. Their companionship has proven to be a significant addition to therapy in people with mental illnesses.