Emotional support Animals (ESAs) provide support and comfort in terms of companionship and affection to people experiencing various mental disorders. Domesticated animals, like dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, hamsters, and birds, are typically chosen as emotional support companions. However, others can also go for pets, like snakes, horses and chicken, if they derive comfort from them.

ESAs are not the same as service animals as the latter are trained to perform certain tasks that benefit the disabled person. Instead, they are solely meant for providing unconditional love and emotional stability by alleviating symptoms of mental conditions, like depression, anxiety, mood disorder, bipolar disorder, phobias/fear, panic attacks, and other various emotional and psychological conditions.

Bringing home a new emotional support animal is a big and exciting decision that needs careful preparation beforehand. From grooming to bedding to toys and bowls, here we will be looking at all the basic accessories you will need to keep your emotional support animal happy, content and healthy.

Basic Supplies

• Food and Water Bowls: Here you can choose between plastic, ceramic and stainless steel bowls depending on your budget and personal preference. While plastic bowls are pretty long-lasting, they can be eventually gnawed and chewed by your dog. Stainless steel bowls are widely preferred, since they are easy to clean, and are evidently durable.
• Food:Depending on your ESA, you will need to invest in good quality food supplies.
• Shelter:If you are bringing home a dog, make sure to build a little outdoor shelter for him. Similarly, find the appropriate cage for birds, hamsters or guinea pigs.
• Toys:Toys are important for all animals to keep them physically and mentally fit and also prevent a destructive and aggressive attitude. For dogs, there are certain dog chews that help maintain their dental health. Because dogs are more likely to enjoy toys than other ESAs, you can invest in a number of different toys, depending on the nature and activeness of your dog. Popular toys include tug toys, fetch toys, food-dispensing toys and chew toys.

Grooming Accessories

Grooming equipment is a must-have, especially if you are opting for a dog or cat as your ESA. You need to establish a habit of regular maintenance and grooming early in your ESA’s life to avoid resistance later. Following are some of the most commonly used cat and dog brushes:

• Bristle Brushes: These brushes can be used for all cat and dog types. If you have a dog with a thick long coat, you should choose a brush that has more widely spaced bristles.
• Wire-Pin Brushes: These are not recommended for cats and dogs that have short hair, but is probably best suited to dogs with longer coats. If your pet has a particularly thick and curly coat, the wire-pin brush will be an ideal choice for you.
• Slicker Brushes: This is a type of bristled brush that has fine bristles, and is great for untangling rigid knots out of your pet’s fur coat.
• De-Shredder: This brush is a must-have for medium to long haired cats and especially dogs that shed regularly.

Tick, Flea and Worm Control

Most pets, especially cats and dogs come with the risk of worms, fleas and ticks that can make their life miserable as well as yours. Luckily, it is easier to do it with the help of medicated shampoos and collars that prevent tick and flea infestation.

Your ESA will be helping you with your mental condition throughout, so it is only fair that you provide the right accessories, a comforting environment to live in, and the proper pet health care.