Emotional Support Dogs: Best Breeds, Rights, and Responsibilities
Amy Thomas, MSSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care, psychiatric services, early childhood development, and teletherapy. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Anderson University. Amy is licensed as both an LCSW and LICSW and currently provides virtual therapy across multiple states, working with children, adolescents, young adults, and couples. Her approach integrates trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused techniques. She has previously served as Director at Donelson Heights Early Childhood Program and held clinical roles at Alive Hospice, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and Centennial Medical Center.
March 18, 2026
Amy Thomas, MSSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care, psychiatric services, early childhood development, and teletherapy. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Anderson University. Amy is licensed as both an LCSW and LICSW and currently provides virtual therapy across multiple states, working with children, adolescents, young adults, and couples. Her approach integrates trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused techniques. She has previously served as Director at Donelson Heights Early Childhood Program and held clinical roles at Alive Hospice, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and Centennial Medical Center.
March 18, 2026
An emotional support dog (ESA) offers therapeutic companionship to individuals diagnosed with mental or emotional conditions and is legally protected under U.S. housing laws, though it does not have public access rights under the ADA like service dogs.
To qualify, a licensed mental health professional must issue an ESA letter, and while no special training is required, basic obedience, emotional responsiveness, and good social behavior are essential for an ESA to be effective.
Certain breeds—such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—are especially well-suited for emotional support due to their calm temperaments, intelligence, and strong human bonds.
When it comes to air travel, small ESA breeds like the Havanese, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu often qualify for in-cabin travel, while larger breeds may need to fly in cargo, and all ESAs are subject to standard pet airline policies following the ACAA 2021 regulatory change.
What Is an Emotional Support Dog?
An emotional support dog (ESD/ESA Dog) is a dog that provides emotional comfort, companionship, and a stabilizing presence to an individual diagnosed with a mental or emotional disability. Emotional support dogs require no specialized task training unlike service dogs.
Emotional support animals do not have public access rights per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Title II and III).
ESA dogs are legally categorized as “assistance animals.” by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requiring housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for them to live with their ESDs, regardless of breed, size, and breed specific legislation unless the dog poses a documented threat or causes substantial damage.
How to Get an Emotional Support Dog? Make Your Dog an ESD
To get an emotional support dog or make your pet dog recognized as an emotional support animal, you follow a 3-step legal process:
Pre-Screening
Licensed Therapist
Your Letter
- Consulting with a Licensed Health care Provider: Consult with a licensed health care provider that is qualified to prescribe an emotional support animal.
- Get a Legitimate ESA Letter: The qualified healthcare provider writes the ESA letter for you.
- Submit the ESA Letter for Housing Accommodations: Present the ESA letter to your landlord and request for reasonable accommodation.
Consult with a Licensed Health Care Professional
The first step is to speak with a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or another qualified licensed health professional. During this consultation, the health care provider will assess whether you have a qualifying mental or emotional health condition, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or similar disorders that can benefit from the support of an ESA.
Get a Legitimate ESA Letter
If the LMHP determines that an emotional support animal would benefit your mental health, they can issue a formal ESA letter. An emotional support animal letter must include:
- Your full name
- A statement confirming your need for an ESA due to a diagnosed mental or emotional disability
- The professional’s license number, license type, and issuing state
- The date of issuance
- A recommendation for an emotional support dog as part of your treatment plan. This letter serves as your official documentation and is required to claim ESA-related protections under U.S. federal housing laws.
Get your Official ESA Letter Consultation from a licensed therapist.
Get ESA Letter Now
Submit the ESA Letter for Housing Accommodations
When requesting reasonable accommodation to live with your dog in housing that normally restricts pets or charges pet fees, provide your ESA letter to your landlord or property manager. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), housing providers must allow emotional support animals without charging pet fees or imposing breed or weight restrictions, as long as you present a valid ESA letter.
10 Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds
The 10 best emotional support dog breed based on temperament, intelligence, trainability and acceptance in housing and air travel are:
Traits to Consider When Choosing a Dog for Emotional Support
There are 5 important dog traits to consider when choosing an ESD:
- Living space: Larger dogs like Golden Retrievers (55–75 lbs) need more room and daily outdoor activity, making them less ideal for small apartments. In contrast, breeds like Havanese or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (under 20 lbs) are well-suited for compact homes.
- Allergies: If you or your roommates have allergies, get hypoallergenic breeds such as Poodles and Bichon Frises that produce less dander and shed minimally, reducing allergic reactions.
- Daily routine: Your daily routine should match the breed’s energy level. If you work long hours or have a sedentary lifestyle, low-maintenance breeds like the Shih Tzu or Bulldog are preferable. Active individuals may benefit from Labrador Retrievers, who thrive on regular exercise.
- Experience with Dogs: First-time owners should consider breeds with easy-going temperaments and lower training needs, such as the Havanese or Pug.
- Mental Health Condition: Your mental health condition should guide your choice. Those with anxiety may benefit from calm, cuddly breeds, while people with depression
Is Emotional Support Dog Certification Necessary?
There’s no legal certification required for emotional support dogs—only a valid ESA letter issued by a licensed professional. Be wary of:
- Online platforms selling “certificates” or ID cards
- Lifetime ESA registrations without mental health evaluation
Is Emotional Support Dog Registration Necessary?
You do not need to pay for an ESA registry. Here’s what you actually need:
- An ESA letter from a licensed provider
- (Optional) If you already see a therapist, they may issue the letter at no extra cost
- There’s no fee to “register” your dog—because official registration doesn’t exist
Emotional Support Dog for Sale: What to Know Before You Buy
You don’t need to buy a pre-certified ESA. Any dog that provides emotional support and is approved by a mental health professional can qualify.
Beware of scams selling:
- “Pre-trained emotional support dogs” at high prices
- “ESA puppies” that come with fake certificates
- “Registered” dogs without evaluation or letter
Instead, adopt or choose a dog that fits your emotional and lifestyle needs — and then pursue ESA qualification legally.
Training Emotional Support Dogs: Essential or Not?
Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs (ESAs) are not legally required to undergo specialized training. Their main role is to provide comfort and companionship to individuals dealing with emotional or mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
However, even though advanced training isn’t mandatory, basic obedience and good behavior are essential — especially in shared living spaces, public areas (when permitted), or travel situations.
A well-behaved ESA enhances emotional stability rather than creating stress or disruptions. Landlords can also deny your emotional support dog if it’s destructive, aggressive, or too disruptive,
Recommended Training Aspects:
- Leash Manners:
Teaching your ESA to walk calmly on a leash is important for daily outings and reducing triggers such as loud noises or crowded areas. - House Training:
Proper potty training ensures your dog can coexist peacefully in homes or apartments — especially where housing laws protect ESAs under the Fair Housing Act. - Recognizing Emotional Cues:
While ESAs aren’t trained to perform specific tasks, they can learn to pick up on your emotional states through consistency, repetition, and positive reinforcement. For example, they may come closer when you show signs of distress or anxiety, offering natural emotional grounding. - Socialization:
Calm exposure to various environments, people, and other pets helps prevent fear-based behavior and encourages emotional stability — both for the dog and their handler. - Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Come):
These commands provide structure, safety, and easier communication between you and your ESA, particularly in unfamiliar or potentially overwhelming settings.
Get your Official ESA Letter Consultation from a licensed therapist.
Get ESA Letter Now6 Benefits of ESA Dog: How Does It Help?
- Reduced Cortisol Levels: Spending time with a dog (petting, playing, or simply being near them) can help lower cortisol, which may reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Increased Social Participation: An ESA can make it easier for some people to leave the house, engage with others, and feel more comfortable in everyday social situations.
- Improved Daily Well-being: ESAs provide consistent companionship that can ease loneliness and support people coping with anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Lower Blood Pressure (During Stress): The calming presence of a relaxed dog can help some individuals feel more regulated during stressful moments, supporting a calmer physiological response.
- Structured Routine: Caring for an ESA encourages healthier daily habits (wake/sleep schedules, walks, feeding times) which can be helpful for managing ADHD symptoms and overall stability.
- Grounding Presence: Emotional support dogs can provide a steady, grounding presence that helps interrupt panic, spiraling thoughts, and emotional overwhelm.
Clinical research on human–animal companionship suggests that living with a dog can be linked to improved social and emotional functioning for some individuals. Overall, many owners also report better day-to-day performance at work or school due to the structure and emotional stability their dog brings.
1.Reduction of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Panic Symptoms
Emotional support dogs can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety-related conditions by providing a calming and grounding presence. Their companionship is especially beneficial during emotional distress or panic attacks, offering a sense of safety and nonjudgmental support.
A study by Barker, S. B., & Dawson, K. S. (1998) found that individuals undergoing therapy with the presence of a therapy dog reported significant reductions in anxiety levels compared to those without animal-assisted intervention.
2.Increase in Positive Neurotransmitters
Interactions with emotional support dogs, such as petting, cuddling, and playing, stimulate the release of serotonin and oxytocin—neurotransmitters linked to happiness, emotional bonding, and decreased stress.
According to Odendaal, J. S. J., & Meintjes, R. A. (2003), human-dog interaction can elevate levels of oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, and endorphins, while simultaneously reducing cortisol. This hormonal balance supports emotional resilience and well-being.
3.Lowering Cortisol Levels (Stress Hormone)
Scientific evidence supports that petting or interacting with dogs can reduce the secretion of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress responses. Lower cortisol levels contribute to a calmer nervous system, improved cardiovascular health, and reduced feelings of anxiety.
A study by Handlin, L. et al. (2011) observed that even brief physical interaction with a familiar dog led to decreased cortisol levels and increased oxytocin in both humans and dogs, reinforcing the reciprocal emotional benefit.
4.Encouragement of Routine and Responsibility
Caring for an ESA involves daily tasks such as feeding, walking, and grooming. This structured routine can help individuals—especially those struggling with mental health—establish a sense of control, stability, and purpose.
Serpell, J. A. (1991) highlighted that pet ownership provides a meaningful structure to daily life and has been linked to psychological and physiological improvements in individuals recovering from stress-related disorders.
5.Promotion of Physical Activity
Emotional support dogs naturally encourage physical movement, whether through daily walks, outdoor play, or general activity. Exercise is closely associated with improved mental health due to its ability to stimulate endorphin release and regulate mood.
According to a study by Cutt, H., Giles-Corti, B., & Knuiman, M. (2008), dog owners are more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity, and this regular activity has a direct impact on reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing emotional well-being.
6.Facilitation of Socialization
Having a dog can act as a social catalyst, easing interactions and making it easier to connect with others in public spaces. For individuals with social anxiety or depression, this can foster meaningful conversations and reduce feelings of isolation.
McNicholas, J., & Collis, G. M. (2000) found that people walking with dogs experienced significantly more social encounters and conversations, demonstrating the dog’s role as a social facilitator.
Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Dog?
To qualify as an ESA, you require a prescription ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This professional must determine that your mental health condition benefits from the presence of a support animal.
Nearly one in five Americans experience mental health challenges where an ESA might assist in their treatment. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD often qualify for an emotional support animal designation. To officially recognize a dog as an emotional support animal, one must have authorization from a licensed mental health professional.
The qualification process ensures that ESAs are prescribed as part of a legitimate treatment plan. Ethical clinical standards require a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychiatrist before an ESA letter is issued.
Scams involving “registries” or “certificates” should be avoided at all costs to maintain legal protections. A legitimate prescription letter provides the necessary documentation for housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. This legal pathway helps parents ensure their children have the support they need for emotional stability.
How to Get an Emotional Support Dog?
- Consult with a licensed mental health professional about your symptoms and needs.
- Obtain a formal ESA letter on the professional’s official letterhead.
- Research and choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and emotional requirements.
- Visit local shelters or animal rescues to find a dog with the right temperament.
- Spend time with different dogs to ensure a strong personal connection exists.
- Ensure the dog receives basic obedience training to maintain a calm household.
- Prepare your home and notify your landlord of your legal right to an ESA.
Emotional Support Dog Owners: Housing and Travel Rights
If you have an emotional support dog (ESA dog) accompanied by a valid letter from a licensed mental health professional, you are protected under several laws—most notably in housing. However, it’s important to understand that emotional support dogs do not have the same public access or air travel rights as service dogs, which affects where you can bring your dog and the accommodations airlines provide.
Fair Housing Act (FHA)
Under the FHA, landlords are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for emotional support dogs, even in properties with strict no-pet policies. This means you can live with your ESA dog without facing pet-related restrictions.
Additionally, landlords cannot charge pet fees, deposits, or require additional payments for keeping an emotional support animal. This protection helps ensure that individuals with mental health needs can maintain stable housing alongside their ESA dogs.
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
Since 2021, the rules around flying with emotional support dogs have changed significantly. Airlines are no longer obligated to treat ESAs as service animals, meaning emotional support dogs are generally considered pets by most carriers. This shift results in several important implications for travelers:
- You may be required to pay a pet fee, similar to any other animal traveling with you.
- Your dog will likely need to stay in a carrier placed under the seat during the flight.
- Some airlines may still require additional documentation or advance notice, but the protections are far more limited than before.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA distinguishes between service dogs and emotional support animals, and only service dogs are granted extensive public access rights. Emotional support dogs do not have the right to accompany you in most public places that do not allow pets, such as:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Offices and workplaces (unless the employer grants specific accommodations)
This means that while emotional support dogs provide crucial emotional benefits, their access is limited compared to service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
When Can a Landlord Reject an Emotional Support Dog?
Yes, a landlord can legally deny ESA dogs when there’s no verified disability-related need, insufficient or fraudulent documentation, a direct threat to health or property, or if the animal is unmanageable. Requests may also be rejected if they impose undue financial or administrative burdens.
FAQ about Emotional Support Dog
No, emotional support dogs are not legally required to wear a vest. The law does not mandate any specific identification for ESAs, as they are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Many owners choose to use a vest to signal the dog’s role and reduce questions or misunderstandings in public or housing situations. While it may help avoid awkward interactions, only a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional provides official recognition of your emotional support dog.
No, you can’t claim your ESA on your taxes because expenses for emotional support animals are generally not tax-deductible, as the IRS does not classify them as qualified medical expenses. While ESAs offer meaningful emotional support, their care and related costs typically do not meet the criteria for medical deductions.
Some emotional support animal (ESA) expenses may be tax-deductible if they meet IRS guidelines for qualified medical expenses. According to the IRS, deductible medical costs must be directly related to the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a diagnosed condition, and total qualifying expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). To qualify, you typically need documentation from a licensed medical professional confirming the ESA is part of your treatment plan.
Yes, you can obtain an ESA letter even before adopting a dog. An emotional support animal (ESA) letter is issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) based on your psychological or emotional needs—not the identity of a specific animal. Eligibility for an ESA letter applies whether or not you currently own a pet.
Emotional support dogs do not have the same legal public access rights as service dogs and are typically not permitted in pet-restricted public places such as restaurants, retail stores, or transportation hubs. While ESAs are protected under housing laws—allowing them to live in no-pet residences—they are not guaranteed entry into public spaces that prohibit animals.
Yes, you can fly with an emotional support dog, but only as a pet, and subject to the airline’s policies because unlike service animals, airlines aren’t legally required to accommodate emotional support animals.
The best breeds for psychiatric service animal are those that provide comfort and calm, while easily learn specific tasks related to qualified psychiatric conditions.
To learn more, read our dedicated article on Psychiatric Service Dog Breeds
Should You Get an Emotional Support Dog?
An emotional support dog can be a life-changing companion for individuals living with anxiety, depression, or trauma. While they don’t have the same legal access as service dogs, they do offer meaningful comfort and protection under housing law—with minimal barriers to entry.
To get started, the most important step is to obtain a valid ESA letter from a licensed professional. Avoid scams, understand your rights, and choose a dog that fits your emotional and lifestyle needs.
Need help getting an ESA letter? We connect you with licensed professionals and begin your ESA process safely and legally today.
Get You Prescription Letter Now
Update Notes
Feb. 18, 2026: This article was medically reviewed by Amy Thomas
Emotional Support Animal Disabilities, Emotional Support Animal
How Emotional Support Animals Reduce Lon...
Brenda Mejia
Jan 8 2026
Emotional Support Animal, Emotional Support Animal Disabilities
Lupus Treatment Options: Symptoms, Diagn...
Jonalyn Dionio
Feb 16 2026
