When Does Animal Companionship Become Part of a Mental Health Support Plan?

The World Health Organization revealed in a recent article that at a global level, more than 1 billion people live with mental health disorders, with anxiety and depression being prevalent conditions. Unfortunately, while mental health and psychosocial support is more accessible now compared to previous years, many people still struggle to receive the treatment they need. This happens due to long wait times, insurance issues, and even the workforce shortage in this domain.

Luckily, solutions exist among the challenges, and one that’s increasing in popularity is animal companionship. The process of being assigned a pet to help people navigate a mental health disorder follows a certified structure of speaking with a licensed therapist and having a complete assessment, all of which end with receiving a letter of approval for an ESA (Emotional Support Animal). Having a furry friend around can contribute considerably to mental health improvement, so let’s see how pet therapy can aid in a successful support plan.

Why would you choose the help of animal companionship?

Managing mental health conditions can be overwhelming, even with therapeutic interventions and daily routines. But being accompanied by a pet can make things easier, as a dog or a cat can make you feel more relaxed and less lonely, especially since they reciprocate your love and care.

There’s a distinction worth knowing between ESA and service animals. The first category includes animals that don’t require specialized training to help you manage emotions or navigate certain disabilities, while service animals are trained to be of your service, for example, in the case of seizures.

That’s why you can get an ESA for issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, or other similar conditions. And don’t worry, your pet is protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), so there are rules, certifications, and regulations that allow this entire process to be available for you.

What should you expect from pet therapy?

Think of having an anxiety episode, and your ESA’s presence helps you calm down and continue your day as usual. You can choose a dog or cat, as they’re popular options, but rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds also qualify as ESAs. But first, you need to qualify to receive an emotional support animal according to your mental health condition, so you will talk with a licensed mental health professional who will help provide an ESA letter that will give you the right for the pet to live with you and even be near you in certain properties and campuses (when allowed).

While this seems like a complex process, it’s entirely based on a practical attachment between you and an emotional support pet. According to Prairie Conlon, LCMHC, LPC, NCC, Clinical Director at CetraPet, “During an ESA evaluation, we need to look beyond just a diagnosis and determine how the person’s symptoms are actually impacting their daily life. That could include things like sleeping, self-care, eating, concentration, or other major life activities. We’re looking for a pattern of those symptoms creating limitations, and then how the animal helps mitigate them through things like routine, motivation, purpose, emotional support, or helping with sleep”. A state-licensed mental health professional with expertise in animal-assisted therapy will help you with the procedure of CertaPet's licensed ESA letter evaluation, blending techniques of clinical evaluation with the bonus of comfort and legal status. This happens by completing a quick pre-assessment through which experts will check your eligibility, after which you will talk with a professional about your mental health history and symptoms, so they can determine if a pet can surely contribute to your well-being.

What are your responsibilities as a pet owner?

When your pet offers you comfort, you must return the benefit by taking care of them. Prairie Colon states further that “There are a lot of practical things to consider because an animal requires time, money, attention, and daily care. You want to think about the type of animal, costs like food, grooming and veterinary care, your work schedule, and even your living situation. If caring for the animal is going to create more stress than support, then it may not be the right fit.”

These requirements include basic care. Furthermore, there’s no need for formal training programs, but investing some time in teaching your pet basic commands (for dogs, for example) and keeping them socialized with people and other animals is recommended for the best results. This will ensure you won’t have trouble with the landlord or neighbors. But most importantly, the bond between you and your pet is sure to contribute to your mental health, as studies show how nurturance in this bond leads to the release of oxytocin, resulting in reduced stress.

How to choose the best pet for you

If you are looking to adopt a pet as an ESA, it’s best to consider a few more aspects. Try to look for a pet with a calm and friendly personality, including foster candidates, so they’re accustomed to house living. Ideally, adult pets are more beneficial since their temperament is already established and you can work around their personality, but young pets are not to be avoided as well!

Dogs, for example, are best for people with active lifestyles, since they require daily exercise and training. You might prefer a dog if you struggle with depression because they will help establish routines, which are helpful. Cats, on the other hand, are lower-maintenance and a bit more independent than dogs, so they fit you if you have a less active lifestyle and struggle with anxiety.

You can also consider rabbits as a pet that won’t give you much trouble with noise or mess since they’re litter-trainable. They are quiet and gentle, similar to guinea pigs, and they can sure make you laugh with their funny antics.

Are you ready for a helpful pet friend?

If you struggle with a mental health condition, you may want to include pet therapy in your support plan, where an emotional support animal will help you navigate hard times. You can apply for an ESA letter to be able to choose a pet and protect it under the law, and you will undergo a consultation with a specialized counselor. Finally, you need to be true to yourself when choosing an animal, be able to care for them and form a natural and loving bond.