Emotional
Support
Animals
An emotional support animal can help an anxious student feel at ease. The relationship with their animal can help to lift their mood and manage their mental health.
New college students may feel pressure and stress from the sudden need to acclimate to a new lifestyle as an independent adult. A common way students are looking to help support their mental and emotional health is through obtaining an Emotional Support Animal (abbreviated to ESA)
An ESA is typically a dog or a cat prescribed by a licensed mental health professional, such as a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, as treatment for a disorder. These animals can help their owners overcome anxiety, ease their emotions, or support their psychological disabilities.
"If a student is able to make the commitment and provide a proper environment for a pet, having a pet of their own can offer many mental health benefits and make for a great overall experience of comfort and support"
Purpose of an ESA in College
There has been a 30% increase of stressed on-campus students seeking counseling hep between 2010-2015, according to the American Psychological Association. Plus, a UNI Health study showed that 80% of students feel stress at university. ESAs are great at stress reductions and loneliness. Owning an animal could also potentially help to increase one's physical activity through going on walks or playing with them.
Note that there is a difference between ESAs and service animals. ESAs don't need any special training because they're just meant to lessen negative emotions. Service animals are given a different goal— they are trained to help physically disabled people navigate their surroundings or monitor ailments such as low blood sugar. Service animals must meet specific criterias in the state or federal laws, and they are also protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ESAs are not protected by the ADA Act.
"Spending time with any pet has been shown to lower cortisol and norepinephrine levels and increase the releace of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and well-being."
Applying for an ESA
Students must go through consultation with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, as they determine what's best needed for the student's situation.
If the student is interested in an ESA, they will have to go through evaluation of their disability, related laws, animal assessment, and the interaction between the student and animal.
Next is for the student to understand their laws and policies such as the Fair Housing Act, Disabilities Act of 1990, and Air Carrier Access. Under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development guidance, emotional support animals are allowed in homes and some apartments.
As shown above, there are many steps students must go through in order to obtain an ESA. The decision of owning an ESA is serious, especially since they are going to be caring for another living being. Students need to consider their living conditions and lifestyle. For example, some breeds of dogs are more aggressive than others or require more exercise and space. Students should also make sure their ESA is well behaved in many different settings. Grooming and regular vet visits are also necessary.
Actions have Consequences
If a student is unable to care properly for their ESA it causes a domino effect. An example is having fake ESA which can interfere with a real ESA or service animals. They can cause more distress to other people’s animals and create unsafe environments. Sneaking in pets who aren’t registered can negatively affect the dorms/apartments overall trust of allowing ESAs as well.