9 Signs You Might Benefit from an ESA or Service Dog for Anxiety

In recent years, more and more research points to the effectiveness of emotional support animals and service dogs for mental health support. But, what are these types of animals? 

Emotional support animals (ESAs) can be any pet that provides relief from the emotional and physical symptoms of a mental illness. This may look like petting a cat and experiencing a reduction in a racing heart rate. Or, taking your dog on a walk helps distract your mind from anxious thoughts. ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act to ensure you can live with your animal regardless of the building’s pet restrictions. 

Service dogs also offer support for people with anxiety. However, they must meet specific temperament and training requirements to be certified as a service animal. That’s because service dogs are trained to perform highly specialized tasks such as clearing an area if they sense their owner experiencing a panic attack or fetching medications when their owner is unable to do so themselves. Unlike ESAs, service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This allows a person who has been diagnosed with a mental health disability to take their service animal into stores, restaurants, government buildings, and other public places. 

ESAs and service dogs both offer incredible support for people with all types of mental health challenges. This article will explore 9 signs that you could benefit from one of these types of support animals. If you’re still unsure, connect with a licensed mental health professional today to discuss your needs. 

Mental health is different for everyone. Regardless of your diagnosis or situation, an ESA or service dog may provide the loving support you need to lead a fuller, less burdened life. Here are 9 signs that an ESA or service dog may benefit you and your mental health. 

1. Frequent feelings of isolation

Loneliness and isolation are at an all-time high in the United States. What’s more, these feelings are often connected to deeper mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression. According to experts, the presence of a pet can help relieve these feelings. One study even found that owning a pet reduced feelings of loneliness in 85% of the sampled group. Instead of coming home to an empty house at the end of the day, imagine having an affectionate dog run to the door to greet you! Or, having a cat curl up next to you on the couch makes you feel less alone. Regardless of the ESA or service dog you choose, an animal can better help you address and manage feelings of isolation. 

2. Difficulty coping with everyday stress

There is a lot of stress in the world, not to mention our personal lives. If you or a loved one struggles to cope with everyday stress, an ESA or service dog may help alleviate the severity of these feelings. Research shows that petting a dog or cat can help reduce the amount of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the brain. Similarly, simply petting an animal can also increase levels of happy hormones. If you’re frequently feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, spending time with an ESA may offer the grounding and comfort you need to recenter your mind and return to your day feeling less stressed. 

3. Struggles with maintaining a routine

Routine is essential for people who struggle with their mental health. Not only do routines help alleviate anxiety and stress, they also allow for a greater sense of calm and familiarity as you know what to expect in your day. However, maintaining a routine can be incredibly hard for some. Maybe you struggle to keep a regular work schedule and find yourself stressed the day before a project is due. Or maybe it is hard for you to remember regular meals, which ultimately leads to major mood swings. Regardless of the situation, an ESA or service dog offers a unique way to promote structure throughout your day. 

Consider a cat; these feline pets are highly attuned to their eating schedule, which may hold you accountable to a routine of feeding them regularly. Or, your dog needs a morning and evening walk; these needs help people develop and maintain a routine because they know that their ESA or service dog is relying on them for these daily necessities. 

4. Challenges with social interactions

A 2020 study found that 58% of Americans meet the threshold for social anxiety disorder. In other words, this means that many experience anxiety, stress, and fear around social situations whether at home or in the workplace. Maybe you experience this yourself, whether it is avoiding situations or people out of fear or embarrassment, anxiety in anticipation of a party or event, worry about being judged negatively, or even an upset stomach leading up to a social setting. 

ESAs and service dogs may provide the confidence and encouragement to better navigate social interactions. Not only does owning a pet provide a great ice breaker or conversation starter, even if your pet isn’t there, but they also serve as a grounding presence. Maybe having your dog drop its ball for you at the dog park is enough distraction to let go of some of the worried feelings. Or, perhaps sharing a silly story about your cat equips you with the confidence to start a conversation with someone at a party. 

For severe social anxiety, a service dog can sense when your body is slipping into a state of stress or panic. They may lean against your leg to provide a tangible reminder that you’re supported or they clear people away if they sense an oncoming panic attack.  

5. Frequent panic attacks or heightened anxiety episodes: Service dogs’ ability to detect and interrupt episodes.

People with severe anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, autism, or other mental health challenges may benefit from the presence of a service dog. If you struggle with frequent panic attacks or episodes of heightened anxiety, a service dog is a great tool to help manage them. 

Some service dogs are trained to detect and interrupt anxiety episodes. Or, if you have a panic attack, your service dog may fetch you your medications or clear people away from you if the episode happens around others. Regardless of how your mental health condition manifests, the presence of a service dog can also provide relief since you know that they will take care of you no matter what. 

6. Difficulty sleeping or calming down at night

Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of many mental illnesses. If you can’t fall asleep or frequently wake up with your mind racing, an ESA or service dog may benefit you. Science suggests that the soothing presence of a pet, whether on the bed or in the room, has been linked to improved sleep quality. Maybe having your dog at the foot of the bed or lying against your leg provides a gentle reminder that you are supported and cared for. Regardless of the type of pet or mental health challenge, an animal may provide much needed relief. 

7. Need for nonjudgmental emotional support

Feeling worthless, alone, helpless, or guilty are common symptoms of anxiety and depression. If one or more of these feelings are constant in your life, then an ESA may provide unconditional love and support. A 2023 study backed this up by reporting that 69% of participants felt that their pet gave them unconditional love and support. Similarly, 69% of participants said that their pet helped reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Animals are wonderful for emotional support because they are nonjudgmental and deeply loyal. For people who struggle with feelings of self-loathing, low self-confidence, or other negative emotions towards oneself, then an ESA may help remind you that you’re loved, supported, and needed by your four-legged friend. 

8. Desire for companionship to alleviate loneliness

If you routinely feel lonely and not connected to the world, an ESA or service dog may offer the companionship and connection to navigate these feelings. Loneliness doesn’t necessarily mean you’re socially isolated (although these two are often connected), but rather refers to feeling disconnected from your social group, not understood by loved ones, or like no one can relate to your experience. An ESA can help mitigate these feelings through their loving, affectionate presence. Taking time to cuddle with your dog or play with your cat are two examples of how animals invite connection and provide unwavering companionship.

9. Seeking a natural approach to managing anxiety

ESAs are perfect complements to mental health treatments. Whether you’re trying to avoid medications or are looking for ways to manage your mental health beyond the medication’s effects, ESAs offer an added level of support. For others, all they need is an ESA to feel better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. 

One of the best ways to explore whether an ESA would provide the support you need for your mental illness is by speaking with a licensed mental health professional. They’re best equipped with the expertise to help you better navigate your mental health, treatment options, and long-term goals. For some people, ESAs help enhance the benefits of medication, therapy, and other treatments. 

FAQs About ESAs and Service Dogs

ESAs and service dogs are still relatively new to many people. Below, find the answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide your search. 

What’s the difference between an ESA and a service dog?

An emotional service animal, or ESA, provides their owner with emotional or physical relief from their mental health symptoms. ESAs provide this incredible benefit simply through their presence, meaning that they require no special training or certification. Any animal can be an ESA so long as they can help relieve your symptoms. 

A service dog must meet specific temperament and training requirements to be certified as a service animal. These highly specialized support animals perform specialized tasks for their owners to help them better navigate the symptoms of their mental illness. 

How do I qualify for an ESA or service dog?

To qualify for an ESA, you must meet with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). An LMHP will speak with you to learn more about your mental health and symptoms, and determine whether an animal may provide comfort and relief. If they determine that you qualify for an ESA, they’ll provide you with a signed ESA letter. Depending on the state you live in, you may need more than one meeting with your LMHP.

To qualify for a service dog, you must be diagnosed with a mental or physical disability by a health provider. Only if you have this diagnosis can you qualify for a service dog.  

Can ESAs or service dogs help with other mental health conditions?

Yes, ESAs and service dogs can help with all types of mental health conditions. Some of these conditions include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. 

Conclusion: Taking the First Steps Toward Support

Emotional support animals and service dogs can be a wonderful source of support for a range of mental health conditions and severities. If you recognize any of the signs discussed in this article, consider scheduling an appointment with a licensed mental health professional to find out whether an ESA may help you find relief. Again, ESAs and service dogs may provide significant relief on their own or as a complement to your treatment plan. 

If you don’t have an LMHP or want to start the first steps toward getting support today, Pettable’s free quiz will connect you with a licensed professional today.