For those who require emotional support in environments like hospitals, hospices, or nursing homes, therapy dogs are some of the most important pillars of relief that can drastically change a person’s life.

An emotional support animal, also known as an ESA, can make it easier to function on a day-to-day basis. They can provide you with companionship and alleviate feelings of stress and loneliness. People with disabilities appreciate having an assistance animal around as a non-judgmental companion who can distract them from anxiousness.

Out of all the animals that people commonly seek out as pets, rats are low on the list. They get a notoriously bad reputation, whether in books, movies, or real life. People often think of them as disgusting or associated with filthy living conditions.

Coloradans often boast that Colorado is among the best states to own a dog. It has a diverse and stunning landscape featuring deserts, mountains, and rivers. However, the people of Colorado still experience the daily pressures and stresses of the world like the rest of us. Therefore, licensed mental health professionals in Colorado and around the US are prescribing ESAs to deal with these stresses.

California has some of the most progressive state laws regarding emotional support animals in the country. Emotional support animals are already a protected class under certain laws. However, a large number of complaints to the Department of Housing and Urban Development are about discrimination relating to disabilities and a misunderstanding of the laws that protect ESA’s..