Emotional support animals are certified to provide emotional support during tough times and may benefit those with anxiety, depression, phobias, PTSD, or OCD. However, they don't have the same legal protections of a service dog.

Dealing with mental health problems can be exhausting. It can leave you feeling alone and wondering where to turn for help.

More and more people are turning to their pets for emotional support in New York. However, many do not realize that you need to do more than call your pet an emotional support animal—a legitimate ESA requires an emotional support letter.

Emotional support animals are becoming increasingly familiar as more people are turning to them to alleviate the symptoms of various mental and emotional health difficulties. They can provide anxiety-relieving companionship to their owners, allowing them to access the world more effectively.

Some of the best emotional support animals may have started as pets but proved vital in supporting their owner’s mental or emotional health. ESAs across the country support people with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more every day.