Surprising Emotional Support Animals

Collaborative Post¦ The Department of Housing and Development (HUD) has two categories for emotional support animals. The first category is common household pets which are small domestic animals traditionally kept in homes as pets, such as dogs and cats. The second category is unique animals that are not commonly kept as domestic pets. The owner has to have a letter from a licensed caregiver, and the animal must be well-behaved and hygienic. 

Ferrets.

Ferrets have several traits that make them effective emotional support animals. If you plan to choose emotional support ferrets, expect them to be attentive, easy-going, and small enough to travel without some of the stressors found when traveling with other furry pets.

Ferrets like enclosed spaces and enjoy burrowing against their owner’s bodies which can be very calming for those with stress-related conditions. They are highly intelligent animals and can even alert someone that they are about to have a panic attack.

If you feel you would benefit from an emotional support animal like a ferret, you will need to speak with a licensed mental health professional and obtain a legitimate ESA letter for housing in states like California, Florida, and New York.”

Snakes

A snake may be the last animal that comes to mind as an emotional support animal. However, certain people who suffer from disabilities find them helpful, such as those who suffer from depression or struggle to communicate. Handling and caring for snakes can help them to feel a sense of purpose and improve their emotional health. Snakes are also an option for people who are allergic to animal dander. Since snakes naturally squeeze things, it can be like a hug for someone who needs emotional support. 

Some people who suffer from epilepsy find that an emotional support animal like a boa-constrictor will gently squeeze them when a seizure is coming. They can ready themselves for it or even avoid it altogether. 

Turtles

Turtles are low-maintenance emotional support animals that are also suitable for people with allergies to animal dander. Caring for them and handling them provides a sense of accomplishment. Turtles can help those with social anxiety. 

There are many different breeds of turtle, all with different dietary needs, temperature requirements and social temperaments, so it’s important for owners to learn more about them to choose the right one. Caring for a turtle requires making sure the temperature in the tank is right. An underwater heat lamp can provide a turtle with the necessary vitamin D3 to prevent premature death.

Hedgehogs

They may be covered in small quills, but hedgehogs can help people with anxiety and make them happy, just like any other small animal. Caring for them can provide a sense of purpose, and they can snuggle up to human caregivers. People with hedgehogs as ESAs say they help them to control their anxiety and improve their self-confidence. People who rescue hedgehogs often form a strong bond with them. Some hedgehogs will even respond to the voice of the owner. 

People with emotional difficulties are often guarded and can relate to the hedgehog’s protective qualities. This common ground can be a good start and teach a valuable lesson. The hedgehog’s defenses will drop when the animal forms a close connection with the owner, and the sharp little quills become relaxed and soft. 

Miniature pigs

Miniature pigs are intelligent and sensitive, so they can make great ESAs. They can evoke a great feeling of calm that can help to alleviate conditions like PTSD and anxiety. They are affectionate, friendly and offer good companionship. What is more, they can be mischievous and playful, which can help to make their owners happier and more positive. A miniature pig needs outdoor walks and activities in the same way as dogs. This gives owners exercise and gives them a chance to connect socially with other people. A pig on a leash will provide a topic of conversation which can help owners to overcome social anxiety issues. 

Miniature pigs are small enough to live in an apartment. They can even sleep on a bed or lie on a couch with the owner to calm emotions. Owners must make sure miniature pigs are amiable and not aggressive to register them as an ESA.

Squirrels

Squirrels may be wild rodents, but they are being adopted as ESAs by some people. Having a squirrel to care for and play with can have as much of a calming effect as other furry creatures. They are lively, playful creatures and can provide support through their companionship. Those with depression find that watching them can lift their spirits. Squirrels may be wild animals, but they will come and eat out of the palm of an owner’s hand. 

There are some limitations to having a squirrel as an ESA. They don’t do well in confined spaces, and keeping them inside a house can be problematic as they are not domesticated animals.