Finding an Emotional Support Animal for Someone Who Can't Have Animals

You could always volunteer at your local shelter. The animals there are always in need of love and support, which they can also share. Plus it helps a good cause

Commented a while ago but had another idea. This might sound a bit crazy, but snakes can be very affectionate. Do your research on type, some are more friendly and some are more high maintenance. Their tanks need regular cleaning, but it's a contained space. Obviously you'll have to keep a close eye when it's out of it's tank. And they can bond with specific people. I have a milk snake-a bit less chill than some breeds-and he won't let anyone other than me and my sister hold him, and I'm the only person he'll truly calm down for.

Plants also really help my mental health

Get a Rat. They are super clean and smart

I love my rabbit. I rescued her off the side of the road as a baby and at the time I was going to give her to a shelter when COVID calmed down. Yeah it's been 2 years and we are very attatched to each other. I got lucky that she's very outgoing and cuddly for a bunny. I walk her on a leash outside and we've gone to the beach, hiking, and when she was really little she used to crawl under my pillow and sleep under my head.

Temporary fix…my boyfriend got me a big fluffy cat squishmallow! I can hug and squeeze it but no allergies! I’m actually considering the rat option…which I never EVER thought I would entertain. Thank you for all the advice!

A word of suggestion. Any living thing requires a routine of cleaning its environment, though some are more low maintenance. GOOGLE low maintenance pets... Another thought passed through my mind. Maybe start with plants, or a garden. Again they vary in maintenance, but most are less than a pet. Feed wildlife with a bird garden, or put out bird feeders. I was going to suggest a small rodent though they need regular cleaning of thier enclosure. I actually had a heart rat!!! 🐀 They are like small puppies when used to handling. They are nicer than hamsters, cheaper, and really bond with a cagemate, unlike hamsters, who will kill a cagemate... good luck finding a new friend with unconditional love!

Gecko was great when I couldn't have furry pets. Once I moved out of the house , I got kitties for my pets. Crocheting cat toys helps. I helped at a daycare that my mom worked at. Might be able to pet sit like my cousin. She would go to peoples houses and help with their dogs.

A bearded dragon!! Definitely not a common recommendation, but I know from experience that they can be so sweet!! I used to hang out with my exe’s bearded dragon named Steve and he would be so happy laying on my shoulder and it was surprisingly comforting, they can be very smart too, but not really in a mischievous way. The intelligence also helps with forming that bond that they understand you and you them. :)

Cats are very low maintenance and can be incredibly sweet and loving. My two cats are my emotional support animals 💕

Fancy rats are easy to clean and have been known to be very affectionate

If cleaning is a struggle, and also cost, then I would not suggest a bird as they are actually quite messy, require a lot of constant picking up after as they poop every few minutes, and they’re super expensive to own due to needing a lot of space for a big cage, tons of expensive toys and high quality food and extremely expensive vet care. I have 3 birds and they’re a high maintenance pet and super expensive, if you’re looking to do it right. But if you want a low maintenance pet that’s super soft that you can cuddle, that’s not expensive at all to keep, and that’s pretty easy to clean up after as they stay in their enclosure usually, might I suggest a rescue mouse or some other rodent? Also if you get a pair and keep them in separate enclosures (with supervised visits if they get along) then they can have a companion. Most local shelters have plenty of rodents available for adoption that people had to surrender for one reason or another, and it would be so lovely to give one of these sweet little critters a nice home for its short life ❤️ 🤗

I have a cat who was a rescue he basically just walked I to my apartment like a spirit guide Hes my best friend

Guinea pigs are a good option, but they're social animals, so you need at least two. That wouldn't be an issue unless taking your ESA everywhere you go is something you need. Rats are the same. Both will give you love & attention as much as you show to them.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! One of the factors is monetary, and I’m allergic to cats unfortunately. I also have a worry of any pet that will add extra cleaning to my routine as I already struggle with that a bit. 😕

If it's housing circumstances then the law usually protects a person's right to keep an emotional support animal as long as they have a letter from their mental health provider. Check your states law regarding emotional support animals.

Not the full benefit of an ESA, but you could volunteer at shelters to get some contact with dogs if you can't own one

I'd suggest a cat as well if that is an option. I have two and they are my babies! I adopted them at 3 months old. 🥰 They truly are great emotional support pets!

I know someone who has a bird for an emotional support. It is technically a caged animal. But she lets it free throughout her apt. I also had a friend that had a spotted gecko and it can help when you hold them and talk to them and they are still confined

I have several lol. But if you can't have a conventional pet, I would suggest a bearded dragon.

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Can you have a cat or does it need to be a caged animal?