- Ancestors of dogs (wolves) live in complex social systems where they learn to interpret the needs of others around them so that they can work together
- Wolves have a heightened sensitivity to human emotions and intentions that may allow them to integrate more easily within human social systems.

The Human - Animal Bond: Dogs

Research has not been able to demonstrate that emotional support animals provide any more benefit than a regular pet would provide. Research should be done around when emotional support animals can be beneficial for someone. 

Santa Clara University

These animals provide companionship and support for a person with a disability. It can help to alleviate certain aspects of a disability too. 

ESA's are any animal species or breed able to help primarily with mental-related disabiltieis. 

Purpose of emotional support animals + types

Cherry, Kendra. ( 2023, May 26). Emotional support animals: How to Get One, Mental Health Benefits (fact checked by Lustick, Cara).https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-an-emotional-support-animal-4171479

Very Well Mind Emotional Support Animal Reference 

The collection of references for emotional support animals.

References for Emotional Support Animals 

Research Around Emotional Support Animals

- Emotional support animals provide companionship/relief while service animals perform specific tasks (e.g. alerting others of a seizure)
- Service animals need to be trained
- Service animals tend to be dogs or minature horses, whereas emotional support animals have a wider range of options as long as they do not create disturbances and are domestic animals. 
- ESA's are covered by the Federal Fair Housing Act while Service Animals are covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act

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