Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal for Anxiety? (Differences + How to Get One) 

Service animals are great! But we shouldn't neglect putting in the work to improve our mental health long-term. Learn to manage these feelings for good with Anxiety Academy: dontpanicdothis.com/anxiety-academy

I suffered from severe PTSD and anxiety disorder. I am allergic to shedding dogs and I travel a lot, so I went with a toy poodle SD. He was amazing. He would indicate that I was feeling anxious and would interrupt it with deep pressure therapy. People thought it was so adorable that Archie was "hugging" me and never realized he was working. Because of him and with ongoing therapy I have overcome my problems and am able to function independent of Archie. He was effectively retired at the age of 12 and last year at 16 my darling Archie Boy went to the Rainbow Bridge. I owe my "normal" life to him.

Service dog handler here, you did really well explaining it and I thank you for that

So glad I found this video. I have depression and was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and was told that (service animal OR emotional support animal) may be good to help me. I feel a little anxious just typing this. I have trouble getting help during my anxiety attacks at times, definitely depends on the situation. Ever since I went to the ER, I have a extreme hard time being in public places…as a 17 year old female, life just seems like a lot right now. Sorry for the rant but in shorter words, thank you. I’ll talk to my doctors.

German shepherd handler here! Unless you have experience training German shepherds, I DO NOT recommend them as anxiety alert dogs. They’re an extremely anxious breed and working with a handler with anxiety can add to their natural anxiety! Feel free to ask me any questions!

Just a heads up: Although ESAs are protected by HUD (housing), as of December 2020, they are no longer allowed on airplanes. As you stated, the airlines state that they are regarded as pets and do not get special considerations like service animals.

This video is really great for me as I am about to start my adult hood life soon and I've noticed that my anxiety is getting worse, especially with going into places alone. I feel very anxious to the point that my chest just hurts. Thank you for having the definitions and this really just helps me make my choice.

I know someone who has severe PTSD from surviving a brutal attempted murder. She was almost strangled and beaten to death and then kidnapped by her ex in his car and terrorized for an additional 2 hours before finally escaping and running for help. She's suffered from debilitating PTSD ever since for over 7 years...and I think it's probably time for her to consider a service dog. She's been a complete shut-in and can't even get through a short grocery run without having an anxiety attack and having to immediately leave and sit in the car. A deep pressure therapy dog would probably be a good idea. Thanks for the vid, it's been an eye opener :)

I have terrible anxiety in public and I have talked to my therapist about it and they said it is a big possibility in the future so this helps learn more about it

I’m looking into a service dog for anxiety, but i’m not sure if i would qualify. i get really bad anxiety at school to the point i can’t go anymore. i get nervous in large crowds but that’s about it.

Great information! This topic is really hard to find reliable information on so I appreciate you taking time to break everything down

From my research, and owning multiple breeds, the one that does it for me and many many people I know….English cream golden retriever! Not just a golden retriever, but a English cream! Now I know all dogs will have there own personalities, but English cream’s are respected for their calmer nature! It’s a documented fact, or majority opinion that I find to be very true! It’s just what I have researched and found to be true with the dogs I have had. I don’t wanna be attacked, I’m just giving my humble opinion that’s worked for me and many others! I love and respect any dog that fulfills you! A persons best friend they are.

I have a service dog in training! The reason I have her is to help me go places with people I’m not a fan of people! I scratch my self and hurt myself and leg bounces she stops me from doing that and she’s learning front and back block she’s owner trained! I do not have a doctors note but I did tell them why I need one and she said those are all great reasons to have one!

This is hard for me to wrap my mind around. I have an anxiety diagnosis and using coping mechanisms helps me. I can’t imnagine how a dog could help me if I’m having an anxiety attack. I geuss that’s why I’m watching this

Finally someone other than a Service Dog owner very clearly explains the legal differences and things. 😀 I am a Psychiatric and Medical Alerts / Responses Service Dog. 100% owner trained. I know 18 Tasks that literally keep my owner out of the ER / Morgue.

I just lost my puppy a while ago, he ran away from home and we haven’t seen him since. He was just a normal puppy but he was my biggest support. Losing him hit me absolutely hard and it’s gotten to the point where I can’t go to the store knowing I can’t come home to him or because I can’t walk him. Sometimes my legs give out on the stairs because I’m so tired or saddened that I don’t want to move anymore. My therapist suggested an emotional support dog or even just a normal dog, seeing as it’s the best for me. I think it’s a bit much but seeing how hard I’ve been hit losing my dog maybe it’s not a bad idea. Being only 17 (now) it’s just a little frightening to make such a big choice

The ADA does not say anything about a letter from your Doctor. ADA says nothing about about a public access test. Nowhere does ADA say you have to buy a professional dog.

ive had severe anxiety for 7-8 yrs and idk if i qualify for one, it has gotten worse and it has also effected my schooling, im supposed to be in my junior year but im still a freshman, ive recently seen a psychiatrist and he mentioned a service dog but idk who to talk to about it. there are a few things i do when i start to have an anxiety attack or just start to get anxiety: *shaking my leg- there are times where i have gotten in trouble for doing this bc people find it distracting and annoying but i cant help it *scratching my hand- i have been working on stopping this bc ive scratched so hard to the point where i start bleeding and i also got in trouble for it. *i start having a hard time breathing my body starts to shake and so on... my anxiety makes it really hard for me to order my own food, makes it hard to ask for help, it makes it hard to ask for simple things... and there were times when i would pretend to be sick so i didnt have to go to school. and there are times where i didnt eat bc i couldnt order my own food. anyways sorry for the long comment i just dont know what to do

Hi! Great job explaining the differences and our requirements. As a SD trainer since 2004, I'd like to point out that SDs should NOT be brachi breeds (Shitzu) or anything where the face is flat. Too many limitations, due to their tongue (which is just as long from other long nose breeds) is stuffed down their throats. Because of this their heart beats twice as much for each breath as "normal" muzzle dogs. Hence most airlines won't take them, regardless of training. Also, they are physically limited due to their breathing. Brachi breeds have difficulty with regular SD work like lots of stairs, hot weather, long term focus, etc. This is important if one goes to work for 8 hours a day. There will always be exceptions, but "generally" I would suggest a Papillion instead. Also, many Pomeranians are aloof by nature, so an aptitude test is essential BEFORE getting a pup. Actually, I'd highly suggest this Aptitude Test should be given on day 49 of life - BEFORE the pup is brought home.

I honestly don't know if I'm qualified but I know a little Buddy would help me so much, I can't go anywhere out of the house, I'd rather stay outside then find my brother my mom could have lost in the store, I cannot bring myself to do it, anyone that comes anear me I seem to want to throw up, or I sh scratch till I have blood bruises on me, I've passed out and have panic attacks, including many of my teachers telling me to get medication and more for my anxiety.

I’m really young I get really anxious my anxiety has gotten worse than usual I normally stray away from stress but I still get very stressed none the less

I'd love to have an anxiety/PTSD service dog to be with me whilst I'm at work to help calm me down. I also need a dog that reminds me to take my meds, and helps me with things like getting out of bed in the mornings because of my anxiety and depression.

thanks for this ive been pondering doing either back story i was discharged from the military for a medical condition which im sure i qualify for a service animal if i go to the VA at which i hate going and also dont want to go through all the training with my dog so may just get an esa certification instead though medically it would benefit me more to get service

I don’t know what counts as debilitating anxiety. Right now I don’t trust any medications, my brain keeps telling me the doctors are lying to me or that my family is plotting againsts me and wants me dead, I hardly eat any food, I’m losing weight, I constantly keep thinking I’m gonna die, whenever I feel any stomach pain my brain thinks it’s stomach cancer, or a mild allergic reaction makes me think I’m going to go into anaphylactic shock. I also tend to have difficulty walking 10 feet from my house to the bus stop without my heart racing a mile a minute, but for all I know that’s just mild anxiety, so I honestly don’t know how I would even tell if it’s debilitating or not.

What about a dog that is 3 years old but has naturally taken on the role already. I have panic disorder and adhd and My dog is the only thing that has ever been able to stop my panic attacks. She even alerts me now before I have them now. I never trained that with her but she is incredibly loyal to me and basically been my little guardian since I brought her home when she was a baby. She even wakes me up in the morning when my baby is awake so I can wake up and take my meds. She’s not young but she’s very intelligent. She’s a black lab, and honestly the best dog I’ve ever owned.

*EDIT* - I made a mistake in the video. Service dogs do NOT require a letter of recommendation from a doctor or mental health professional. They are also not required to pass a public access test. You are not required to provide anyone with documentation about your service dog (except perhaps for commercial airlines). Please follow this rule with integrity and honesty, as the people who abuse it frequently add to the discrimination of people who actually need it.

I have two ESA animals a cat and a dog. My doctor and psychiatrist wrote me a letter for my severe PTSD, major depression, and generalized anxiety. They help me with my mental health and my past trauma. Thanks for the good video. I learn a lot from it. 👍 So, if I want to get my dog as an SD I just ask my doctor and psychiatrist for medical proof (that I have from doctors to the court system/ Detectives/foster care system), do the training classes, and pass the public training test? That's the proper way of getting my dog to be a service dog?

I had anixety for so long it's so hard to delay with I lived in constant fear uncontrollable forgetting to take my meds as well sometimes I panic so much so fast itts feels horrible I constantly feel uncomfortable irritated like something is always constantly wanting to hurry me I feel in danger all the time it gets worse a night... The fear is so strong and uncomfortable I wished I was normal and could live life without my fear holding me back when I have extreme anixety moments no one is there to help and even if they wer it's so uncomfortable someone being there judging me even if someone was there with doesn't help but my dog who's not a service dog does help idk why but it ground some to reality I have alot of detealization so I feel as if the entire world is fake i would get so scared I'd scream for whatever to go away! Sometimes I claws my face in terror(don't worry it was never strong enough to leave any scaring or marks) but I was so terrfied I felt like I was dieingg at that momment I do get anixety from animals but I'd rather that then the horrible feelings of feeling like dieing or like something is constantly hurting me

This is really helpful and clear, thank you.

As a service dog handler myself. Its difficult telling people that my dog helps with Psychiatric disabilities. They assume that he is an ESA. Even though my current sdit and my retired SD do medical alert for medical conditions i also have.

I have diagnosed anxiety and depression, and ADD. Im considering getting tested for SPD as well because more than ever now, my anxiety and add make a nice soup that causes debilitating sensory overload and overstimulation that makes me wonder if SPD has joined the party. It is more likely to have SPD when you have the other conditions I have. My long term memory, crowded social situations and some social interactions, being in places like the mall or a career fair at my college is extremely hard for me to participate without having a panic attack and having to remove myself which makes it worse until I’m alone, this is usually followed by a few days of self isolation and then guilt at that coping mechanism due to the emotional exhaustion caused by these breakdowns I have. I think a service dog would help me so much right now to maybe even go to my classes in person. I’m 18 years old, out of state in college, and tend to be very emotionally dependent on others. Well one person at that time but I’m alone now and it has been horrible and extremely discouraging for me. It was hard before, and it’s still really really hard just alone now. If I had a service dog would I have to emotionally distance myself from it?

I can’t find anything anywhere where it says the service dog is required to test the public access test. Do you have a link to that information?

thank you thank you thank you

The law probably didnt change. DOT/FAA may have changed policy. The new SCOTUS ruling may remove the ruling.

super late to the party but i have severe anxiety and depression, tics (though they may be undiagnosed tourettes being ive had them for 10 years now and have multiple tics), i disassociate and experience derealization daily and also have BPD and ADHD. its really hard for me to function in public spaces due to my anxiety and claustrophobia and even harder at home because of my depression. and now at the age of 20 ive only gotten worse and it feels like it only will continue to do so. ive tried the cardboard cutout breathing, and grounding methods, tried more medications than i can count, have seen multiple therapists (still am) and have never felt like i was able to see/feel proper improvements. because of all of this i am beginning to consider a service animal, but its still a very hard decision and intimidating due to the money. and it really stinks because i tend to doubt myself continuously about my anxiety and needs for help until its too late, and even if i was properly approved i still probably wouldn’t be able to get a service animal until i at least move out and get stable income (which is 2 yrs minimum) because my aunts dog is not very “other dog” friendly. sorry for the long msg i just want some clarity because im really overwhelmed about this and running out of options TLDR: very bad mental health, very little options left, and considering service dog but self doubting.

If a dog fails the public access test, can you freshen up it’s training and try again?

I have been having panic attacks for about 4 months now. I have had anxiety for longer but I could handle it. Now that’s it’s worse, I have trouble sleeping, get random panic attacks over the smallest stuff, I have thought about suicide as well. I’m pretty sure I don’t qualify for a full on service dog, but I’m thinking about getting a ESA. Any tips?

I’m traing my full blood black lab I’m training him to be my service dog

Great job explaining (very informative) - quick question - how do you officially obtain status for your dog as ESA or service dog? Any registration, forms to fill out for ESA or just a doctor's note? Thanks.

i have anxiety so bad that i start hyperventilating by just basically thinking about needles or going out in a busy place or any other stuff that makes my anxiety go up and i feel like i really need one and i feel like the alerts should be (for me) elevation of heart rate shadow orbit heel right side heel left side heel retrieve stop me from picking my fingers stop me from shaking legs stop me from pulling me hair hyperventilating alert hug find (my name) deep and light pressure

What if you bring an ESA with the Federal ADA card with you on a plane/ in a restaurant? And what if you have an ESA that can perform a task on the owner?

Thanks for the video but ESAs are the only animals that need a doctor’s note or medical documentation. Unlike assistance dogs, service dogs are exempt from requiring any paperwork.

I have anxiety, I don’t have a therapist but I’m very young (not like, 7) so I’m scared to ask for one, though I am questioning if I have severe anxiety as I frequently have anxiety attacks but they look minor because I don’t really express it (my breathing gets uneven and fast, is stim alot, and I sort of go non verbal and get sort of sensory overload, but those are all unnoticeable.) I also feel I am not qualified for a service dog but I am thinking of asking for a therapist and then asking the theoretical therapist where I stand on a service dog. This information was very helpful so thank you.

I don't know if this could help me or not. I'm diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. I have anxiety attacks sometimes, but when I do I completely shut down and consider a sudden suicide. This happens even when I'm on my medication, but if I have to stop taking it I get even worse. I don't know if this could protect me or not, when I'm having anxiety attacks I won't say anything and just sit there, which is difficult. And when I'm socially put on the spot, it can get to the point where I feel as though I'll faint. I'll black out completely, I'll struggle to hear, and when it's over and I calm down I can't remember what was happening in that moment. I'm really young and just started highschool, so none of this helps me at all. Because of my anxiety I frequently consider suicide which also isn't a good thing. I wonder if having a service animal could help me, although I don't know if I'd qualify or not. I probably wouldn't, but I feel as though it'd be important for me to be able to bring the animal to school since that's where I usually have all my anxiety and panic attacks.

One of my friends had severe siezures .he got a terrier mix and the siezures went away.weird.he still has the dog and epilepsy free

Very informative

1:38 what service dogs are

I am a kid but I constantly worry about everything and almost every night I am crying for about an hour is this normal

I have anxiety! I don’t ever leave the house I’m always stressing.

I was planning to purchase an american bully . Shall i proceed?

What about full blooded lab black lab

Thank you so much for this video. I have wanted to get one of my dogs certified as an ESA but now I think getting a service dog would be much more beneficial to me in helping with my severe social and general anxiety and PTSD. I have panic attacks and severe intrusive thoughts while in public that make it really really difficult to work, do basic things like grocery shopping, and just enjoy life and I think having a dog specifically trained to help calm me down in triggering situations would help me immensely. Does anyone reading this know of any RU-vid channels or books specifically on training psychiatric service dogs? (Thanks in advance 💜)

Can you explain what particular depressions and anxiety qualify someone for an ESA? Because most people I see with an ESA are younger, healthier and sometimes wealthier people such as a good looking guy at the gym with a beautiful girlfriend and his dog? Or some cute 22 yr old girl driving a BMW shopping with her chihuahua. What are they more depressed about compared to other people who have less?

K im looking into getting a service dog, if i ever end up getting one, im considering the greyhound, a poodle mix (bernedoodle probably) , or a cavalier king charles spaniel. What would you say is the best. Ill be going into higschool in the fall, if this helps

problem my anxiety is so severe that o cant even think about trying to get a diagnosis they didnt think about that huh

The letter recommendation is not true unless you’re bringing your animal to work to fly or to school

I'm trying to see if I qualify for a service dog . I want to see if my dog can become my service dog .

Is there an organization where you can adopt an Emotional Support Animal that's already trained?????????????? My depression, anxiety, and ADD have gotten worse over the years. I have a 1-year-old cavapoo that acts too crazy and an 11-year-old feral cat. I'm stuck with 2 animals that give me more added stress. I'm also a teacher that works with pre-k children. I already had a few mental breakdowns and am already medicated by my Psychiatrist. I really don't want to up my meds and I really feel lonely now that I moved to a new town. Would like to know your input and find resources on looking for the right dog for me!!!

Having a service dog can create MORE anxiety for a lot of people, all the staring and questions and accusations and insults, arguing with shop staff for your right to bring your service dog etc. I honestly would never recommend someone get a SD for just anxiety, it's not a good idea.

what about ESA staying in a motel?

This video is great and has a lot of helpful information im just confused on your point about having a medical note to say the dog is a service animal or for it to qualify because from everything I’ve read there’s not a requirement for that though a landlord may ask for that or to fly on a plane I’m not sure if technically they’re aloud cause I know for going almost anywhere they’re only aloud to ask you the two questions is this a service dog for a disability and what task does it perform can you please clarify the necessity in a doctors note and what exactly the dog is qualifying for since there’s no certification requirement wouldn’t the dog be able to be considered a service dog if it were able to perform a task to help with the person who has a disability and is trained to be out in public obviously I know service dogs can be kicked out of an establishment if they aren’t behaving but how is someone really truly gonna know if it is or not I hate that there’s an honors system with it tbh I’m saying it more out of frustration band wishing there was more requirement

Where can I find a dog that has been temperament tested for service dog but can be purchased for home training?

How are these service dogs taken care of ifi the person they are helping has a "disablity"?

I'm just so anxious because I truly think a service dog would be the best fit for me, but they're SO expensive and I simply don't have the money. I've considered an ESA, but I get panic attacks and bad anxiety while out in public too. I just don't really know what to do

How to get a emotional support dog

Hello, my dog is a cavachon. And she has been fully trained as a service dog but didn’t pass the public access test. However, she is still well behaved in public and not a fake service dog. So I still take her places with me because she provides extreme comfort. It’s hard to explain to people she is a emotional support dog with service dog training and they think she’s a fake service dog and accuse me. People with fake service dogs makes it so hard. And I don’t put a vest on her I keep her in my sling next to me. The closeness keeps me calm and some places still don’t let us in even with my doctors note. And sometimes a doctors note isn’t enough and ask for additional documentation. I’m just not sure what additional documents they would need. What do I do in those circumstances? Is she a service dog or emotional support animal? She helps me with my functional anxiety, bipolar disorder and somatic symptoms.

I suffer from Dizzy spells and Fainting spells. So will my dog quality for a service

I actually faint because of anxiety I also have otizom and adhd I take 5 medicines

Golden doodle??

In the USA. Payment for already trained is a lot, and we currently don’t have that much money, can you pay for it for a while until it’s done being paid for? Or do you buy it in one sitting?

One scary fact: ADA does not require service dogs to take a test....any test.

I have really bad social anxiety and I have bipolar and both do not go well together but I can’t find anywhere cheap but effective to help me get a service dog any advice?

My wife found a website that says 200.00 for a service dog

I have a miniature goldendoodle ....sooooo technology she's on there. Kinda. Lol golden Retriever and poodle.

For the public access test how does one go along with doing that? I'm having problems finding that information if you have the answer and can answer I would appreciate that thanks!

I have really bad socal anxiety ....I hate throwing up I don't even like to say it or hear the word but every day and Everytime I eat I stress about if I'm going to be sick (throw 👆) and when my stomach feels nausea I feel scared like my heart drops I shake and I start to hit something like the water bottle I drink ....my mom also thinks I have tics...and when I'm mad/sad I hit something or myself uncomfortable so idk if I need a service dog or not but I feel like I might or at least an emotional support animal but I don't know what to do I'm only 13 and I've had anxiety for about 4 years now and it's making me miss out a lot like eating good food (I lose appetite easily cuz I think I might get sick) but yeah 🥲

Can you bring a emotional support dog or a service dog to a school

NOTE: Emotional Support Animals are NOT considered service animals by the ADA.

hello! I'm struggling with my anxiety, i sometimes feel overwhelmed thinking of things, but also not in exactly severe anxiety, but a emotional support animal would be nice, but my whole household is allergic to furry, hairy of feathery animals, I find this a real problem and I have always wanted an animal, I'm not sure if I need one but is there any way I can meet an animal somewhere without it being in the house?- Holly,11 years old

This is not current information. You do not legally need any documentation from any medical or therapeutic professional to get a service dog.

How do low income people afford a service dog ?

Hi you don’t have to ask your doctor if u can get a service dog as long as you have a disability and these dogs can help you you don’t have to get permission unless you have a disability

Pats I get also physical disability. But esa is pathetic

Jesus loves you and died for you he loves you soo much and wangts to talk to you God bless you!!

Actually I’ve heard from many other channels you don’t need approval or anything for a service dog but yea you still need a disability

Hi i am planning to move soon and lots of apartments have breed restrictions if I were to get esa would they be allowed to deny me if I have a restricted breed ?

Like 90% of "Disabled" slugs & "Handicap" plate frauds, these people that need a dog with them to buy a life of bread is preposterous Bullshyte. Enough already.

ESA only have one thing a normal pet do and that is over rule the no pet policy that a landlord has when scripted by a Therapist and only a Therapist can scripted this because of the word Emotional.

I don’t want a service dog I want my dog to be registered as a emotional support

Animals only increase my anxiety. They are nothing but a pain in the wallet and ass.