Emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefit to their owners but their own welfare needs require careful attention. The growing ESA sector raises welfare questions about the animals in these roles.
Emotional support animal welfare requires recognising that animals in therapeutic roles are not simply tools for human benefit but sentient beings whose own welfare must be protected. Animals in high-stress environments including crowded public spaces, airports, and hospitals may experience significant stress regardless of their apparent calm demeanour. The lack of training and welfare standards for ESAs compared to service animals creates risk of animals being placed in situations exceeding their welfare tolerance. The therapeutic benefit of ESA relationships depends partly on the animal being genuinely comfortable and positive in the relationship, meaning animal welfare and human therapeutic benefit are aligned. Well-managed ESA relationships that respect animal welfare signals and avoid over-exposure to stressful environments serve both parties.