Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic support to individuals with emotional or psychological disabilities. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, ESAs primarily offer comfort, companionship, and a sense of security to their owners. ESAs are prescribed by mental health professionals such as therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists, who determine that having an animal companion is beneficial for the individual's mental health and well-being. These animals can be dogs, cats, or other domesticated animals, and they are afforded certain legal protections under various housing and transportation laws, allowing their owners to live with them in housing that otherwise might not permit pets and to travel with them in certain situations, such as on airplanes. However, it's important to note that ESAs are not granted the same rights as service animals and may have restrictions in certain settings.