The buzz around emotional support animals has been loud these past few years. And it’s nowhere near dying down! But what is all the craze about? Just how helpful is it to get an animal companion, and who exactly can benefit from having one around?
There’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to these loyal companions. Time and time again, studies have shown the health benefits of emotional support animals. These furry friends can be a big boost to your health—physical and emotional! Let’s look at some of the benefits!
The San Francisco 49ers Have Their Own Emotional Support Dog
Being a professional athlete isn’t as easy as most people would think. The enormous pressure to always do better and the huge commitment to fans and teammates are hard burdens to carry. After a while, stress and anxiety can wear out even the calmest-seeming players.
This is what some athletes for the San Francisco 49ers found out the hard way. Defensive end Solomon Thomas has been very open about his struggles with mental health. Since his sister’s death by suicide, Thomas has been quite the advocate for mental health wellbeing.
One day, an employee of the 49ers brought a French bulldog to work. When the team’s director of engagement noticed how joyful all the players looked when playing with the puppy, an idea popped into his head: The San Francisco 49ers should adopt an emotional support dog.
That is when Zoë, the two-year-old French bulldog, came into the picture. She has gotten the proverbial badge of official emotional support dog and hangs out with all the players every day. Be it before or after practice, Zoë has managed to charm everyone—and boost the team’s morale!
The 49ers’ Frenchie isn’t just adorable; her presence is soothing to the players too. According to Thomas, Zoë can reset his bad, stressful days by just being around him for ten minutes. And the team’s general manager agrees: the team has been doing much better since Zoë came around!
The Health Benefits of Animal Companionship
It’s not just professional athletes who can reap the benefits of having an animal companion nearby. Dogs and cats are great at easing our stress and anxieties. Just like Zoë, their presence is soothing.
If you’ve ever felt more relaxed around pets, you’re not alone. There is mounting scientific evidence showing that animals do wonders for our mental health.
This is in part because self-care and pet-care are closely linked. Having a furry friend to take care of gives you a greater sense of purpose in life. On top of that, the bond built between an animal and its caretaker runs incredibly deep. That’s why having a pet nearby makes us feel less lonely and nervous. Whose heart wouldn’t melt at a purring kitten or at a tail-wagging pup?
Yet the benefits don’t end there. Owning a pet is also extremely good for your physical health. According to a study of four million people, those who own pets tend to live longer than those who don’t.
Once again, taking care of a pet is responsible for these perks. Beyond that, social isolation and loneliness are contributing factors to premature death. When you add a pet to the mix, those go right out the window. Owning a pet also makes us more active, which is always good for our cardiovascular health.
Why People Seek Emotional Support Animals
If animal companionship is so important, who can reap these benefits? Well, everyone, really! If you have an animal companion, chances are you’ll live a longer and happier life.
This is especially true for anyone living with a mental or emotional disability. Statistics tell us that one in four Americans live with a diagnosable mental health condition. This is a real issue that must be tackled.
Getting an emotional support animal might be one of the first steps. They bring comfort to their owners and ensure they never feel lonely or alone.
For instance, people living with depression will get a lot out of having an emotional support dog by their side. The companionship that such an animal would bring can help combat feelings of loneliness and despair.
The same goes for people diagnosed with anxiety. Emotional support dogs are terrific companions who provide an endless sense of security.
Are you still not convinced of the magic ESAs can do? We have just the story to turn you into an ESA-lover. Many ER doctors have been spending time with emotional support dogs at their hospital to cope with the recently added stress the pandemic has brought on. And it has worked!
Do You Need an Emotional Support Animal?
You, too, can also reap the amazing benefits of having an emotional support animal by your side. Be like the San Francisco 49ers players and welcome an emotional support buddy into your life! In fact, it’s easier than you think.
All you need is an emotional support animal letter. This legally binding document is your key to a happier, healthier future. Any licensed mental health professional can issue you one.
For example, your general practitioner could write your ESA letter. All you have to do is ask and explain why you need an animal companion by your side.
Since not everyone has the means to do this, though, CertaPet has made the process of getting an emotional support animal more widely accessible. CertaPet can connect you to a licensed mental health professional right from the comfort of your own home, a service you can take advantage of even if you don’t have insurance. It’s an easy and straightforward process that takes the stress, time, and energy out of having to find a practitioner in your network or having to commute to an outside appointment.
To get started, take our free 5-minute pre-screening test.We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional for a virtual appointment. If you qualify, they’ll issue you an ESA letter in no time!
It’s a simple and straightforward process that can truly make an incredible difference in your life!