You've probably heard of a guide dog, but do you know what an emotional support dog is? This animal plays a fundamental role in the lives of people who need to deal with psychological disorders. They are not considered therapist pets or service dogs, in fact, the "function" of the support dog is to stay by the tutor's side to provide support in cases of anxiety and panic syndrome, for example,For this reason, the emotional support animal is not the same as a guide dog, does not follow the same rules and does not require very specific training. This means that it is not always that it can frequent the same environments as the owners. The Paws of the House tells you which pet-friendly places your emotional support dog can go to and how to ensure that this right is respected!

Emotional support dog helps people with psychological disorders live better lives

The Emotional Assistance Animals (Esan) is there between a pet and a pet therapist. Its goal is to help people with psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, autism and post-traumatic stress. The emotional support dog is one that will be able to reassure the guardian in different situations, also acting as a companion that helps in the independence of the individual and in the life of the person.In addition, it stimulates the guardian to perform activities that they may not be used to doing because of these disorders (such as physical activities) and even to socialize, as the animal facilitates the interaction of the guardian with other people.

The emotional support dog reduces stress and gives new meaning to someone's life. It doesn't matter the breed of the dog: emotional support can be done by any puppy, but it is important to consider the more docile personality of the pet, as is the case with the Labrador, Golden Retriever and Beagle. In addition to the dog, there is also emotional support cat, as well as other animals, such as rabbits and eveneven turtles.

Emotional support dog vs service dog: understand the difference

Service dogs are those that perform a function for which they have been trained. This is the case of guide dogs, which accompany visually impaired people, and police dogs, which assist in police work. The emotional support dog does not fit into this case, as it is not trained to act in this type of role. They have, at most, basic socialization training. However, they do notthink that the emotional support animal is just a pet, as its role goes beyond just living in the guardian's home. Psychiatrists can indicate its presence in the life of someone who is being treated for psychological disorders. In addition, some countries have laws for emotional support dogs, which allow, for example, them to frequent places that a "normal" pet would not.can.

Having an emotional support report is necessary before getting a support dog

In order to have an emotional support dog, an assessment by a psychiatrist is first necessary. After the diagnosis of psychological disorder is confirmed, an emotional support report is issued and the doctor indicates the support of a dog through a letter. Emotional support animal can then already be part of the guardian's daily life. It is essential that the guardian has the support animal letteremotional always with him, because it is through it that the function of the animal is proved and allows him to frequent certain places.

Those who have an emotional support dog feel more confident and comfortable in doing daily activities

The emotional support dog has a smaller range of permitted locations

Each place has a different rule about the presence of the dog. Emotional support is not the same as a service dog and, therefore, the legislation is different. In fact, for a long time there was no Law in Brazil that regulated the places where emotional support dogs could attend - and it is still like that in most of the country.

This means that these dogs must follow the same logic as pets: they can only enter where pets can also - unlike a guide dog who, according to the Law, can attend anywhere his guardian goes, including public transport and private places. In the case of an emotional support dog, the dog's access in the mall and restaurants is defined by the rulesIt is therefore important to always check whether the place is pet friendly or not.

Can you fly with an emotional support animal?

If you intend to travel by plane with an emotional support animal, it is important to know the regulations of the airline in question. In some countries, the dog can travel in the cabin with the owner without problems. In Brazil, each airline has an individual law, some stricter and others more flexible. Normally, the rules are related to the weight and size of the animal, so beforetravel, check which airline is more flexible and give advance notice to avoid problems at the time of your flight. Always carry your emotional support report.

Prince's law already ensures emotional support dogs in Rio de Janeiro can go anywhere

Fortunately, in recent years Brazil is adhering to some pet friendly laws. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, emotional support dogs are already allowed to attend any environment. The Prince Law was enacted in March 2022 and allows emotional support dogs to enter any public or private place of collective use, such as public transport, cinemas, stores and malls. TheThe only exception is for places where individual sterilization is required. It is enough to send some specified documents of the guardian and the dog to the State Department of Agriculture to get the license. The emotional support dog must wear a specific red vest.

In addition to Rio de Janeiro, other states already have bills with the same objective and a federal bill is also being processed. It is hoped that, soon, the presence of the emotional support dog in any environment will be legalized throughout the country.