Hannah has PTSD and her therapist suggested she get a rabbit. This rabbit is considered what?

The correct answer is that the rabbit is considered an emotional support animal. An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides emotional support and comfort to an individual with a psychological or emotional condition, such as PTSD. Unlike service animals, which are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, emotional support animals are not required to undergo specific training related to tasks. Their primary function is to offer companionship and alleviate symptoms associated with the person’s condition, making them an important part of a therapeutic plan.

Emotional support animals are recognized under laws like the Fair Housing Act, which allows individuals with disabilities to have their ESAs in housing situations where pets may otherwise not be allowed. This distinction emphasizes the role of the rabbit as a means to help Hannah cope with her PTSD rather than serving as a trained service animal, which would help her in performing specific tasks related to her disability.