What is a primary role of an emotional support animal?

The primary role of an emotional support animal is to offer therapeutic support through companionship. These animals provide emotional comfort and help alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness for individuals who have a diagnosed mental health condition or emotional disorder. Unlike service animals that are specifically trained to perform tasks or assist with physical disabilities, emotional support animals do not require specialized training to perform tasks. Instead, their significance lies in the bond they create with the individual, providing companionship that can be crucial for emotional well-being.

This role is distinct from that of a service animal, which is trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability. Similarly, the duties of a protective animal emphasize safety and may not focus on emotional support at all. Assistance with physical mobility also refers to tasks that are beyond the scope of an emotional support animal's purpose. Therefore, the correct understanding of the role of emotional support animals centers on the therapeutic benefits they provide through companionship.