What type of animal is a rabbit recommended by a therapist considered?

A rabbit recommended by a therapist is considered an emotional support animal. Emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefits by offering comfort and companionship to individuals dealing with various mental health conditions. They do not require specific training to perform tasks as a service animal does; instead, their primary role is to alleviate symptoms of emotional distress.

The designation of an emotional support animal includes a broad range of species, as long as they provide the necessary emotional support to the individual. In contrast, service animals are defined as dogs that are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, and assistance animals is a more general term that can encompass both service animals and emotional support animals. Comfort animals is not an official designation under the Fair Housing Act and is often informally used, not providing the legal recognition that emotional support animals receive. Thus, the correct classification centers on the therapeutic relationship established between the rabbit and the person it supports.