Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of emotional support animals?

Emotional support animals are primarily recognized for their role in providing comfort and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions. They are not required to undergo the rigorous training associated with service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers.

While emotional support animals can help alleviate symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, their benefit lies mainly in their presence rather than in any specialized training they may have received. Therefore, it is accurate to say that they do not require extensive training, which sets them apart from service animals that operate under strict guidelines and certification involving specific tasks they perform to assist individuals with disabilities.

The distinction lies in their function; emotional support animals serve as companions that can bring emotional relief without the necessity of advanced skill sets or obedience training that is commonly associated with service animals. This understanding is crucial in recognizing the legal and practical differences between these two types of assistance animals.