Which statement about emotional support animals is true?

The statement that emotional support animals can be nearly any animal is accurate because emotional support animals (ESAs) are not restricted to specific types of animals like service animals are under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Instead, ESAs can include a wide variety of animals, such as cats, birds, rabbits, and even reptiles, as long as they provide comfort and emotional support to an individual with a diagnosed mental or emotional condition.

Unlike service animals, which are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, emotional support animals do not require special training. Their primary role is to alleviate symptoms of emotional distress or mental health issues simply through their presence. This distinction is essential in understanding the legal rights of individuals with emotional support animals compared to those with service animals.