Emotional Support Animals
"Help support them to support you"
The Issue
How others can help with this issue is by spreading the word through social media using the #EngagewithESA
Advocating for Mental Health through ESA
Acceptable ESAs
- Cats
- Dogs
- Rabbits
- Hedgehogs
- Guinea Pigs
- Lizards
Unacceptable ESAs
- Peacocks
- Alligators
- Pigs
- Turkeys
- Goats
- Any other kinds of exotic animals
More on Emotional Support Animals
Taking Action
Through our program we plan to reach out to the mayor and eventually a Texas Representative to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to include stricter qualifications for ESAs.
Others can help by reaching out to create programs like ours and help spread them nationwide to prevent the misuse of ESAs.
What We Learned
Alexa: I learned the difference between ESA's, service animals, and therapy animals and how therapy animals and ESA's have very different rights compared to a service dog.
Mya: I learned that ESA are extremely misused.
Ariana: ESA animals are misused a lot because they try to bring animals like a peacock on an airplane.
Matthew: A thing I learned about Emotional Support Animals is that they do not have the same rights under the ADA. They help their owner with their mental health issue.
David: An ESA must fit in your lap or under your seat or feet when on an airplane. Must be clean and well controlled at all times. The animal cannot block aisle. You will not be permitted to sit in an exit row
Carlos: What I learned about the ESA is that the animals are getting taken advantage of by the owner by telling others that the pet is an ESA.
About Us!
Mya, Alexa, Ariana, Mia, Matthew, David, Carlos
We chose this issue because we want to ensure the proper use of an emotional support animal for people with mental health problems.
Fun Fact About Us:
We all know how to make eggs, we all play sports, and we all love TCU!!
Resources
https://www.certapet.com/emotional-support-animals-and-mental-health
www.servicedogcertification.org
https://esadoctors.com/mental-health-benefits-emotional-support-animal/
Some organizations to help with our issue:
Paws for People
Animal Centers
Love on a Leash