15 examples of therapy animals that are not the dog
People usually adopt different animals as their pets and consider them as a part of their family. The animal-human bond and attraction are so powerful that they can act as a calming therapy. Thus, vibrant bonding can help in curing many physical and mental health-related issues. Pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy is a kind of treatment where animals are used to help people cope with different mental health conditions, such as anxiety, feelings of loneliness, depression, aggressive mood, PTSD, etc. It is a modern and alternative form of therapy that is recommended by many mental health professionals, to use animal therapy instead of heavy doses of medication.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) can be regarded as pets that provide comfort, aid, or support through their affection, unconditional positive regard, and companionship, to an individual, to mitigate mental illness. Their owners can trust and rely on them as a friend, as they share a unique bond of care and love. This affection eventually leads to improvement in a human’s mood and can alleviate one or more effects or symptoms of the disability. Such people can be exempted from pet-prohibiting housing and travel rules with the help of an ESA letter through realesaletter.com if they own a doctor’s prescribed emotional support animal.
Therapy animals other than dogs
Dogs are believed to be the best therapy animals because an ESA dog has an intelligent personality and can easily interpret its owner's mood. However, if you are allergic to furs, you can ask the doctor to recommend any other animal to you. Many animals are there that are believed to be loving, caring, and trustworthy but with realesaletter. Here is a list of fifteen, doctors’ recommended therapy animals that you can choose from.
- Cats
Cats are the most commonly adopted pets as they are energetic and fast but very loving and caring in nature. Cats have people-loving and outgoing personalities which make them the best fit to become an ESA. They offer laughs, comfort, affection, and pleasant stress relief to their owners.
- Rabbits
Being the most gentle, shy, and harmless creatures, rabbits can make excellent ESAs. These adorable animals are perfect for younger and elderly patients due to their low maintenance. They are quick to bond with their caregivers.
- Guinea pigs
As adorable and gentle as a bunny, Guinea pigs are cuddle-loving, playful, and easygoing animals. Stroking and petting them can help lessen anxiety and depression. Patients are also amused to watch their twisting, jumping, and "popcorning".
- Rats
Rats, especially the white ones, are cute, adorable, and amusing to watch for patients with anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties.
- Miniature horses
Smaller in stature and shorter in height, miniature horses are the perfect example of therapy animals. They are often used therapeutically to form a cordial bonding with people experiencing mental issues. It can provide social support when the owner lacks social interaction. Miniature horses are calm, composed, and loving which makes them worth petting and hugging. With a small backyard and an emotional support animal letter for housing, you can easily keep this lovely creature at home.
- Parrots
A parrot’s ability to mimic human speech can play the role of a calming activity for those patients who lack family members and friends. They have the ability to sense danger and tension in human beings; thus, they can help in mitigating anxiety with their empathetic nature.
- Squirrels
Having a cute little squirrel to play with and care for does much to ease mental and emotional disorders. It would not take much living space and require minimum care and maintenance. Thus, they are easy to keep and cuddle with.
- Fish
An aquarium with colorful fish at a home is a soothing experience to witness. The creatures depend on their owners for care, which helps to motivate them and increases physical activity.
- Chicken
Chickens can become helpful for quelling stress, anxiety, and depression. These are the most easygoing birds and require minimum care while adapting easily to even urban lifestyles.
- Sheep
These relaxed, calm, collected, and wooly animals are the best choice for an ESA. They require low maintenance and are even safe for children to cuddle with.
- Monkeys
These intelligent creatures can become the best choice as an ESA due to their smartness. They can detect changing human behavior; therefore, they can help their owner during panic attacks and emotional distress.
- Goats
Caring for and playing with a goat can act as a therapy and a healthy activity for those who have lost motivation and purpose in life due to emotional trauma. They are safe to cuddle, thus, they can even make perfect ESAs for children.
- Turtle
Although not a very common choice, a turtle can also become the perfect choice as a therapy animal. Their calmness and slow motion are relaxing to watch, while their extended lifespan can provide you with years-long companionship.
- Hedgehogs
These wild rodents are intelligent creatures that can spark joy in the lives of owners. Although they are covered in tiny quills, however, once they form bonds with their caregivers, they snuggle up to their owners. They provide a sense of responsibility and purpose to their owners and even respond to their voice calls.
- Llamas
Llamas are not the most common pets, as they require more living space. However, due to their soft fur and gentleness, humans can seek emotional solace from them. They are giant, yet they are completely safe to touch and cuddle.
Useful Resources
List of 10 dog breeds with the worst separation anxiety
How to Keep Your ESA Safe at an Airport?
How to select the best pet if you are living in an apartment
