What is the way forward for the current chaos in the U.S. concerning Emotional Support Animals? Legislation, research, education??
One big problem is that many people think ESAs are only allowed to people who have mental disorders.
I think the category of psychiatric service dogs, as in dogs for PTSD sufferers, needs to be formalized and expanded to include more common, but still very serious, mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, to name only two. Also, the standard for allowing ESA dogs onto planes needs to be tightened up to require a statement from a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, that s/he has been seeing the person with the alleged ESA dog for more than five years.
Dolores, I think any mental disorder qualifies as a disability, not just certain ones. It would be great if the health professional writing the letter at least was seeing the person in person snd not just over the internet
A funny article on Emotional Support Animals in Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/b6c72122-1247-11e8-8cb6-b9ccc4c4dbbb
In Europe, we do not have "emotional support animals" as they are seen in the States. It seems that a big game-changer in America would be if dogs were allowed more in restaurants and shops, as they are here in Europe (the only areas dogs aren't allowed are grocery stores, hospitals and anywhere where hygiene is a concern). We can all likely agree that emotional support animals should require more regulations (from legislation and mental health professionals) and training, as both of you have already pointed out. However, I think that if someone requires a dog to be with them at all times, they should be acquiring a service dog who has been properly trained. Owning an untrained dog can often lead to more situations causing the human to experience frustration, depression, anxiety and isolation - perhaps especially if the human already deals with a mental disorder (even more so if they are not experienced with dogs). As far as research is concerned, we researchers need to acknowledge the fact more in our work that we cannot make blanket statements. Each animal and human will not make each other happy, nor will those who have a great bond always get along every day - it is all much more individualistic and constantly changing than existing literature is making it out to be. Also, most research which addresses the "dogs make humans happier" angle are not necessarily using participants with mental disorders and untrained dogs. The research which exists is, for the most part, quite flawed and not acknowledging some fairly crucial information. More importance should also be placed on the welfare of the animal who is living with an individual with a mental disorder.
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