Emotional support animals: How do they work and who can have one?

You emotional support animals have become increasingly relevant in a society where mental health is a priority.

What Are Emotional Support Animals?

Unlike service dogs, which are trained for specific functions such as guiding the visually impaired, emotional support animals do not require specialized training.

Its main function is to offer psychological support, helping to reduce anxiety attacks, panic attacks and feelings of loneliness.

A practical example is that of patients with autism, who often find dogs or even cats to be a source of sensory stability.

The simple presence of the animal can reduce repetitive behaviors and improve social interaction.

It is worth noting that, although any pet can bring comfort, only those recommended by a mental health professional are recognized as emotional support animals in contexts that require proof, such as air travel.

Difference Between Emotional Support Animal, Regular Pet, and Service Dog

Many people confuse these categories, but each has distinct rules and functions.

While a common pet is just a pet, with no special rights, emotional support animals and service dogs have legal recognition in certain situations.

Common Pet

Function: Company and affection.
Access to public places: Restricted (shopping malls, restaurants and transportation may be prohibited).
Example: A cat or dog without therapeutic documentation.

Emotional Support Animal

Function: Psychological assistance, without specific training.
Access to public places: Limited (accepted on air travel and condominiums, but not in all spaces).
Example: A dog calming a patient with generalized anxiety.

Service Dog

Function: Physical or psychiatric assistance (e.g., alert for epileptic seizures).
Access to public places: Guaranteed by law (Law 13,146/2015 – Statute of Persons with Disabilities).
Example: A Labrador trained to assist a wheelchair user.

This distinction is crucial to avoid misunderstandings, such as attempts to circumvent rules in condominiums or transportation.

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Who Can Have an Emotional Support Animal?

The indication for a emotional support animal must come from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Patients with disorders such as severe depression, panic syndrome, autism or PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) are the main beneficiaries.

An emblematic case is that of war veterans, who often develop PTSD and find in dogs a form of social reintegration.

In Brazil, projects such as “Healing Dogs” have already helped more than 500 people with this type of support.

However, it's important to emphasize that animals are not a substitute for medical treatment. They are a therapeutic complement, not a cure.

Furthermore, fraud in the issuance of reports has increased, leading airlines to require more rigorous assessments.

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How to Get an Emotional Support Animal in Brazil?

The process isn't as simple as acquiring a regular pet. It requires valid documentation and professional supervision. Here's the step-by-step guide:

Medical or Psychological Evaluation

Consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist to confirm the need.
Report must contain ICD (International Classification of Diseases) related to the disorder.

Animal Choice

There is no species restriction, but dogs and cats are the most recommended for their social interaction.
It is necessary to consider the guardian's lifestyle (space, available time, allergies).

Documentation and Registration (Optional)

In Brazil, there is no official registry, but some institutions issue emotional support certificates.
Airlines may require a recent report (issued within 12 months).

A common mistake is to believe that simply purchasing a certificate online is enough. Many of these documents are fraudulent and can lead to refusals for travel or condominiums.

Rights and Limitations in Brazil

Although they do not have the same privileges as service dogs, emotional support animals have some legal guarantees:

Air Travel

Companies such as Latam and Gol allow transportation at no additional cost, provided a medical report is presented.
In 2024, ANAC reinforced oversight to prevent fraud, requiring documents signed by professionals registered with the CRM or CRP.

Condominiums

Law 4,591/64 (Condominium Law) cannot prohibit the presence of animals, unless there is a proven risk.
Trustees may request a report, but they cannot arbitrarily deny it.

On the other hand, shopping malls, restaurants and public transportation are not required to accept these animals, as Brazilian legislation does not yet equate them to guide dogs.

Impact on Mental Health: Myths and Truths

Science has already proven the benefits of interaction between humans and animals. A study by USP (2023) showed that 72% of participants with moderate depression showed significant improvement after one year with a emotional support animal.

Truths

Reduction of cortisol (stress hormone).
Increased oxytocin (hormone linked to well-being).
Improved socialization for people with autism.

Myths

“Any animal can be an emotional support animal without documentation.” (False – a report is required).
“It replaces therapy or medication.” (False – it is a complement, not a sole treatment).

How to Choose the Ideal Animal?

Not every pet is suited to this role. Some dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors, are better suited for their docile temperaments.

Cats can also be excellent, especially for people with reduced mobility.

Factors to consider:

Size: A large dog may not be practical for those who live in an apartment.
Temperament: Very agitated animals can increase anxiety rather than alleviate it.
Life expectancy: A long-term commitment is essential to avoid abandonment.

Adopting from shelters is a great option, but it's important to check whether the animal has a calm and adaptable profile.

Conclusion

You emotional support animals are a valuable tool in mental health care, but they require responsibility.

Serious reports, appropriate pet selection, and respect for the rules are essential for this relationship to be beneficial for everyone.

If you identify with this need, consult a mental health professional. Bonding with an animal can be transformative, but it must be done correctly—ethically, with information, and respect for the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between an emotional support animal and a service dog?

Service dogs undergo specific training to assist with physical or psychiatric tasks, while emotional support animals They do not need training, just medical proof of their therapeutic need.

2. Can cats be emotional support animals?

Yes, any animal can perform this function, as long as it's recommended by a professional. Cats are great for people who need companionship without too much fuss.

3. Can I take my emotional support animal anywhere?

No. In Brazil, access is limited to air travel and condominiums. Restaurants and shopping malls may refuse entry.

4. How to avoid certificate fraud?

Always request a report signed by a registered doctor or psychologist. Certificates sold online without a professional evaluation are invalid.

5. Are emotional support animals exempt from fees on flights?

Yes, but only with valid documentation. Check the airline's policy before traveling.

References:

Brazilian Psychiatric Association (2024) – Data on demand growth.
ANAC (2024) – Regulation for the transport of animals on flights.
USP (2023) – Study on the benefits of animals on mental health.

Health and Wellbeing

Nara

SEO writer and editor with experience and a desire to transform complex topics in the Financial Market, Credit and digital world into clear, attractive and search-optimized content. Passionate about financial education and digital innovations, I use SEO strategies and content production to connect brands to their target audience, always with accurate data and accessible language. My career is supported by recognized certifications in the market from companies such as: ANBIMA - Rock Content - HubSpot

February 7, 2025