emotional support animal

American  

[ih-moh-shuh-nl suh-pawrt an-uh-muhl] / ɪˈmoʊ ʃə nl səˈpɔrt ˌæn ə məl /

noun

1. an animal that provides a therapeutic benefit to a person diagnosed with a psychological disorder, as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, and that is allowed to accompany the person in certain public places where pets are not allowed, as the cabin of an airplane. ESA

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Etymology

Origin of emotional support animal

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

To her, Havoc was more than an emotional support animal, but something akin to a child.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

Plus, she said, the seller told them their new puppy was an emotional support animal.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

The former American Airlines pilot says some unscrupulous animal owners buy harnesses and vests online to create the impression the dog is a trained service animal, or at least an emotional support animal.

From Washington Times • Feb. 2, 2023

She has sponsored a bill that would penalize people who sell fake emotional support animal certificates and gear.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2022

What if he were to register WallyGator as an emotional support animal?

From Washington Post • Aug. 29, 2022