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

He registered Lorca as an emotional support animal, paid for a vaccine card and a certificate of good health, and crate-trained her in a TSA-approved carrier.

From Los Angeles Times

For five more years, I accepted my pet ownership, especially knowing he was a de facto emotional support animal for my now-16-year-old daughter.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

He said a doctor treating his depression had endorsed Wally’s status as his emotional support animal.

From Seattle Times