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

If an owner says their animal provides “comfort” or emotional support but does not identify a specific task that the animal does, that animal is an emotional support animal, not a service animal.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2023

But the dog was denied boarding by the airline because it did not meet the criteria for an emotional support animal and did not have a proper kennel as required.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2023

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

Joseph Henney’s emotional support animal WallyGator goes with him almost everywhere, from the grocery store to walks in the park.

From Washington Post • Aug. 29, 2022