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 • Oct. 30, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • May 1, 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

The easy days of flying with an emotional support animal free are gone.

From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2021