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

See Examples For:

emotional support animal

The character, the first full-fledged advertising mascot for Crocs, is a sort of emotional support animal embodying the casual vibe associated with its slip-on shoes, according to Chief Marketing Officer Carly Gomez.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

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

A dog can generally be labeled an emotional support animal with a doctor’s letter.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 31, 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

But he went home that day with a letter from the doctor, stating that WallyGator qualified as an emotional support animal.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 29, 2022