By Kensi Freeland
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.— All fifty states allow for animals to be registered as emotional support animals (ESA). ESAs are a key aspect of their owner’s lives.
An ESA must be legally prescribed by a licensed mental health professional. The process of getting it registered is simple, too.
“All you have to do is look up the emotional support animal registry for your state, and then file,” Lauren Hebling, ESA owner, said.
This allows for animals to be more than just adorable. They can help people struggling with various different mental health issues simply by offering their comfort. Hebling experienced that first hand.
“I was feeling really depressed. I didn’t know how to cope with my emotions. I never left the same spot in my house,” Hebling said.
After getting her dog, Izzy, all of that changed for her. She refers to Izzy as her ‘little sidekick’ insinuating Izzy tags along with her to most places.
Hebling said that ESA’s are very in tune with their humans, always knowing when they’re upset.
“Recently I came home after a bad day, and she was just so sweet, and it made me feel so much better,” Hebling said.
Making people feel better is exactly what an ESA is supposed to do. Hebling encouraged anybody struggling with mental health, or debating getting an ESA, to take action.