More People Are Turning to Dogs for Emotional and Mental Health Support

February 25, 2026
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Want to know why you’ve been seeing more emotional support dogs around lately?

People everywhere are registering dogs as emotional support animals. It’s not a coincidence. Emotional support dogs offer countless mental health benefits that simply cannot be replaced by medications or counseling.

Constant companionship. Unconditional love. Something to take care of when you wake up in the morning.

But here’s the real kicker…

ESA registrations have skyrocketed by 50% in the past five years. This trend is only continuing to grow.

People are finally realizing that dogs can be one of the most effective ways to manage mental health.

You’ll learn:

Why Dogs Make the Best Emotional Support Animals
Housing Accommodation Rights for ESA Owners
How Dogs Help With Mental Health (Supported by Data)
How to Get Started With Your Own ESA Dog

Dogs Make Great Emotional Support Animals Because They…

Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, PTSD or other mental health challenges — dogs can help.

The powerful bond between a human and a dog is unique. Dogs are able to recognize emotions that humans sometimes struggle to notice even in themselves. When someone is feeling sad, stressed out, anxious or sick — their dog knows.

Hard to believe?

Watch how a dog reacts when their owner is crying. No matter how they’re trained, most dogs will seek to comfort their owners when their senses detect distress.

That’s why mental health professionals often recommend emotional support animals as a supplement to treatment. In some extreme cases, individuals may even qualify for psychiatric assistance dogs that are trained to respond to unique situations. However, for the average person an ESA helps provide routine, fight feelings of isolation and manage anxiety, depression or PTSD symptoms.

And it’s not just anecdotal. Science agrees.

All ESA Owners Should Know About Housing Accommodation Rights

Renting an apartment or home usually comes with a strict “no pets” policy. That’s no problem for ESA owners though, thanks to federal laws.

Under the Fair Housing Act, individuals with physical, mental or emotional disabilities are allowed to have emotional support animals regardless of housing policies or rules. Since emotional support dogs are considered a reasonable accommodation, landlords are prohibited from denying them or changing the lease terms to accommodate an ESA.

There are rules that need to be followed, of course.

Landlords can not charge pet fees, pet deposits or any other costs related to housing an emotional support dog. They also cannot enforce breed restrictions and weight limits that would typically apply to pets.

However, all of this requires official ESA documentation.

To access these housing accommodation rights, the ESA owner needs to obtain an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter serves as proof that the dog provides therapeutic benefits.

Bear in mind these housing rules apply to most housing situations. Landlords must make “reasonable accommodations” for an ESA in:

Single family rentals
Private housing
Public housing
Even some types of temporary housing

Without documentation, a landlord can refuse to make accommodations for the dog. That’s why obtaining a proper ESA letter is step number one for emotional support animal owners.

The moral of the story?

Get the documentation in order before planning to rent with an ESA.

Here’s How Dogs Are Improving Mental Health (According to Facts)

Dogs aren’t just making people feel better. They’re proven to make people healthier.

A recent APA Healthy Minds poll revealed that 84% of pet owners felt their pets had a positive impact on their mental health. When talking to owners of emotional support animals specifically, that number rose to 88%.

That’s pretty impressive.

Pets have a huge impact on mental wellness, and dogs are no exception. From reducing anxiety and depression to encouraging daily activity, dogs are helping people all over America manage their mental health.

Recent years have seen a rise in mental health struggles and suicides across the U.S. People are starting to look elsewhere for support, and dogs are there to provide it.

Need more proof?

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 142 recognizing the bond between Americans and their pets. Understanding that relationship can lead to a healthier society was one of the many reasons for its passing.

How to Get an Emotional Support Dog

Ready to join the thousands who have registered an ESA dog of their own?

It’s actually pretty simple. Here’s what needs to happen.

Step 1: Talk to a Doctor or Mental Health Professional

Before talking to a landlord or getting a dog, the first step is speaking with a licensed therapist. A family doctor can provide a referral to someone who can determine if an ESA is the right fit.

Step 2: Receive the ESA Letter

The mental health professional will assess the situation and determine if an ESA is appropriate. If they believe an ESA will benefit the treatment plan, they will write up an official ESA letter. This letter is everything.

The ESA letter is what gives housing protection under the Fair Housing Act. Without it, the dog is simply a pet in the eyes of the law.

Step 3: Find the Perfect Dog Match

There’s no need to go out and buy a dog right away. Ask family members or friends if they have a dog that might be a good fit. Consider the living environment and lifestyle when picking an ESA dog. The goal is finding a dog that works well for everyone — including the neighbours.

Step 4: Inform the Landlord

Last but not least, provide the landlord with a copy of the ESA letter. By law, they need to make reasonable accommodations to allow the dog as part of the tenancy.

It really isn’t complicated.

A Few FAQ’s About Emotional Support Dogs

Still got questions? Here are some of the most common ones regarding ESAs:

Q: Are emotional support dogs considered service animals? A: Service dogs and ESAs are both considered “assistance animals.” However, service dogs have specific training that enables them to perform actions their owner can’t do for themselves. Emotional support dogs do not have special training, but they provide therapeutic benefits simply through companionship.

Q: Can an ESA letter just be bought online? A: Absolutely not. The only way to officially get an ESA dog is to obtain an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Online certifications mean nothing and landlords will not accept them.

Q: Can a landlord deny an emotional support animal? A: Landlords cannot reject emotional support animals with proper documentation. According to the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals. If a landlord fails to comply, a complaint can be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Wrapping Up

Emotional support dogs are here to stay. As more and more people discover the many mental health benefits of canine companionship, ESA registrations will likely continue to rise.

For anyone struggling with anxiety, depression or just needing a companion to get through the day — consider registering a dog as an ESA. Not only will the dog provide real benefits, but it’ll also offer legal protection from things like pet deposits and pet fees.

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