Top 20 Best Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs provide comfort and companionship to individuals facing various emotional and mental health challenges. These dogs can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Here’s a list of the 20 best dog breeds that are known for their ability to offer emotional support due to their temperament, affection level, and ease of training.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are not only friendly and outgoing but are also known for their stable temperament and adaptability to a range of environments, making them ideal for families or individuals in various living situations.

Their robust health and ability to get along with other pets and children make them a popular choice for a household needing a calming presence.

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are exceptionally approachable and reliable. They excel in obedience, which is crucial for those relying on a dog for emotional stability. Their soft demeanor and ability to interact gently with all age groups make them ideal for therapeutic settings, including schools and hospitals.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels not only thrive on companionship but are also incredibly empathetic to their owners’ emotions, often mirroring their feelings and providing comfort during stressful times.

They require regular grooming and human interaction, which fosters a strong bond between the dog and its owner.

4. Poodle

Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which make them an excellent choice for those with allergies.

They excel in obedience and agility, which can be helpful for owners looking for an emotionally supportive pet that is also active and engaging.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Despite their small size, Yorkshire Terriers have a vibrant personality and are known for their loyalty. They are also an excellent choice for apartment dwellers or older individuals who may want a smaller, less physically demanding companion.

Their long, silky coat requires regular care, encouraging a routine that can help owners maintain a schedule.

6. Corgi

Both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi possess a strong desire to please their owners, which makes training them relatively straightforward. They are alert and watchful, making them good companions for those who live alone and seek a sense of security and emotional connection.

7. Pug

Pugs are particularly suited for indoor living and are known for their humorous personality that can bring lightness and joy to their owners. They are very sociable with humans and other pets and have a steady temperament that makes them reliable in various social situations.

8. Boxer

Boxers are particularly good with children, often protective and patient, making them suitable as support dogs in families with young ones. They are also known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm, which can be infectious and help lift the spirits of those around them.

9. Border Collie

Border Collies are highly energetic and thrive on having tasks to perform, which can make them excellent companions for active individuals or those in need of routine and structure in their lives. Their sensitivity to human emotions makes them particularly adept at responding to their owner’s emotional states.

10. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are perfect for constant companionship—they are small enough to be carried in a bag or sit comfortably on a lap, which provides immediate physical comfort. They can be feisty and possess a personality much larger than their size, which often brings entertainment and joy to their owners.

11. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are not only intelligent but are also versatile and agile. They thrive in active households or environments where they can participate in various activities, promoting engagement and a healthy lifestyle for their owners.

Their protective nature makes them attentive companions who are always aware of their owner’s mood and environment.

12. Vizsla

Vizslas are exceptionally loyal and form strong bonds with their owners, often following them from room to room. They require a lot of exercise, which encourages their owners to engage in physical activity, beneficial for mental health.

Their gentle manner and sensitivity to emotions make them perfect for someone needing a constant, comforting presence.

13. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are particularly good in urban settings due to their low exercise requirements. They have a very amiable personality, get along well with other animals, and are great at adapting to their living situation, making them excellent companions for those who might have mobility issues or live in smaller spaces.

14. Beagle

Beagles are incredibly sociable and friendly, which makes them great companions for families or single-person households. They have a keen sense of smell and enjoy exploratory walks, which can be therapeutic for owners looking for motivation to engage in outdoor activities.

Their cheerful disposition is often a great mood booster.

15. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are particularly good for those who spend a lot of time at home, as they prefer to be indoors and close to their owners. They are less yappy than other small breeds but still alert enough to be good watchdogs.

Their long, luxurious coat requires regular grooming, providing a soothing activity for owners and reinforcing the bond between pet and human.

16. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels have a gentle and warm demeanor that makes them excellent for therapeutic interactions. They are relatively easy to train and responsive to their owner’s mood, making them sensitive to various emotional cues.

This breed’s love for play and affection makes it a wonderful source of comfort and joy.

17. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly gentle giants who are particularly good with children and the elderly. They tend to have a calming effect on their environment, which is beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety or PTSD.

Their larger size allows them to participate in physical activities like hiking, which can be therapeutic.

18. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are cheerful and have a lot of love to give, making them perfect emotional support animals. They are particularly good for those with allergies as their fur is hypoallergenic. Their playful antics and affectionate nature can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.

19. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are not only powerful and majestic but also kind-hearted and protective. They are natural swimmers and can participate in activities such as water rescue, which can be comforting and empowering for their owners.

Their calm demeanor and steady presence make them excellent companions, particularly in stressful situations.

20. American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terriers are incredibly devoted and often form a strong bond with all family members. They are courageous and confident, providing a sense of security and emotional stability to their owners. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them excellent at obedience and therapy work.

How to Certify an Emotional Support Dog

To certify your dog as an emotional support animal (ESA), you’ll need to follow several key steps. Here’s a clear guide based on information from various reputable sources:

• Identify Your Need for an ESA: The first step is recognizing that an ESA could help manage your mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Consult a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP): You need an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional. This professional must be licensed in your state and able to assess your need for an ESA.
• ESA Letter: The LMHP will evaluate your mental health to determine if an ESA would be beneficial for you. If they conclude that an ESA could help, they will provide you with an ESA letter. This letter should include the professional’s license number, signature, and date, and state that you have a recognized disability and that the ESA is part of your treatment plan.
• Present the ESA Letter to Necessary Parties: You can present this letter to your landlord or airline as needed. For housing, this letter allows you to live with your ESA even in housing that typically does not allow pets. For air travel, while rules have changed recently with many airlines no longer accepting ESAs as they used to, having an ESA letter can still help facilitate your travel arrangements.
• No Need for Registration: It’s important to understand that there is no official registration or certification for ESAs recognized under U.S. law. The ESA letter is the only legitimate proof you need.
• Renewal: Typically, an ESA letter is valid for one year. You should check with your mental health professional about the need for renewal.

Sources:

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/the-most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2020/
2. https://www.rockyriverretrievers.com/labrador-retrievers-as-therapy-dogs-bringing-comfort-and-joy/
3. https://esadoctors.com/how-to-certify-an-emotional-support-dog/