While the most common kinds of animals that people think of as service or support animals tend to be dogs, many different animals can actually provide support as animal allies. To fully appreciate the beauty of these wonderful creatures, it is necessary to highlight and celebrate the diversity of possible service and support animals.

Today we’re going to talk about three different types of animals that can be service or support animals.

1. Cats

One extremely common type of pet for Americans throughout the country is cats. These spectacularly independent fluffy friends of millions of people are owned by hundreds of thousands of families nationwide. But, now a clever reader may ask: Can cats be service animals?

Unfortunately, the Americans with Disabilities Act limits service animals to canines and miniature horses. Cats cannot be service animals.

Still, there is some good news for people who have cats and rely on them for emotional support. Felines can have legal protections as emotional support or therapy animals.

Knowing the distinctions between emotional support and service animals are important because it determines which legal protections you and your pet can receive.

For now, cats can only work in an ESA capacity. But their independence and self-reliance make them exceptional therapy animals for many people who need such allies.

2. Dogs

Perhaps the quintessential support or service animal, a dog is an incredibly popular choice for an aide animal. Dogs offer aid in many ways, whether aiding someone with a debilitating physical condition or providing unconditional emotional comfort to someone in need. Their characteristics, loyalty, and eagerness to please are why dogs are perhaps the most in-demand kind of animal.

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Canines have the independence needed to excel at aiding someone who may need a service animal and the affectionate personalities to provide emotional support. It’s also the case that dogs provide various benefits to their human companions’ physical and emotional well-being.

3. Mice

The final kind of animal may be surprising, but mice make for excellent emotional support animals. Mice are small and do not require the same amount of space as a larger dog or a cat. They also require little maintenance. Daily feedings and weekly cleanings are enough to keep your mouse happy, whereas a larger canine or feline may need a daily walk or constant attention.

Much like cats, mice cannot be service animals, but they can be a kind of support animal. Indeed, these little friends do not have the same physical abilities as larger furry friends. Still, in exchange, they may be more accessible to many people who need the love and companionship of a therapy animal but lack the space or time for a more high-maintenance pet.

Conclusion

There are a wide array of furry friends that can provide meaningful support for millions of people nationwide. While it’s easy to conceive a dog or a horse as a support animal, there is a staggering amount of diversity available for people with various needs. We hope this article has helped expand your thoughts on these kinds of friends!