Pomeranians are wonderful little dogs that have many qualities that make them a perfect companion but, do Pomeranians make good emotional support dogs?
Pomeranians are one of the best breeds to become emotional support dogs. Some of the qualities making them a great fit as an ESA would be, their devotion to their owners, intelligence, trainability, and cuddliness.
In this article, I discuss everything you need to know about emotional support dogs.
- What Is An Emotional Support Dog
- What Makes A Good Emotional Support Dog
- Who Needs An Emotional Support Dog
- Can You Get An Emotional Support Dog For Anxiety
- Are Pomeranians Good For Mental Health
- Are Pomeranains Good Emotional Support Dogs
- What Are The Benefits Of Having An Emotional Support Dog
- How Do You Qualify For An Emotional Support Dog
- What Are The Laws Regarding Emotional Support Dogs
- Whats An Emotional Support Animal Doctors Note
- Does My Emotional Support Dog Need A Special Vest Or Collor
- How Much Does Registering An Emotional Support Dog Cost
- Does My Dog Qualify As A Service Dog
- Can I Take An Emotional Support Dog On a Plane
- Can I Take An Emotional Support Dog On A Train
- Can I Take An Emotional Support Dog In An Uber
- Can I Stay At A Hotel With An Emotional Support Dog
- Can I Stay At An AirBNB With An Emotional Support Dog
- Can I Have An Emotional Support Dog In A Rental Where My Landlord Says No Pets Allowed
- Can An Emotional Support Dog Live In A Dorm
- Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog Anywhere
- What Happens If My Emotional Support Dog Causes A Disturbance
- Do Emotional Support Dogs Cost More
- Who Pays For Your Emotional Support Dog
- What Are The Most Common Dogs Used For Emotional Support Dogs
- Are Certain Dog Breeds Restricted As Emotional Support Dogs
- What Kind Of Dog Should I Get For Emotional Support
- Can My Pomeranian Be An Emotional Support Dog
- What Other Types Of Emotional Support Animals Are There
- Final Thoughts
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What Is An Emotional Support Dog
An emotional support dog or ESA is a dog that is able to provide therapeutic and emotional benefits to those who suffer from mental or emotional disabilities.
What Makes A Good Emotional Support Dog
The best emotional support dogs contain some common characteristics.
- Friendliness– emotional support dogs should be friendly, especially to strangers.
- Gentle– an emotional support dog should be gentle and calm.
- Even-Tempered– your dog should be predictable and not a loose cannon.
- Reliable– a great emotional support dog is able to read the signs of your distress and come to your needs.
- Attentive– your dog should be observant and attentive to your needs.
- Cuddly– A good cuddle goes a long way, your emotional support dog should be cuddly.
Who Needs An Emotional Support Dog
Anyone who has been diagnosed with a mental health disability and has sought help from a professional may be a good candidate for an emotional support dog.
It’s best to speak with your health professional regarding your specific condition and needs.
Can You Get An Emotional Support Dog For Anxiety
Emotional support dogs are a wonderful option to help those that suffer from anxiety.
Support dogs will help lower the feeling of fear and worry, as well as increasing social interactions and connections.
Are Pomeranians Good For Mental Health
It’s been proven that dogs or pets in general release neurotransmitters that make you happy when you are around them.
Even Sigmund Freud was known to have his Chow-Chow present during his therapy sessions.
Whenever I am feeling stressed or anxious I know my Pomeranians will be able to relieve some of those feelings and lift the mood.
It only takes a few moments of petting or cuddling with my dogs to make me feel better.
Pomeranians are very good for your mental health, I often think of them as my little cuddly and furry stress balls.
Are Pomeranains Good Emotional Support Dogs
Pomeranians make wonderful emotional support dogs due to their small stature and lovingly devoted personalities.
Pomeranians are known for becoming very attached to their owners and following them everywhere.
Even though Pomeranians are small toy-sized dogs they have larger-than-life personalities and are very good little guard dogs.
Pomeranians are prone to separation anxiety and are not a good fit for someone that may leave them home alone often.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a dog that you can bring with you everywhere, you Pomeranian would be more than happy to be by your side.
Pomeranians are very intelligent and do well with training in small doses.
Do Pomeranians Have Good Personalities?
What Are The Benefits Of Having An Emotional Support Dog
There are so many benefits to having an emotional support dog or a dog in general.
- Calming
- Relaxing
- Lowering Anxiety
- Alleviating Lonliness
- Enhancing Social Engagement and Interaction
- Reducing and Normalizing Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
- Reducing Pain
- Reducing Stress
- Reducing Anxiety
- Increasing Ones Joy
How Do You Qualify For An Emotional Support Dog
To qualify for an emotional support dog you must be diagnosed by a licensed medical professional as emotionally disabled.
For example, some conditions include.
- PTSD
- Learning Disabilties
- Motor Skills Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety
- Sleep Issues
- Phobias
- Panic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
What Are The Laws Regarding Emotional Support Dogs
It’s always best to check with your state’s laws regarding your local rules and regulations.
On the Federal level, those with emotional support dogs are protected by the Fair Housing Act and the Rehabilitation Act.
Whats An Emotional Support Animal Doctors Note
An emotional support animal (ESA) letter is a letter that needs to be written by a licensed health professional.
Your health professional needs to know you and be fully aware of your health condition and mental and emotional status.
An ESA letter needs to provide an opinion if your meet the needs of an emotional support animal regarding your mental and emotional disability.
The letter also needs to include a recommendation for an emotional support animal and the medical professional’s signature and license number.
Does My Emotional Support Dog Need A Special Vest Or Collor
There is not a federal law requiring that your emotional service dog wear a special vest or tags.
It’s up to you if you would like to put a special vest on your dog.
How Much Does Registering An Emotional Support Dog Cost
The average price for registering an emotional support dog is around $100.00.
Make sure you do your due diligence and find a reputable company for this service.
Does My Dog Qualify As A Service Dog
At this time emotional support dogs do not qualify as service dogs and do not have the same rights.
Can I Take An Emotional Support Dog On a Plane
Rules and regulations have changed regarding the ability to bring an emotional support dog on a plane.
At this point in time, you are legally required to have a letter from a doctor stating that it is absolutely essential that you are accompanied by your support animal, as well as that your dog is up to date on its vaccinations.
Clearly labeled vests, collars, and tags are not required at this time but, do help with the clear communication as to why your dog is there.
Can I Take An Emotional Support Dog On A Train
Emotional support dogs have not been deemed the same as service dogs in the eyes of train lines.
It is still possible for your emotional support dog to travel with you on a train but, you will need to follow the guidelines for bringing a pet instead of the service dog guidelines.
Can I Take An Emotional Support Dog In An Uber
Each and every driver has the personal choice of whether to accept your support dog into their car.
Can I Stay At A Hotel With An Emotional Support Dog
Hotels are not under any legal obligation to allow your emotional support dog.
It’s best to contact your hotel ahead of time with your request or seek out a pet-friendly hotel.
Can I Stay At An AirBNB With An Emotional Support Dog
Generally, you can stay in an Airbnb with an emotional support dog unless there is a threat to health or safety.
When choosing an Airbnb it’s best to be upfront about your situation and the inclusion of your support dog.
Can I Have An Emotional Support Dog In A Rental Where My Landlord Says No Pets Allowed
You are allowed to have emotional support dogs in a rental home or apartment that say there are no pets allowed.
Those with emotional support dogs are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits a landlord from discriminating against you.
A landlord can legally require you to have a doctor’s letter stating that you have a legit emotional support dog.
Are Pomeranians High Maintenance?
Can An Emotional Support Dog Live In A Dorm
Emotional support dogs are allowed to live in college dorms under the Fair Housing Act.
The Rehabilitation Act also protects those with mental illness from being discriminated against.
If bringing an emotional support dog to college is what’s right for you, it’s best to contact your college ahead of time to coordinate.
Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog Anywhere
Emotional support dogs do not have the same legal rights as service dogs.
An emotional support dog is not allowed into places like stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and amusement parks where a service dog would be.
Emotional support dogs are allowed in residences where there are normally no pets allowed.
Up until January 2021, emotional support dogs were allowed inside the cabin of all airlines. At this time that availability has been reduced. Check with your airline before you head to the airport with your emotional support dog.
What Happens If My Emotional Support Dog Causes A Disturbance
As pet owners, we are responsible for our pets when they are in a public setting.
If your dog causes a disturbance you may be asked to leave.
If your dog happens to cause any harm or damage you will be responsible for that damage and possibly receive fines for any laws that were broken.
What Happens If My Emotional Support Dog Barks
An emotional support dog should be trained well enough to not bark in inappropriate situations.
If your emotional support dog is barking it may need further training.
One of the reasons to have an emotional support dog is to reduce stress and anxiety. If your dog’s barking is a nuisance it will end up causing more stress in your life.
Do Emotional Support Dogs Cost More
The price of an emotional support dog will vary depending on where you get your dog and how it’s trained.
If you are getting a completely trained service dog the price can be around $10,000 to $30,000.
Having your own dog trained will cost less. You will need to factor in the price to purchase your dog plus professional training services which can be around $100 to $250 per hour.
There are organizations that will provide service dogs for free if you happen to qualify. The future owner becomes responsible for the dog’s care and training after they have received the dog.
Who Pays For Your Emotional Support Dog
In most cases, the entire cost of purchasing, training, and caring for an emotional support dog will fall on its owner.
At this point in time, health insurance does not cover the costs of emotional support animals.
What Are The Most Common Dogs Used For Emotional Support Dogs
The most common dogs used as emotional support dogs are.
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Pomeranian
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pug
- Corgi
- Beagle
- Poodle
- Chihuahua
Is A Pomeranian A Good First Dog?
Are Certain Dog Breeds Restricted As Emotional Support Dogs
At this point in time, there aren’t any restrictions on which breed of dogs can and can’t be utilized as emotional support dogs (ESA).
That said, there has been legislation for restrictions regarding “bully breeds” like pit bulls from being allowed as emotional support dogs.
This legislation has not passed but, it is something to keep in mind for the future if you select a breed that is often targeted as a danger.
What Kind Of Dog Should I Get For Emotional Support
Choosing an emotional support dog is a very personal experience.
You should consider your lifestyle and your needs in an emotional support dog before bringing one home.
Make a list of your wants and needs for your new friend and the details of your lifestyle that could be impacted.
Start digging into the different types of dogs that are recommended as emotional support dogs and see if there is a fit.
I would visit with a breeder and possibility a trainer before making a final selection.
Are Pomeranians Good With Kids?
Can My Pomeranian Be An Emotional Support Dog
Your current dog can become an emotional support dog as long as it is well behaved in public situations.
Of course, you will need to qualify for an emotional support animal before registering your dog.
What Other Types Of Emotional Support Animals Are There
There are many different options for emotional support animals. Some of the most popular include.
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Ferrets
- Snakes (yep!)
- Horses
- Hedgehogs
- Pigs
- Birds
- Mice
- Rats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hampsters
Final Thoughts
My dogs may not be official emotional support dogs but, they bring my family so much joy and stress relief daily.
I can’t imagine not having them in our lives.
If you are someone who may be in need of an emotional support dog I can not recommend Pomeranians enough.
Of course, a Pomeranian would need to be the right fit for your family and your personal situation but, if one is it may just be the best thing you’ve ever done.
The unconditional love provided by a Pomeranian is priceless.
