Service animals are not uncommon. In large cities, in particular, you can often find at least one service animal while out running errands. Lesser known, however, is emotional support animals.

Service VS Support

Service animals are highly trained creatures, designed to assist someone with a disability in managing their disability. For diabetes, for instance, service dogs are trained to recognize and alert their handler to a dangerously high or low and can help children avoid the risks associated with long periods of sleep in Type 1 diabetes. These animals, due to their extensive training, are allowed in any area the general public is permitted to visit, without the risk of being asked (or forced) to leave.

Conversely, support animals are not required to be trained but do not have the same protections as service animals. Support animals are assigned to a patient via a psychological evaluation for the purpose of alleviating anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions. They are protected under the ADA, in that they must be allowed in most housing situations and planes. They are not, however, allowed to go anywhere the general population goes.

Why an ESA?

An emotional support animal is not there to provide a diabetes patient with biological support but is instead there to offer emotional support. Many studies suggest that animals have a calming effect on the nervous system, and are effective in treating some of the signs and symptoms of various psychological disorders and states.

While an ESA cannot alert you to dangerous blood sugar highs or lows, and cannot guide you around your home, they can provide you with companionship and purpose, both of which can be useful in alleviating some of the anxiety and depression often associated with a diabetes diagnosis.

Diabetes and Emotional Support

An emotional support animal is not intended to take the place of a trained service animal. As such, an ESA is not ideal for someone who has uncontrolled or severe diabetes; emotional support animals require a lot of care and attention, rather than providing care and attention. If, however, your condition is under control (via lifestyle or medication), an emotional support animal can assist your mental state.

Ultimately, deciding between an emotional support animal and a service dog depends on your needs. If you require assistance with basic living tasks or diabetes management tasks, a service animal will fit your needs. If, however, you need an animal to help you with some mental health needs, companionship, and anxiety in high-stress situations such as flying, an ESA will suit you.