Emotional Support Animal
Also known as: ESA, Assistance Animal, Companion Animal
An animal that provides therapeutic benefit to a person with a mental health disability through companionship. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are not limited to dogs and do not require specific training. Under the Fair Housing Act, HOAs must make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals in communities with no-pet policies. The owner may need to provide documentation from a healthcare provider establishing disability-related need.