Nothing compares to the warmth you get from cuddling with your pet dog. It’s interesting to know that the warmth spread in your body is due to the love of hormones (Oxytocin) released in the body. Cuddling your furry pet results in the production of Oxytocin in your brain. It builds empathy and trust between you and the dog.
All we want is to lead you to the best ESA clinic. Go ahead and read reviews.
Dogs are right for your physical and mental health, and owning one implies that you’ll have a loyal companion for a lifetime. Most dog owners have been reported to generally have a positive outlook.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need An Emotional Support Dog?
For anyone who feels like they’re losing their grip on reality, and even mundane tasks are becoming hard to perform due to mental illness like depression, an emotional support dog could be an ideal remedy. An emotional support dog can help you in several ways, including:
- They can accompany you whenever you feel alone.
- They can help to alleviate depression symptoms.
- They can reduce your anxiety.
- They can help to reduce PTSD symptoms significantly.
- They can encourage you to engage more in physical activities and be social.
Here’s a compiled list of the best 17 dogs that offer emotional support.
1. Golden Retriever
Over the years, many individuals have picked Golden Retrievers to be the best option for being emotional support dogs. Golden Retrievers are the top choice dogs for emotional support due to their endearing nature. These dogs can quickly detect distressing signals in their owners, and they are friendly with everyone.
Golden Retrievers are among the most sought after emotional support dog breeds in the United States. These dogs make excellent family pets, and they understand how to act around adults and children. They are compassionate and will recognize even a slight change in your mood.
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Size: 21 – 24 inches
Weight: 55 – 75 pounds
Great For: All mental health problems.
Read reviews on popular ESA letter providers before you get one!
Fun Facts:
Golden Retrievers are very smart, loyal, and affectionate. They are loving and devoted. Hanging out with them can be fun. Would you need other friends if you have this beautiful furry companion by your side? They are very patient, making them perfectly suitable for homes with kids. They are outgoing and intelligent. They are naturally athletic, agile, and they hardly bark excessively. You also need to note that these dogs are great at sniffing, so be ready to make a few stops on the way.
2. Labrador Retrievers
If you need an emotional support dog for great companionship, not only are these dogs friendly, they are very observant too. Labrador Retrievers are bred to be excellent companions, and they support their owners going through emotional or mental disorders.
These dogs are of 3 different color varieties: chocolate, yellow, and black. They are straightforward to groom due to their short hair. These dogs are highly affectionate and friendly with members of their home. They’ll quickly become members of your family. They can help you perform a few easy tasks like closing doors, opening doors, or fetching things.
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Size: 21 – 24 inches
Weight: 55 – 80 pounds
Great For: All mental health problems, especially Autism, ADD, or Schizophrenia.
Helping you make the right choice with ESA Letter reviews!
Fun Facts:
Labradors are smart, sweet, and gentle. These features make them one of the USA’s most popular dog breeds. They make excellent family dogs due to their adaptability, plus the added advantage of being comfortable in almost all situations and places. They enjoy eating a lot, so ensure not to overfeed your pet. They can efficiently perform physically demanding tasks like closing doors, opening doors, or fetching a bottle. You must be ready to dedicate a minimum of thirty minutes to outdoor activities with this pet every day.
3. Collie
The Collie is a native Scotland dog breed. These dogs are well known as herding dogs, which implies that they have a natural ability to look out for any member of their ‘herd’—that’s why they make wonderful companions at home. This dog breed can foresee and sense behavioral changes with ease due to their performance in herding livestock, so they will ensure their distressed owner or family member receives care. However, Collie do not need any form of physical exercise, which is a great way to get their owner active and healthy.
Collies display high levels of emotional loyalty to their owners. Their most remarkable talent is their instinct to foresee their owner’s needs and act accordingly. They’re also great at returning affection and love tenfold. They are kind and sensitive companions.
Life Span: 10 – 14 years
Size: 22 – 26 inches
Weight: 50 – 70 pounds
Great For: All mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression.
Read reviews on ESA clinics and avoid getting scammed!
Fun Facts:
Collies are quiet and loving pets. They only bark excessively when there’s a reason to. Ensure not to leave them alone for too long as they don’t like being alone; else, they will get anxious and bark a lot. Due to their loving personality, Collies quickly get along with young children and are mostly considered family dogs. The dog breed’s most prominent traits are loyalty and devotion. You can hang out with them and take them anywhere since they enjoy playing and socializing. Before getting one of these dogs, ensure to get top quality grooming supplies as Collies aren’t easy to groom, and they usually need more attention when it comes to grooming.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are quite attentive, and they make the ideal emotional support dog because of their ability to make people feel loved and their attentiveness. This is a dog breed that is glad to be working. Hence, by properly training your German Shepherd, you’ll be building a responsible emotional support pet. They also respond excellently to different kinds of difficult situations.
These dogs can adapt to all types of environments. They’re extremely loyal to their owner and can be trained to perform any kind of work. They are very active and require regular exercise to remain in good shape. They are very protective, loving, and calm; you won’t regret picking them as your favorite emotional support pet.
Life Span: 10 – 14 years
Size: 2 – 3 feet
Weight: 70 – 90 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions, especially anxiety, stress, and depression.
Fun Facts:
German Shepherds are one of the most lovable and loyal dog breeds you’ll find. They are very affectionate and incredibly calm. They are also fearless companions and have the ability to protect their owners. They can learn new things quickly due to their intelligence. If you love training dogs, then German Shepherds are the right breed for you as they make training much fun. They are very social and love to socialize with both children and adults. They are compassionate and can quickly figure out when their owner isn’t in a happy state.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t be deceived by their size, as Yorkies have a huge personality. Despite their small size, these dogs are highly affectionate and will require plenty of affection, though they reciprocate by showering their owners with even more loyalty and love. Yorkshire Terriers are excellent travel companions due to their great adaptability to different situations and new environments. These cute little dogs are tender and will always seek ways to keep their owners happy.
Wanna get an ESA? Don’t forget to read reviews about authentic ESA letter providers.
Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, are mostly considered toy dog breeds. These dogs are feisty and devoted. They are ideal for individuals who live in small apartments. They make excellent mental health companions due to their sensitive nature.
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Size: 8 – 9 inches
Weight: 4 – 6 pounds
Great For: All mental conditions, especially bipolar disorder and depression.
Fun Facts:
Yorkshire Terriers can go anywhere with you due to their compact size. They are friendly, manageable, and affectionate. They are compassionate and suspicious of strange environments and strangers. Be ready to hear their little growls during any casual stroll with them. They usually bark to alarm their family members. They demand constant attention and are needy. They can be very possessive of you and will not tolerate new animals around their house. Hence, before introducing a new pet, ensure to give your Yorkshire Terrier enough time to adjust. These dogs also require plenty of playtimes as they are full of energy.
We strive to lead you to the best ESA clinic. Be smart, look deeper, and don’t forget to read reviews before you go!
6. Corgi
While this dog breed is often considered the Royal Queen’s favorite, the Corgi is among the most affectionate breeds. Everyone loves them due to their ability to get along with adults and children quickly. Though these dogs need a lot of physical and mental exertion from their owner, they’re a valuable breed. These dogs are gentle, intelligent, and friendly with individuals of all ages, and that’s why they are a good emotional support dog.
Life Span: 12 – 14 years
Size: 10 – 12 inches
Weight: 25 – 30 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions.
Fun Facts:
These small animals will add color to your life by bouncing off the walls. They are very vocal and will bark at any time and anything. Corgis are very energetic and will also emit energetic, strong vibes your way. They are intelligent, loving, and happy. They can easily sense any imminent danger around their owners and bark to alert them. They are not really social, but if their owner trains them and introduces them to people, they’ll learn to be social. Corgis can get excited by anything, like seeing new places or seeing themselves in a mirror.
Be smart, look deeper, and don’t forget to read reviews before you go!
7. American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers are exceptionally playful, affectionate, and loyal to their owner. Although they have a bad reputation and press, these gentle giants are what they are: gentle giants. With a good upbringing and training, American Staffordshire Terriers can become great emotional support dogs. These dogs are highly recommended as emotional support dogs.
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
Size: 16 – 19 inches
Weight: 40 – 60 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions.
Fun Facts:
American Staffordshire Terriers are very gentle and loyal to their keepers. Their most outstanding characteristic is that they’re courageous and won’t back down in challenging situations. However, you need to note that they are very playful and love to play with their keepers. You need to train them nicely to behave properly in public places. These dogs are amiable and quickly get along with adults and children. They don’t require too much grooming, so you have less worry about them.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
These dogs look like huggable toys. They are great at cuddling and can engage their owners in several kinds of playtimes. These cute dogs have a similar appearance to a small stuffed toy, though for adults. They enjoy cuddling, making them the ideal companion for anyone who feels like getting a hug from someone.
These Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy being cuddled mostly by their owners. Getting a belly rub gives them the most excellent satisfaction all day long. They also make great hunting dogs. They’re very vigilant and sensitive and will usually look out for their owner, especially when they notice something odd about them. If the dog senses that its owner isn’t feeling happy, it will gladly display some silly acts to entertain them.
Life Span: 9 –15 years
Size: 12– 13 inches
Weight: 13 – 18 pounds
Great For: All mental conditions, especially for PTSD.
Click on the button below and read reviews about the ESA clinic.
Fun Facts:
These dogs are great lap dogs. They can hardly get enough love or petting. They always want attention, cuddling, and petting. They are brilliant and ready for any adventure with you. They are also highly dependent and will never need your company. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are highly social and will allow anyone to pet them. You can take your pet anywhere and introduce it to new people without any fear of annoying them. They are straightforward to take care of and groom.
9. Chihuahua
Although they are a bit feisty, Chihuahuas are very friendly and attentive. They will make you feel wanted due to their constant cravings for attention. They come in different kinds of colors and coat types. These small dogs are full of energy, though you can train them to respond rightly to commands with the right upbringing.
Their vibrant and fun personality make these dogs ideal for cuddling and playing with and will offer much help to you, both mentally and emotionally. Thus, it’s another great choice for an emotional support dog.
Life Span: 10 – 18 years
Size: 6 – 9 inches
Weight: 3 – 6 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions.
Register your dog as an ESA today! Don’t forget to read reviews about authentic ESA letter providers.
Fun Facts:
You might have seen so much of Chihuahuas in movies to want one immediately as your emotional support dog. These dogs are fun-loving and love to be as close to you as possible, every time. They are tiny and can fit easily in your tote bag. If you’re looking to buy a Chihuahua, you can also get sturdy bags to carry them around. These little creatures are brilliant, curious, and fast learners. They will explore every corner of your home and keep a vigilant eye on every new person they come across. Due to their size, Chihuahuas are not suitable for families with young children. You don’t want your little kids stepping on them. They don’t require too much exercise and grooming.
10. Irish Wolfhound
This dog breed is naturally sensitive, which implies that it can quickly recognize even a slight change in its owner’s health or behavior. It has a natural ability to protect, making it valuable for those who need an emotional support dog. But you need to note that these dogs can’t live for more than eight years, which may be challenging for those who become attached too quickly.
Still haven’t read reviews about the best ESA clinics? Waste no more time and click on the banner below!
Irish Wolfhounds can quickly get along with other pets in your home. However, some can be aggressive or dominant towards other dogs (same-sex). They have instincts to pursue cats and any fleeing creature.
Life Span: 6 – 8 years
Size: 30 – 32 inches
Weight: 115 – 180 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions.
Amazing Facts:
Irish Wolfhounds are a large dog breed and require a large space. Hence, they are not suitable for those who stay in small apartments. Their furry body and cute face will melt your heart. They require a minimum of 50 minutes for exercising every day, so you need to be ready for a great time outdoors. They are loving, gentle, and kind to strangers and their owners. They enjoy chasing cars and other animals. It is important to have a tight grip on your Irish Wolfhound’s leash when you go out together for a walk to avoid losing them. If you love clingy dogs a lot, then you’ll enjoy having an Irish Wolfhound as they love being in their owner’s company. They also don’t howl or bark excessively.
11. Boxer
These dogs are sometimes called the Peter Pan of dogs. They attain full maturity after three years of age. Boxers are among the most desirable dogs for those who need an emotional support dog.
Boxers enjoy the company of their owners. They can act silly and will often entertain you with these silly antics. They crave a lot for human attention. After long hours of playtime that seems exhausting to you, these dogs will remain energetic. Hence, if you decide to get one of these dogs, be ready to invest several playtime hours.
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Height: 21 – 25 inches at shoulder level
Weight: 60 – 70 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions, primarily Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Amazing Facts:
If you don’t have any experience of keeping a dog, do not fret about it. Boxers are suitable for novice owners. These dogs are children-friendly, making them a great choice for families with children. They are straightforward to groom and full of energy. They require plenty of playtime and exercise. They can understand commands very quickly due to their high level of intelligence. They are also kind and loyal to their owners. In no time, your Boxer can become used to your behavior patterns and moods and easily sense a change afterward.
Click on the button below and read about the best ESA clinic reviews.
12. Poodles
Poodles are loaded with cleverness and elegance. They are very proud, though they have a very soft, loving heart. They are very friendly and social, and they enjoy playing and cuddling with their owners. Poodles are a great emotional support dog breed due to these interesting qualities. They are charming and playful, and they enjoy a great play session. They want a hearty walk and a fetching game. Furthermore, they also like cuddling sessions, which makes them excellent emotional support dogs.
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
Size: 20 – 22 inches
Weight: 50 – 60 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions, especially bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
You must read honest reviews about any clinic that helped people get an ESA Letter.
Amazing Facts:
If you enjoy playing, rest assured that these dogs enjoy playing more. They are straightforward to train and will adapt very quickly to your needs. They are obedient and will always act composed (very gentle and willing) in public. Poodles are loyal and devoted to their families. These dogs are suitable for individuals with allergies as they don’t shed their coats. If you leave them for too long, they tend to become lonely; hence, they require constant attention and love. Poodles love walking dignified as they are a proud dog breed.
13. Pug
The Pug is an ancient dog breed with a history that dates back to 2000 years. In Latin, the word Pug means ‘fist.’ These dogs are popularly known to have comical features, with their face looking like a human fist. They are loving and very playful. They enjoy spending quality time with their family members while cuddling and playing with them. This small dog breed is well-known as a clown among dogs due to their high sense of humor and ability to entertain people.
Pugs are also highly intelligent. They are very sensitive to your feelings. They can tell when you’re not happy and will try to cheer you up with their playfulness. Pugs are also highly emotional and affectionate companions. These excellent qualities make them wonderful emotional support dogs.
Click on the button below and read reviews about ESA clinics.
Life Span: 13 – 15 years
Size: 12 – 14 inches
Weight: 14 – 18 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions, especially anxiety, stress, and depression.
Amazing Facts:
Pugs are very kind and will instantly connect with their owners, making them great emotional support dogs. They’re well-known to be loud snorers, so every Pug owner looks forward to waking to their loud snoring sound. They can’t adapt to warm temperatures, and they demand constant attention. They will follow you around your house at all times. They might become sad if they don’t get your attention and love. They enjoy having fun and playing outdoors with their family members. However, you need to note that they can be mischievous and don’t like being left alone while you’re out all day.
14. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are bat-eared dogs with a strange appeal. Although they are short, they have a muscular body. They are very loyal and affectionate and also very smart. These amazing qualities make them excellent emotional support dogs. The cute dog breed is very gentle and lovable. They always enjoy playing with their owner and cuddling up to them.
These dogs make great travel companions because of their small size. French Bulldogs can adapt well to both adults and children. They enjoy training sessions, which makes them very easy to train. For them, training sessions mean they’ll have more time with you. These lovable dogs make excellent emotional support dogs. They are ideal for individuals who stay in small apartments.
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
Size: 10 – 12 inches
Weight: 15 – 30 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions.
Amazing Facts:
French Bulldogs love to have fun and play with their owners. They won’t give in until they see you put a smile on your face. They are straightforward to train; you only need to make their training sessions look like playing sessions. These dogs are very stubborn by nature—you can hardly change their mind once they decide to refuse something. They can quickly get along with strangers and children. You can consider getting a French Bulldog if you stay in a small apartment. They’re not too demanding and don’t need extra grooming sessions.
15. Pomsky
The Pomsky dog breed is a hybrid cross between the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian. Most people consider it a hybrid or designer dog breed since it’s bred through artificial insemination. Pomskies are suitable for novice dog owners, and they adapt well to new families.
Click below to read reviews about authentic ESA Letter providers!
They are also ideal for individuals who stay in small apartments. They enjoy being the center of attraction and can do almost anything to keep every eye on them. They crave their owner’s love and enjoy being cuddled all the time. Pomsky makes an excellent emotional support dog due to its quick ability to get attached to its owner.
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Size: 10 – 15 inches
Weight: 15 – 25 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions.
Amazing Facts:
Pomsky is very suitable for those who live in cold regions. These dogs can withstand the cold weather in any of such regions. They are incredibly flexible due to their ability to adjust correctly in warm weather conditions. They are straightforward to train and are sensitive to their owner’s feelings and behavioral patterns. Although they are very playful, Pomskies are relatively easy to take care of and groom. However, you need to note that the grooming sessions can consume plenty of time. They enjoy giving hugs and regularly ensure their owners know how they feel about them.
Have you read honest reviews yet? If not, click on the button below.
16. Husky
Huskies are a sled dog breed mostly common in the polar regions. They are very energetic, friendly, and loyal to their owners. They are great charmers, and you will hardly ever get tired of stroking your Husky’s fur. It makes an excellent emotional support dog breed because it will abandon all its activities and cuddle with its owner until it has accomplished its task whenever it senses that its owner isn’t happy.
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
Size: 30 – 40 inches
Weight: 50 – 60 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions, especially bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
Amazing Facts:
This dog breed is a ray of sunshine for individuals who are sinking in their sorrows. You’ll hardly have a dull moment when your Husky is around. They become a source of contentment to their owners and bring joy into their lives. While they may need thorough brushing, taking care of them is still manageable as they are undemanding. Besides this cuddly breed being great emotional support dogs, they are also excellent guard dogs who do their best to protect their owners from harm.
Click on the button below and read reviews about an ESA clinic.
17. Samoyed
Samoyeds are a ‘beauty with brains’ dog breed due to their white, thick, double-layer coats. They are highly strong-willed and are very loyal to their families. They enjoy hanging around with their owners all the time, and they’re good dogs for movie producers. They have a captivating smile, also popularly called ‘Sammy Smile.’ Samoyeds are good-natured and always happy. They have a dignified walking step, knowing that they are smart and intelligent. Their beautiful thick coats are ideal for cold weather.
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
Size: 20 – 30 inches
Weight: 40 – 60 pounds
Great For: All mental health conditions, especially bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
Amazing Facts:
Samoyeds are mostly considered family dogs due to their ability to get along with every family member in no time. They are great companions for children and other animals. Grooming them is not easy; their luscious fur requires several brushing minutes before it will look shiny and sleek. These dogs are vocal and will keep changing their tone and pitch to let you know the things they dislike or like. They can serve as diligent watchdogs due to their ability to bark. They’ll bark whenever they see something new approaching their territory. Samoyeds are excellent hunters and will constantly run after anything that shows up in a park.
How Can You Get an Emotional Support Dog?
Having gone through this comprehensive list, you are probably spurred on and can’t wait to have an emotional support dog fill your life with joy and love. Emotional dogs’ role is simple—they come into your life to lift you from depression and help you deal with every mental disorder.
Here’s a guide on how to get an emotional support dog with an Emotional Support Animal Letter.
#1. Look for an LMHP (Licensed Medical Health Professional)
Here are some tips to help you find the right mental health professional:
- Use the Internet to check online for the top therapists close to you.
- Check the websites of several therapists and go through their profiles.
- Check out customer testimonials and reviews for different therapists to improve your knowledge of what to expect.
- Seek recommendations from friends and family members on the best therapist.
#2. Make an appointment
Face-to-face consultations
If you prefer a conventional way of doing things, you can go to the nearest doctor or therapist. The most appreciable advantage of having a face-to-face consultation is the bond you’ll develop with your therapist or doctor. It helps them to understand your mental and emotional state better.
Have you read honest reviews yet? If not, click on the button below.
Online consultations
Is there anything you can’t find online these days? Online consultation is highly convenient for those who may not feel comfortable sharing personal problems like mental issues with a therapist or doctor in person. Having an online consultation will help to save energy and time.
Search online for the best LMHP (Licensed Medical Health Professional) that is authorized to sign and write emotional support letters around your location. Book an online appointment with them.
#3. Explain Why You Need An Emotional Support Dog
Your primary purpose of meeting with an LMHP (Licensed Medical Health Professional) is to help you evaluate your current mental and emotional state. Ensure to open up on your emotions and feelings.
Therapists are trained to maintain confidentiality and not disclose any of your details to any other person. So, be free to share even the smallest details. Here are some of the essential details you need to disclose during the sessions:
- Talk about your family, friends, and routine.
- Tell them about any medication you are currently using or were previously prescribed.
- Discuss your mental and emotional disabilities.
- Explain that you require someone going back in memory lane and remembering things that may trigger stress, depression, or anxiety.
- Tell your therapist why you feel that getting an emotional support dog will help steer your life towards the recovery route.
#4. Adopt a Dog or Register Your Dog
If you have a dog, simply register it as an emotional support dog and apply for an Emotional Support Animal Letter so you can enjoy every privilege that is unknown to other average home pets. On the other hand, if you don’t have a dog yet, you can choose to adopt one from any adoption center, shelter, or rescue center around you.
There’s only one way to get your dog registered as an emotional support dog; by applying for the ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter and having it signed and approved by an LMHP (Licensed Medical Health Professional). Avoid any website that claims anything otherwise.
#5. Apply for an ESA (Emotional Support Animal Letter)
The final step is applying an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter. Using an ESA letter for your preferred dog pet isn’t as hard as you think. You can use this letter in two different ways:
Ask your doctor or therapist to write you an Emotional Support Animal Letter. Your therapist should be able to write and sign the ESA letter for your pet dog if they are an LMHP (Licensed Medical Health Professional).
The other option involves looking for a trustworthy and legit website that provides approved and signed Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters. Once you find a legit website, they will send a form to you to fill. You will need to fill in your important information in the state.
Be smart, look deeper, and don’t forget to read reviews before you go!
Conclusion
Dogs are energetic, empathetic, and loyal by nature. They tend to add color and beauty to colorless lives. Emotional support dogs have the ability to bring joy to people’s lives and improve their physical and mental health. These dogs can help lift your spirits and help you come out of a sinking state. They’ll steer you to normalcy.
Remember that emotional support dogs need every attention and love they can get from you. Like every other living thing, they require healthy diets and occasionally need to step outdoors. Provide a loving home and ensure to take proper care of them. As long as your emotional support dog is physically and mentally fit, they will keep you calm and happy at all times.
After selecting your preferred emotional support dog, ensure to get an Emotional Support Animal letter as soon as possible because only then will you and the dog be granted to enjoy the privileges that other pets cannot. As soon as you get a legit and approved ESA letter, you and your dog can travel together and dwell in any rental without incurring any additional charges.
Ensure to go through this list of the top 17 loving dogs that are most recommended as emotional support dogs. We have done our best to cover all you’ll need to get the best emotional support dog for yourself to keep you happy, lively and improve your emotional, mental, and even physical health.
But before that why not read honest reviews about some of the best ESA clinics? Just click on the banner below.
