Emotional Support Dog Training

An Emotional Support Dog (ESD) is a companion animal that provides emotional support to an individual with a diagnosed emotional or mental disability. An ESD must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional as part of a treatment plan to help improve the handler’s well-being.

Unlike service dogs, Emotional Support Dogs are not required to perform specific tasks and do not have public access rights to places such as restaurants or stores. However, they are protected under federal law in housing and air travel situations.

Under the Fair Housing Act, Emotional Support Dogs are allowed to live with their owner in most types of housing, even in properties with no-pet policies. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, they may fly in the cabin with their handler. In both cases, handlers cannot be charged additional pet fees for their ESD.

Although Emotional Support Dogs are not legally required to have obedience training, proper training is essential. Imagine an untrained dog in a crowded airplane cabin for several hours—good manners and reliable behavior are not just helpful, they are necessary.

ESD handlers are still responsible for any damage their dog causes, including damage to carpet, landscaping, or property due to destructive behavior.

If an Emotional Support Dog struggles with poor manners, anxiety, fear, or aggression, it becomes difficult for them to provide meaningful emotional support. Training helps ensure that your dog is calm, confident, and well-behaved in a variety of environments—so they can truly support you when you need them most.