Emotional Support Animals Part 1

Emotional Support Animals Part 1

Emotional support animals are pets that are used as an alternative to prescription pills to help humans through difficult times in their life. Some psychiatrists choose not to prescribe drugs, but to prescribe emotional support animals instead. In this video the purpose and benefits of emotional support animals are discussed, as well as the laws regarding emotional support animals.

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Step 1:

Project

Emotional Support Animals Part IDrugs like Xanax and Prozac help millions of Americans cope with anxiety and depression. But often drugs alone are not 100% effective.That's why some doctors are perscribing emotional support animals. Tracy Attfield started feeling depressed after and during a messy divorce. One of the few things that gave her joy was a dog named Brewster.

He's just very loyal. He's just, I always know he's going to be there. It's a great feeling.

When Tracy had to fly out of state to attend a funeral, she needed Brewster's support even more. The only problem, the airlines would not let Brewster to fly with her in the cabin.

He's only 5 pounds. He's quiet. I have a special carrying case for him. I put him under the seat in front of me. Nobody even knows he's there. No, I'm sorry, we have a no pet policy.

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Step 2:

Emotional Animal Support

Tracy turned to psycholigist, Dr. Felicia Serpico. Dr. Serpico does not supply drugs, she prescribes emotional support animals.

Emotional support animals work because they truly provide a constant support system for that individual. They provide a focal point to allow that individual to stay focused on their animal rather than on their condition.

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Step 3:

Animal Support Laws

Federal laws protect the rights of people to have emotional support animals in the cabin of airplanes even when a pet is not permitted or housing communities where there is a no pet policy as long as they have a perscription letter from a mental health counselor.

Because of her perscription, Tracy was able to bring Brewster on the plane with her making for a much less stressful trip.

They held onto the letter. We just need to make a copy. End of the fanfare. That was it.

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Step 4:

Pet Report

Next time on the pet report, we will show you who is entitled to an Emotional Support Animal.For the pet report, I'm Mitch Wilder.