Rabbits as Emotional Support Animals (E.S.A’s)
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
ESA's are domestic animals that help alleviate the negative effects of an individual's mental health. The animal should be able to help support the individual in a way that should be beneficial, and help to lessen emotional difficulties and distress. The bond between your emotional support rabbit is extremely important, and it is this bond that makes your rabbit a ESA. The rabbit does not need any training to fill the roll of an ESA.
The criteria for an ESA is open. As long as your rabbit helps to give you happiness and comfort, all you need is a letter from a licensed therapist/psychologist to certify your rabbit as an ESA. You may also be required to supply payment to register your rabbit as an ESA, but along with this your rabbit will be given their own certificate and badge as proof of their role in your life.
Why a rabbit?
Rabbits make brilliant ESAs. They can be considered quiet pets compared to dogs and cats, and as a result may be better for a person who struggles with sensory overload and loud noises. While rabbits do need maintenance to help them live their hoppiest lives, they tend to require less than dogs and cats, and their maintenance can be less time-consuming. This might be helpful if the individual struggles with maintenance for themselves, let alone an animal.
Other massive plus’ of choosing a rabbit as your ESA:
Rabbits can be litter trained, which is less worrying than having to walk a dog everyday.
Rabbits can be very affectionate pets, and can give you lots of bunny kisses and snuggles!
They are meticulous groomers and keep themselves clean, removing the extra responsibility of bath-time.
They can be trained to do fun tricks.
Spending money on their food is often cheaper than with a dog or cat
Rabbits are very aware of their environment and their surroundings, and are able to respond to their owner’s situation accordingly.
Rabbits can often behave very much like dogs, minus the barking! They can learn to respond to their name, and can come when called.
The bond a rabbit can have with their own e can be formed quickly (depending on your rabbit), and this bond can be extremely special to both owner and rabbit.
Rabbits tend to not require as many vet-checks compared to a dog or cat, however this is subject to your rabbits’ needs.
And they’re also adorable!! Need we say more?!
Wild Rose Rabbit Rescue has a small handful of rabbits that have the potential to make lovely ESA's.
If you are considering an Emotional Support Animal, and believe you would benefit from one, we encourage you to come and meet some our rabbits. Every single one of our bunnies are special in their own way, and you are sure to find that spark and bond with at least one of our lovely rabbits.
