The Best Emotional Support Animals for Bipolar Disorder

An emotional support animal is a therapeutic pet that provides companionship, affection and emotional support to its owner. There is not a type of animal that is considered to be the best ESA for Bipolar Disorder. Rather, the circumstances, needs, desires and limitations of the prospective owner should be considered when choosing an ESA.

Legal Status

• ESAs are given certain legal protections by virtue of their designation as a therapeutic animal. If the pet is qualified as an ESA, the owner cannot be charged supplemental fees or deposits for their pets, and the landlord cannot prohibit the renter from having the animal even if there is a "no pets" policy.

Effects

• According to Servicedogcentral.org, research indicates that emotional support animals provide a variety of health benefits including lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, reduced loneliness and opportunities for socialization.

Types of Emotional Support Animals

• The most common type of ESAs are dogs and cats. However, other animals such as birds, rabbits or even horses can also serve as ESAs.

Choosing the Right Animal

• The preferences of the bipolar person should be a central factor when choosing an ESA. Practical concerns such as initial and ongoing costs, amount of room available in the home, ability of the person to provide appropriate care for the animal, allergies, amount of time the person has to invest in pet care and the person's mobility will also determine the best match.

Pros and Cons of Dogs

• Dogs tend to be more trainable than cats. Dogs require walks and therefore compel the owner to get out and walk. This may be perceived as a disadvantage by some. Dogs are excellent, loyal companions and greet the owner at the door, and follow the owner around. They will want to sleep with the owner. In terms of cons, dogs cost more than cats. Dogs cannot be left home alone for more than eight hours. Dogs require more extensive training, including house, obedience and socialization training. Dogs are more demanding in terms of day to day care requirements including walks and attention. Dogs tend to bark, dig and chew.

Pros and Cons of Cats

• Cats are often free and are somewhat less expensive than dogs to maintain. Cats are less labor intensive than dogs in terms of day-to-day care requirements. They can be left on their own for a day or two. Cats demand less attention and are better able to tolerate times when the owner wants to be left alone. Typically, cats are litter trained by the time you get them. In terms of cons, cats require litter boxes and litter, which demand regular cleaning. Cats can tend to be awake and noisy at night. Cats' claws can be destructive of personal property. Kittens are cute, but mischievous.