ANIMAL COMPANIONSHIP
Why Animal Companionship?
Animals and humans have an unspoken bond that promotes mental, physical, and social well-being. For decades, animal companionship (pet ownership) has been a source of comfort and personal attachment.
Research has shown that owning any type of animal can reduce anxiety, depression, stress, feelings of loneliness and isolation, blood pressure, and increase life satisfaction.
Studies have shown that when college or university campuses bring dogs onto campus during midterms and finals week students that are exposed to the dogs had a reduction in blood pressure, stress, homesickness, and developed an increased awareness of student mental health resources on campus.
Benefits of Animal Companionship
Individuals with SAD and other mental health conditions are at a higher risk of becoming socially isolated. However, there is substantial evidence that supports the benefits of animal companionship for individuals who are socially isolated or disconnected from their community.
Animals provide an unbiased source of comfort, allow owners to put aside fears of uncertainty, and force their owners to live in the present moment. Pets encourage owners to develop a daily schedule and routine to meet their general needs which include feeding, grooming, oral hygiene, socialization, regular wellness visits, and exercise. This routine provides stability for both the owner and the animal.
Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Animals
Have you ever seen a dog walking around in a vest and you're not supposed to pet them? That is more than likely a service animal. Service animals are highly trained to complete specific life tasks for their owners and are generally permitted to be taken into all locations of the campus environment.
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) on the other hand can be any animal an owner chooses including a dog, cat, guinea pig, rabbit, hamster, lizard, or even a potbelly pig.
ESAs are not required to be trained, their role is simply to provide support, comfort, companionship and well-being to their owner.
Students can apply to have their animal registered as an ESA and in doing so the student is permitted to keep the animal at their residence (on and off campus) without having to pay a pet deposit under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
For more information about the FHA and Assistance Animals click here.
Important Things to Think About Before Getting an Animal
There are things to consider before getting your very own animal companion.
Things to think about include:
- Do you have the time to care for the animal?
- Does where you live having the physical space to accommodate the animals' needs (back yard or dog park near by)?
- Do you have the financial means to support the animals essential needs (food, medications, wellness checks, vaccines, grooming, etc.)?
*For more information on how to get an ESA view "How to Get an Emotional Support Animal?" under Additional Resources
Getting an Animal Isn't For You?
Other Animal Exposure Options
Maybe getting your own animal is too much for you right now or after looking at the considerations you've decided that you're currently in a situation where owning an animal isn't ideal.
There are other options to get exposed to an animal such as:
- visiting a dog park
- visiting a friend who has an animal
- volunteering at a local animal shelter
- dog sitting or walking for friends, family, neighbors or through an app job such as Rover
- visiting a pet store to see, pet, and play with the animals
