Therapy Animal

[mvillarreal]

Does anyone know what the first steps are to getting a certified therapy animal? I feel like this is something that would really help me. I think I want to get a cat.

[LavenderSpring]

I would highly encourage anyone with anxiety to get a therapy pet. I adopted my dog six years ago just after my first major panic attack and he has been the best support ever since. The unconditional love and companionship is unmatched. Every day, no matter how things went, I come home to someone beyond excited to see me and spend time with me. Plus, my dog knows when I need him; he will use his whole body to lay on me, similar to that of a weighted blanket. As for registering a pet, it changes based on what state you live in. Ultimately, your provider should know and be able to help you navigate the process.

[mvillarreal in reply to LavenderSpring]

By "provider," do you mean primary healthcare physician?

[LavenderSpring in reply to mvillarreal]

Yes; whomever is helping you with your mental health ( primary doctor, therapist, etc.).

[snow_queen]

I'm not sure exactly how to go about getting a trained therapy animal, if that's what you mean, but I absolutely recommend pets!! I've never had a certified therapy animal, but my dog and horse are usually my best sources of comfort. also worth noting - I have a friend who registered her dog as an emotional support animal and she's now able to bring him traveling and all kinds of places that don't allow normal pets (despite the fact that her dog has no special training, she just had him as a pet before). I know that's been really helpful for her. good luck!

[Ldd199]

I’m not sure what you mean by a certified therapy animal—do you mean like an emotional support animal, an actual therapy animal, or a service animal? I’m not up on the requirements for ESAs or all therapy animals, but the process to getting one shouldn’t be too difficult, I wouldn’t think, since it’s ultimately kind of like getting a pet and training them to recognize/respond to your needs. ESAs and therapy animals are not, however, protected under law the same way as far as I know, so you’d also have to check with your state and potentially your landlord, if that’s applicable to you. You might need permission to have one.If you’re thinking of a service animal, it’s a pretty different story and can be a bit more complicated.

[MSGSTL]

Here in the Midwest (STL), there is an agency called Support Dogs. My mother bred black labs and donated many of her puppies to them. The pups are wonderful animals that quickly become part of your life. You might try calling them.

Best of luck!

-MSGSTL

[mvillarreal in reply to MSGSTL]

Good to know! I go to Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, so that's the area I'm looking in.

[mvillarreal in reply to mvillarreal]

Would they be able to direct me to find a cat by chance?

[MSGSTL]

Could not hurt to try. They might be able to direct you to the right place.

Best of luck!

-MSGSTL