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Doc wants me to have a ESA

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Newtoitall:
 :trx: :trx: well My doc wants me to have a esa but I don't know where to go to for good sound facts bout the matter.... I want to do this right so if anyone can point me in the right direction I'd be gratful. :trx:

Kirsten:
You have come to the right place!  And welcome!

Here's our series of articles on ESAs, with information about housing and flying:  http://servicedogcentral.org/content/esa

If you have any further questions, speak right up.

Newtoitall:
Ok this may sound like a dumb question but what dogs would be good ESA's  I've been told small animals do very but I'm not sure.

Magesteff:
AN ESA is a pet that a doctor has ordered to help the patient. SInce you do not need a dog that can assist with tasks, smaller dogs can be used. If you live in a rental situation there may be restrictions on breed and size of the pet allowed. The reason a doctor would be involved is if you live in a no-pet housing situation, as the landloard would require a letter from the doctor for you to qualify.

Perhaps your doctor feels that a smaller dog would be easier for you to care for. SMaller dogs can be excersised indoors by throwing toys for the dog to chase and fetch, while a larger animal would need to be taken outside for excersise. SMaller dogs eat less, but still require the same vet care.

Some breeds are high energy and need lots of attention and excersise, for example, as a breed, Jack Russel Terriers are very high energy. You should decide how much energy you have to work with the dog daily, and try to match the dog to your energy level.

However, Dogs are individuals, and as such may not be exactly s the breed standard suggests. It would be better to find an individual dog that matches your needs rather than worrying about a specific breed. FOr example, My dog Max is a Scottish Terrier- miniatrure poodle mix, but he is a meduim energy dog. He likes long walks, but in the house he is calm and would rather cuddle, he is a good match for me. You may want a dog that is more of a couch potato, or a dog that would rather play a lot and need more walks.

Kirsten:
All else being equal, you are better off with a smaller dog, of a breed known to be good companions.  Why?  Because some landlords will have size restrictions or breed restrictions.  You might or might not be able to negotiate around those restrictions under disability law, but if there is no need to set yourself up for added stress, then why do it?  Dogs under 20 pounds are unlikely to get nearly as much resistance as a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, Pit Bull, etc.

Some breeds that tend to make really good companions in my experience include the Boston Terrier and English Toy Spaniel.  But there are many others.  And don't forget the mixes.  I'd go to a shelter or rescue and spend a good amount of time playing with all of the dogs to find the right personality match.  And if I didn't find him the first trip, there will be new dogs in a week and you can try again.

A word about puppies.  Puppies can suck you in like a black hole.  But generally, you are better off getting a young adult dog.  Puppies take a lot of extra care.  You have to get up in the middle of the night to potty them, if you want them reliably house trained.  They chew on things and make messes.  They go through several personality changes due to hormones.  You can guess what kind of dog they'll be when they grow up, but you won't actually know until they've grown up.

With an adult dog, what you see is what you get.  Usually, they're already spayed or neutered.  They're up to date on shots and won't need another for a year (whereas puppies need shots every 3 weeks until 4 months old).  They've already learned the basics of cohabiting with humans peacefully.  Any problems are known up front (if you deal with a good agency).  If at all possible, look for one that will let you foster for a couple of weeks or try out a dog.  It's a life long commitment, so you want to make sure you two get along really well and are right for each other.

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