An emotional support dog is a type of emotional support animal (ESA) that provides a psychological and/or emotional benefit to its owner. To legally be considered an emotional support dog, the pet needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness. Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not require any formal training to assist with the mitigation of mental health symptoms. Any domesticated animal may be considered as an ESA, including cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, and ferrets, and they can be any age. However, an ESA must be able to be manageable in public and does not create a nuisance. Emotional support dogs can perform an important role in the life of a person with mental or emotional conditions, providing emotional support and comfort that helps them deal with challenges that might otherwise compromise their quality of life.