Manna Ko is an author, keynote speaker and founder of several businesses with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. As an author, she has published over two dozen books, as an international speaker, she has spoken to over 40,000 people, given two TEDx Talks, and as a leadership mentor, she has clients in almost a dozen countries.
Manna Ko is also passionate about animals and aspires to one day have Manna’s Happy Ranch and Farm, where animals large and small can live a “happy” life, and where a regenerative farm will help feed many people in her community.
In the article below, Manna Ko discusses her passion for “MannaPaws™”—the daily necessity of love between humans and our four-legged “furmily.” This passion extends to those who would especially benefit from our four-legged friends as emotional support animals (ESA). In this article, Manna Ko explains which animals can be considered ESA, how to obtain ESA status, and how an emotional support animal can help those who struggle with mental health and/or physical limitations.
Manna Ko says that the benefits of owning a pet are manyfold: they’re good company, they teach us how to be responsible, kind, compassionate, and selfless. They’re also a great reason to get out of the house and exercise, particularly in the case of dogs, who are considered “safe” spaces to many owners. However, emotional support animals, can provide even more to their owner than companionship and exercise. An emotional support animal can be an indispensable friend for some, especially those who are alone, isolated, or limited in their abilities to get around or out of their home. A furry friend can provide a source of comfort and calm, and as already noted, is a great teacher of love, devotion, compassion, and friendship.
Unfortunately, emotional support animals can get bad press. Stories of peacocks on planes and alligators in local parks can cause many people to snub and laugh at the idea that animals like these can provide emotional support. But for those who need one, a real emotional support animal can be a necessary way to lower anxiety and allow them to get through otherwise difficult tasks, or a stressful season in life.
MannaPaws™ – “Family, Friends, and “Furmily” – Manna Ko
The American Humane Society defines an emotional support animal (ESA) as “Emotional support animals are companion animals who help their owners cope with the challenges associated with emotional and mental health conditions (such as depression and anxiety) by providing comfort with their presence.”
Although Manna Ko loves many animals, her “go-to” will always be dogs and horses, However, one day, her Happy Ranch will also be the home to alpacas, sheep, goats, mini-cows, pigs, and other wonderful animals. And if it would ever be possible for her to care for elephants, giraffes, and pandas, she would do it in a heartbeat. The point is, Manna Ko loves animals, and has loved them ever since she was a child. And over the years, she has learned how to help others cope and rise above stressful life events and anxiety provoking situations with our four-legged friends.
This is understandable since most ESAs are cute and cuddly, and they want to be with you. Many studies show that even by simply having them near you or sitting on your lap can relieve stress and lower anxiety. That’s why most ESAs are dogs, cats, or other small animals like rabbits. Dogs are particularly popular because they’re also highly intelligent, obedient, respond to emotions, are loyal and devoted animals, and love to play (teaching us that “playtime” is good for our souls, too).
But, according to Manna Ko, that doesn’t mean that everyone needs (or wants) a dog or cat for emotional support. Plenty of people have large animals for emotional support as well, such as horses, or even donkeys, large pigs, and cows. Many people, especially in suburban areas, express great joy and satisfaction by simply being with their animals outside on their property. So much so that even people living in urban areas have horses boarding in nearby stables so they can be with their “furmily” and ride with them on the weekends.
Emotional Support Animals Are Not Service Animals
It’s important to note that an emotional support animal (ESA) is not the same as a “service animal.” Emotional support animals do not receive the same training, or classification, as service animals, such as a guide dog for the blind. This is because an emotional support animal does not perform specific tasks for their disabled owner or alert the owner to specific health dangers.
Manna Ko explains that service animals are licensed and trained, but emotional support animals do not require such training, hence their registration, if any, will be different. Therefore, ESAs will still be subject to many rules from which service animals are exempt, like assisting their owners in a public setting such as grocery stores.
Responsibilities of Owning an Emotional Support Animal
An ESA is a pet, one that will usually spend more time with its owner as a “pet” and not as a “service dog.” That said, both ESA’s and service dogs require their humans to care and provide for them. Looking after your animal’s health, including giving it the right diet, taking it to the veterinarian when required, and keeping up to date with its yearly shots are the minimum requirements. The pet will also need regular exercise and be toileted properly. Needless to say, love, care, protection, and affection are also part of the daily life between the owner and the animal.
The owner should also be aware of how their ESA responds in crowded places, on public transport, and around children. While an ESA is vital for many people to feel they can get through their day, the animal’s owners are still completely responsible for its behavior in public.
To qualify for an emotional support animal, or to have an existing pet recognized as such, there is no legal requirement. However, some do choose to obtain a letter from a mental health professional, to confirm that their health issues mean that an ESA is recommended.
Such a letter can be helpful for those attempting to travel publicly with their animal, attend school, or in their search for suitable housing. Even those without a therapist can still apply for an ESA letter.
Emotional Support Animals in Public Settings
This is a subject that is often up for debate in the USA, and even varies across the country. Rules for an ESA in public settings can differ from state to state, and can be considered on a case-by-case basis. For example, public transportation services that do not usually allow non-service animals onto their lines may make an allowance for an emotional support animal, especially if it is on a leash and is not dangerous. However, this does not mean the animal is allowed on all services, and public transportation companies retain the right to refuse travel to any person, including those with an ESA. Manna Ko encourages anyone interested in knowing more about having their pet categorized as an ESA or as a service animal to do their research by visiting the US Department of Transportation (DOT). This will avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings or negative impact on the owners, those in public settings, or the pet. This is especially true if you want to travel with your pet on an airplane.
