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Do you have a pet that you rely on for emotional support?
ESAs are becoming more and more popular, but what do they actually do for their owners? In this video, I take a look at the benefits of having an ESA and dispel some of the myths that often surround them.
References
Brooks, Helen Louise et al. “The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the evidence.” BMC psychiatry vol. 18,1 31. 5 Feb. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1613-2
Younggren, Jeffrey N et al. “Examining Emotional Support Animals and Role Conflicts in Professional Psychology.” Professional psychology, research and practice vol. 47,4 (2016): 255-260. doi:10.1037/pro0000083
Rudnick A. What is a psychiatric disability?. Health Care Anal. 2014;22(2):105-113. doi:10.1007/s10728-012-0235-y
Department of Transportation ruling https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-announces-final-rule-traveling-air-service-animals
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Can a Leopard Gecko Be an Emotional Support Animal?
Leopard Geckos are relatively easy to care for as a beginner animal for reptile enthusiasts and make great emotional support animals because they are easy …
Source: oddlycutepets.com
Date Published: 5/28/2022
View: 660
Emotional Support Gecko? : r/LeopardGecko – Reddit
So i want to file my baby gecko as an emotional support pet. i suffer from really bad anxiety and taking care of my new baby has helped so …
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Date Published: 3/12/2021
View: 5785
Can a Leopard Gecko be an Emotional … – Gecko Advice
Leopard geckos can make great emotional support animals. Not only can their calm demeanor help relieve anxiety, but taking care of a leopard gecko can help …
Source: geckoadvice.com
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Can a leopard gecko be an emotional support animal?
The answer to this question is yes, a leopard gecko can be an emotional support animal. ESAs are becoming more and more popular, as people realize the …
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Date Published: 10/17/2021
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Can Reptiles Make Good Emotional Support Animals?
Yes, reptiles or lizards can definitely be emotional support animals. The National Service Animal Registry states that nearly all domesticated …
Source: reptileknowhow.com
Date Published: 11/8/2022
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leopard gecko emotional support animal – artisonbertram
Leopard geckos can make great emotional support animals. Federal law does not require these animals to have any specific training and you do not have to be …
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Date Published: 11/16/2022
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What Type Of Animals Can Be ESAs? – Emotional Pet Support
All domesticated animals may qualify as an ESA (cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, ferrets, etc.) and they can be any …
Source: www.emotionalpetsupport.com
Date Published: 12/27/2022
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Emotional Support Animal Requirements
Emotional Support Animals prove some therapeutic benefit to a person with depression or anxiety. Types of animals that can be registered as Emotional Support …
Source: registermyserviceanimal.com
Date Published: 12/14/2021
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Reptiles As Emotional Support Animals | Wiki – Amino Apps
The concept of using animals for emotional support and in therapy is … For lizards, bearded dragons and leopard geckos are recommended for beginners.
Source: aminoapps.com
Date Published: 9/2/2022
View: 3317
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- Author: Dr. Tracey Marks
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- Date Published: 2022. 7. 20.
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Can a Leopard Gecko Be an Emotional Support Animal?
Can a Leopard Gecko Be an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) provides therapeutic benefits to its owner via companionship, affection, and giving the owner purpose by being something to care for.
These companion animals help people deal with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other emotional disabilities or psychological conditions.
Dogs and cats are a popular choice for ESAs, but ESAs have the potential to be any domesticated animal able to be safely taken to public places.
Fortunately, this includes reptiles such as Leopard Geckos!
Leopard Geckos are relatively easy to care for as a beginner animal for reptile enthusiasts and make great emotional support animals because they are easy to manage and hardy. Leopard Geckos are likable and friendly, mainly because of their apparently smiling faces and enormous eyes.
Leopard Geckos interact with their owners and are vocal when hungry, excited, or wanting attention.
They are easier to care for than many pets, take up less space, and are great for adults and kids.
Keep reading to learn more about how Leopard Geckos make terrific emotional support animals with proper documentation!
What Does It Take to Be an Emotional Support Animal?
ESAs are also known as assistance animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals.
Under the law, an ESA must be prescribed by a medical professional or mental health professional for an individual with a disabling mental illness or emotional disorder.
The animal’s presence must be needed for the patient’s mental health, such as by alleviating anxiety or giving them a purpose in life by caring for the animal.
An ESA is not a service animal and does not have the same legal protections.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”
ESAs ARE protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Under the FHA, a patient and their support animal may live in a single-family living unit (house, apartment, condominium) even if there are existing policies against pets’ presence in housing.
A landlord may not discriminate against a tenant who uses an animal for assistance.
This protection does require your doctor or mental health professional to write a letter vouching for your need for an ESA.
However, you do not have to disclose details about your specific disability in the letter, just the need.
Due to abuse of the system and some notable problems aboard aircraft, ESAs are no longer protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) as of December 2020.
How Do I Register My Gecko as an Emotional Support Animal?
Unfortunately, there is no official registration database for ESAs.
You need official documentation in the form of an official letter from your licensed physician or mental health provider, on their letterhead with their signature, the date, and license number.
The letter must clearly explain why you need an ESA.
Online services offer ESA letters after a mental health evaluation by a staff member, but they cost money.
A popular organization is Emotional Support Animal Registration of America, which will help you register your animal companion as an ESA.
ESA certificates do not mean their owners may bring their pets to stores, hotels, trains, restaurants, taxis, buses, or parks.
You may purchase an optional vest for your animal to show they are an ESA, but since public places are not required by law to accept the presence of pets, it is more for your benefit than anything else.
What Is the Difference Between an ESA and a Service Animal?
A service animal has been individually trained to perform a job for the owner, such as alerting when their owner’s blood sugar is low or turning on the lights for someone worried about entering a dark room.
An ESA provides therapeutic support, such as comfort or cuddles for an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability.
An ESA is not the same as a psychiatric service dog, which requires extensive training to mitigate the effects of disabilities related to mental illness.
Talk to your qualified physician or mental health service provider for more information about your situation and what would be best for you.
Why Is a Leopard Gecko a Perfect Choice for an ESA?
Leopard Geckos are relatively docile animals and make good starter pets for new reptile owners.
They form bonds with their owners with gentle and frequent handling.
Leopard Geckos are quiet and non-threatening and are comforting for people afraid of large, noisy animals.
They require little space at 8-10″ inches, just their enclosure and whatever space their owner provides enrichment in.
Leopard Geckos live for about 15-20 years if well-cared-for, providing an emotional continuity a shorter-lived pet won’t.
How Do I Care for My Leopard Gecko?
Leopard Geckos require the standard reptile setup:
A 15-20-gallon tank, minimally
UVB light source
A heat source such as a ceramic heat bulb or heating pad for belly heat
Daytime basking spot of 88° degrees Fahrenheit (31° C) with a thermal gradient down to about 75° degrees Fahrenheit (24° C)
At night, the temperature can drop to a range of 70 to 75° degrees Fahrenheit (24° C)
Tasty food such as crickets, waxworms, and the occasional mealworm
Always clean water in a shallow bowl, which it may soak in
Hiding places for safety, security, and comfort
Handle your gecko regularly to get them used to you and form a bond.
They do not particularly like being held, so it will not come naturally to them.
Slowly introduce yourself to your gecko and build trust by giving them food.
The gecko will want to explore its living space and you.
Provide entertainment, such as obstacle courses, to keep your gecko active.
This is done inside their enclosure by adding tunnels or rearranging things, or outside their enclosure by using objects for them to climb over.
Leopard geckos need a humid environment.
Keep your gecko’s enclosure clean and sanitary, spot cleaning once a week and deep cleaning monthly.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your gecko to reduce the risk of salmonella.
Can Reptiles Make Good Emotional Support Animals?
Can reptiles like bearded dragons make good emotional support animals? In this guide, you’ll learn: What is an Emotional Support Animal?
Reasons why reptiles are goode ESAs
Reasons reptiles may not be good ESAs
Yes, reptiles make good emotional support animals. Though not exactly fluffy and cuddly, they do spark curiosity allowing people who are reserved to become more relaxed. They help people have a sense of purpose because they need to be taken care of but are low maintenance enough for people who can’t give that much attention to a full-time pet.
A velociraptor is definitely not what one would have in mind when you think ESA or service animal. To some, reptiles may not be what they had in mind either, but these unique creatures can definitely be emotional support animals and are often effective ones.
Animals have long been used as support in therapy sessions. In the 1930s, Sigmund Freud began noticing a positive effect on himself and his patients during the sessions wherein he had his dog with him. Though still lacking strong scientific research and data, a lot of mental health professionals today recognize the increased effectiveness of including emotional support animals in their treatments.
What Exactly is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal companion or a pet that benefits an individual with some form of disability or mental health condition. An ESA is usually prescribed by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist and is an important part of the patient’s treatment.
Animals provide a lot of comfort and unconditional love without judgement which helps ease the anxiety and other negative symptoms associated with an individual’s emotional disorder.
The presence of pets or other animals is often calming and they become a source of emotional support for people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.
Dogs and cats are the most common type of ESAs but most animals that can be domesticated and are manageable in public can be registered as an ESA – including reptiles!
Can Reptiles be Emotional Support Animals?
Yes, reptiles or lizards can definitely be emotional support animals. The National Service Animal Registry states that nearly all domesticated pets qualify as emotional support animals with no additional training required to qualify. Again, the only requirement for your pet to be an ESA is that it must be manageable in public, domesticated, and will not be problematic in a home setting. Some non-traditional ESAs include pigs, horses, and even chickens!
How Are ESAs Different From Therapy Animals?
Therapy animals are trained to provide attention, comfort, and affection to people in need such as those in hospice, retirement homes, nursing homes, and schools.
Pro-tip Service animals, on the other hand, are trained for a specific task (e.g. detect allergens, guide the blind).
Usually, the presence of an individual’s emotional support animal alone is enough to ease the negative symptoms of their psychological or emotional disorder, such as anxiety, especially in crowded areas like airports. ESAs provide calming and therapeutic benefits through companionship.
How Do ESAs Help Someone?
Emotional support animals help people in many different ways from providing simple comfort through companionship to a sense of purpose through the responsibility of caring for a pet.
Many therapists consider ESAs effective therapy because of the constant support they can provide, compared with a therapy session that is usually only an hour long.
Animals used in therapy sessions often help patients relax by helping ease anxiety and discomfort. They allow patients to open up slowly and at their own pace through simple petting or feeding sessions. In depression patients, for example, the responsibility of taking care of an animal gives a sense of motivation in the simple act of getting up to feed your pet.
An undeniable factor in making animals excellent emotional support for those with disabilities is the companionship and affection these creatures unconditionally provide their owners without any hesitancy, judgment, or complication.
5 Reasons Why Reptiles Make Great ESAs
Reptiles are often smaller and can be more manageable
Most reptiles are smaller than your traditional emotional support animals (dogs or cats) and can therefore be more manageable especially when you have a small space. Their relatively smaller size also becomes an advantage when you need to take them with you elsewhere. They may also be allowed in more housing apartments or living spaces compared with big pets such as dogs and cats.
Reptiles require less attention
Reptiles often require less attention but not necessarily less care because reptiles can still be demanding pets. Detailed husbandry is often required for the proper care of certain reptiles. However, compared to a dog or cat, you can usually leave a reptile on its own. They also don’t require exercise or grooming. Some reptiles don’t even need to eat every day!
Reptiles are unique
Reptiles are definitely unique which leads to special bonds with humans. There are different types of reptiles that can serve as ESAs according to one’s needs. In therapy, the unique aspect of reptiles often sparks the curiosity of more patients allowing them to open up more to treatment.
Reptiles break the stigma of ESAs as a sign of weakness
Sometimes, males who might need an emotional support animal will shy away from adorable and cuddly pets because of a perceived stigma associated with these such as weakness. Caring for a cat, dog, or maybe a rabbit doesn’t exactly look “macho.” Reptiles, on the other hand, look quite cool and unique which makes them a great choice as an ESA for certain people.
Reptiles are mostly hypoallergenic
Since reptiles don’t shed as animals with fur do, they are mostly hypoallergenic. They also don’t emit strong odors especially if their enclosures are kept very clean. This makes them compatible with those that may have certain allergies associated with furry animals.
Which Reptiles Make Great ESAs? (And Why)
Choosing the kind of reptile to register as an emotional support animal depends mostly on the person’s preference and needs. However, certain types of reptiles can make better ESAs based on their hassle-free care needs, temperament, and general disposition. These are usually beginner-friendly reptiles like geckos, ball pythons, or bearded dragons which are not too challenging to care for.
Leopard Geckos
Leopard Geckos, with their huge eyes and seemingly smiling face, are the perfect intro reptile because of their hardy nature. They are small (up to 8 inches) and only need a 20-gallon tank with minimal maintenance which makes them great for kids. They live for a good 10-20 years if properly cared for and need the usual UVB lighting, heat source (heat pad recommended for belly heat), and a few hiding places in their enclosure. Leopard Geckos are white or yellow with dark spots and are known to be vocal especially when hungry or seeking attention.
Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are a crowd favorite. They generally have a calm temperament and are known for their unique looks. They’re a bit more challenging than the rest of beginner-friendly reptiles because of the money and equipment involved in caring for them. They do need big enclosures (50 gallon recommended) and specific lighting equipment (UVB and heat lamp). They live to be about 10-15 years and can be good pets for children with proper handling.
Ball Pythons
Ball pythons require simple care except for being a bit picky with their food. This can easily be remedied by asking tips from a responsible breeder and sticking to a good feeding schedule early on. Ball pythons are easy to care for; requiring a 40-gallon tank as adults, a heat pad, infrared light, and the humidity at 55-60% RH. They should also have some hiding places in their tank for their comfort. They grow up to 5 feet and can live up to 30 years!
Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are docile and easy to care for. You just need a secure enclosure with a very tight lid since they can be quite the escape artists. They grow up to be about 3-5 feet long and live up to 10 years. These bright orange to red snakes are beautiful and can be a great ESA.
The main challenge with snakes such as ball pythons and corn snakes would be feeding them live feed (rodents such as mice) which may be hard for a lot of people. It can be tricky but they really only need to be fed once a week, maybe even less and can be left on their own for a few days, making them a good choice as emotional support animals.
Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Box Turtles are land turtles that do not need the same aquatic requirements that make Red Eared Sliders challenging to care for. This makes them the perfect choice for those who would want a turtle as their ESA. They grow between 5-7 inches long and can live up to 30-40 years in captivity. A 40-gallon tank will do well for adults but bigger is also better. They don’t need water in their enclosures but do need a more humid environment (70% RH) in addition to the basic reptile care.
Reasons Why Reptiles MAY NOT Make Great ESAs
Though reptiles are great emotional support animals, there are a few reasons why they may not be the best choice.
There are some reptiles who do not enjoy being handled (like chameleons, for instance) so if you want to be able to bond with your ESA in that way then a reptile may not be for you.
They might also be a bit harder to bring in public (especially in plane cabins) since some people may be scared of reptiles because of certain negative perceptions of them (e.g. they may be venomous).
Also, certain establishments may not readily accept them even with an ESA license especially if the welfare of the general public is at stake. In addition to that, big reptiles (e.g. big snakes) may not be allowed in most forms of transportation (especially planes).
Lastly, certain reptiles require detailed husbandry so if proper care becomes too challenging, it may also become a source of anxiety for the owner. For example, chameleons who dislike being handled and are mostly for advanced reptile keepers, may not make great ESAs.
Do All Reptiles Qualify To Be An ESA?
Technically, yes. Any household or domesticated pet with an ESA letter can qualify as an emotional support animal. This includes reptiles, even snakes. The only caveat to having a reptile as an ESA is the mixed public perception of these beautiful creatures. Some may be afraid of reptiles, especially snakes.
How To Register An ESA
Register with an Emotional Support Animal organization.
There are many organizations but the most popular one is Emotional Support Animal Registration of America (ESARA). Registration is usually done online and will require you to input some basic information as well as a photograph of your animal.
Take note that registration online alone DOES NOT make your animal an ESA. Additional official documentation is required for your ESA to be recognized especially for travel.
Consult with a licensed medical professional about obtaining an Emotional Support Animal.
Check with a licensed medical professional accredited by the ESA Registration of America (ESARA) for a consultation about adding an emotional support animal to your treatment or registering your current pet as an ESA. This consultation will allow you to ask questions about ESAs, clarify anything you need, and help you obtain proper documentation for your animal.
Secure a written certification or an ESA Evaluation Letter.
Secure a written certification from your physician indicating that your animal is required for your emotional needs. This letter should contain the following useful information below. This document is updated yearly and is required when you bring your ESA in public places.
Diagnosis of your condition (if applicable) Treatment involving your emotional support animal Name, license number, and contact details of your physician
The ESA organization you registered with can help you with your ESA Evaluation Letter or official documentation from a licensed physician.
Obtain an ID or ID vest, harness, and portable carrier for your ESA.
Identification for your ESA is quite useful especially if you plan to take it into public areas. For reptiles, ID vests are available as well. Consider getting a harness as well as a portable carrier for your reptile so there’s no hassle when you take it with you.
This ID, along with the official documentation of your ESA may be required by landlords, apartments, before boarding transportation, or in public places.
Pay for the registration fee.
There are different types of registration packages depending on the organization but the minimum should include documentation, identification for your pet, and registration onto the ESA database. The prices range from $30-$150 USD.
A note on responsible ESA ownership and registration
There have been numerous instances of animals (not just reptiles) being registered as emotional support animals just as an excuse for their owners to bring them on board planes, different places, or in “no-pet policy” housing legally without much consequence or fees (under the “Disabilities Act” and/or “Fair Housing Act”).
While mental health should definitely be a priority, please do not abuse the ownership or registration of an emotional support animal for the benefit of those who really need them.
Please also try to consider “communal well-being” when you bring your ESA to a public place. For example, a lot of people are afraid of snakes, so please exercise caution and responsibility when bringing them to crowded public areas.
If you plan on traveling with your ESA, it’s still best to do research if they will eventually be allowed on board a plane (or a bus, train, etc.) even with an ESA license secured, just to be sure and to avoid a potentially stressful situation for you and your reptile. Different airlines may have different rules.
ESA ownership for the benefit of yourself and your animal
Emotional support for mental well-being from any source, be it animal or otherwise, is definitely a big step towards healing. Reptiles can be effective emotional support animals but we recommend working very closely with your mental health professional or therapist about the correct emotional support animal for you. To ensure that both your and your animal’s welfare are kept in mind.
Reptiles can be relatively easier to care for (and definitely need less attention) compared with most common ESAs like cats or dogs, but they do require some specific points for their proper care. For example, specific temperature and humidity levels will need to be met in their enclosure at all times.
Talk with your therapist closely about including a reptile into your treatment. For example, if you and your therapist expect that you’ll be needing the reptile in situations that could also stress out the animal, then you may want to reconsider. For example, if you will be traveling on the plane often, then it can lead to chronic stress to your reptile as well.
How Much Does ESA Registration Cost?
Registration (complete with documentation) usually ranges from 30 to 150 USD depending on the inclusions the ESA organization offers. Some packages include IDs, a pet harness, and a guidebook but the minimum inclusion is registration in the database, official documentation, and an ID.
Conclusion
Reptiles can make great emotional support animals and have the extra advantage of being unique and relatively easier to care for than the usual cat or dog. They offer the same benefits all ESAs offer, allowing their owners to be happier, less anxious, and more focused because of their care needs.
FAQs
Can snakes be emotional support animals? Yes. Certain snakes, with their docile temperament, can be a source of calm for some people. Any domesticated animal or house pet can be registered as an emotional support animal with no additional training required. Can a reptile be an ESA? Yes. Any domesticated animal or house pet can be registered as an emotional support animal, including reptiles, with no additional training required. Reptiles as ESAs have a lot of advantages. They are relatively smaller and easier to handle. They require less attention and are often hypoallergenic.
References
Overview on Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animal – Wikipedia
FAQs on Emotional Support Animals
FAQs on Emotional Support Animals
Article on Emotional Support Animals
Confirming the benefits of emotional support animals – Counseling Today
Different ESA Registration Sites:
Emotional Support Animal Registration of America | ESARA
Register Your Emotional Support Animal Online | US Service
Can a Leopard Gecko Be an Emotional Support Animal?
Can a Leopard Gecko Be an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) provides therapeutic benefits to its owner via companionship, affection, and giving the owner purpose by being something to care for.
These companion animals help people deal with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other emotional disabilities or psychological conditions.
Dogs and cats are a popular choice for ESAs, but ESAs have the potential to be any domesticated animal able to be safely taken to public places.
Fortunately, this includes reptiles such as Leopard Geckos!
Leopard Geckos are relatively easy to care for as a beginner animal for reptile enthusiasts and make great emotional support animals because they are easy to manage and hardy. Leopard Geckos are likable and friendly, mainly because of their apparently smiling faces and enormous eyes.
Leopard Geckos interact with their owners and are vocal when hungry, excited, or wanting attention.
They are easier to care for than many pets, take up less space, and are great for adults and kids.
Keep reading to learn more about how Leopard Geckos make terrific emotional support animals with proper documentation!
What Does It Take to Be an Emotional Support Animal?
ESAs are also known as assistance animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals.
Under the law, an ESA must be prescribed by a medical professional or mental health professional for an individual with a disabling mental illness or emotional disorder.
The animal’s presence must be needed for the patient’s mental health, such as by alleviating anxiety or giving them a purpose in life by caring for the animal.
An ESA is not a service animal and does not have the same legal protections.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”
ESAs ARE protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Under the FHA, a patient and their support animal may live in a single-family living unit (house, apartment, condominium) even if there are existing policies against pets’ presence in housing.
A landlord may not discriminate against a tenant who uses an animal for assistance.
This protection does require your doctor or mental health professional to write a letter vouching for your need for an ESA.
However, you do not have to disclose details about your specific disability in the letter, just the need.
Due to abuse of the system and some notable problems aboard aircraft, ESAs are no longer protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) as of December 2020.
How Do I Register My Gecko as an Emotional Support Animal?
Unfortunately, there is no official registration database for ESAs.
You need official documentation in the form of an official letter from your licensed physician or mental health provider, on their letterhead with their signature, the date, and license number.
The letter must clearly explain why you need an ESA.
Online services offer ESA letters after a mental health evaluation by a staff member, but they cost money.
A popular organization is Emotional Support Animal Registration of America, which will help you register your animal companion as an ESA.
ESA certificates do not mean their owners may bring their pets to stores, hotels, trains, restaurants, taxis, buses, or parks.
You may purchase an optional vest for your animal to show they are an ESA, but since public places are not required by law to accept the presence of pets, it is more for your benefit than anything else.
What Is the Difference Between an ESA and a Service Animal?
A service animal has been individually trained to perform a job for the owner, such as alerting when their owner’s blood sugar is low or turning on the lights for someone worried about entering a dark room.
An ESA provides therapeutic support, such as comfort or cuddles for an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability.
An ESA is not the same as a psychiatric service dog, which requires extensive training to mitigate the effects of disabilities related to mental illness.
Talk to your qualified physician or mental health service provider for more information about your situation and what would be best for you.
Why Is a Leopard Gecko a Perfect Choice for an ESA?
Leopard Geckos are relatively docile animals and make good starter pets for new reptile owners.
They form bonds with their owners with gentle and frequent handling.
Leopard Geckos are quiet and non-threatening and are comforting for people afraid of large, noisy animals.
They require little space at 8-10″ inches, just their enclosure and whatever space their owner provides enrichment in.
Leopard Geckos live for about 15-20 years if well-cared-for, providing an emotional continuity a shorter-lived pet won’t.
How Do I Care for My Leopard Gecko?
Leopard Geckos require the standard reptile setup:
A 15-20-gallon tank, minimally
UVB light source
A heat source such as a ceramic heat bulb or heating pad for belly heat
Daytime basking spot of 88° degrees Fahrenheit (31° C) with a thermal gradient down to about 75° degrees Fahrenheit (24° C)
At night, the temperature can drop to a range of 70 to 75° degrees Fahrenheit (24° C)
Tasty food such as crickets, waxworms, and the occasional mealworm
Always clean water in a shallow bowl, which it may soak in
Hiding places for safety, security, and comfort
Handle your gecko regularly to get them used to you and form a bond.
They do not particularly like being held, so it will not come naturally to them.
Slowly introduce yourself to your gecko and build trust by giving them food.
The gecko will want to explore its living space and you.
Provide entertainment, such as obstacle courses, to keep your gecko active.
This is done inside their enclosure by adding tunnels or rearranging things, or outside their enclosure by using objects for them to climb over.
Leopard geckos need a humid environment.
Keep your gecko’s enclosure clean and sanitary, spot cleaning once a week and deep cleaning monthly.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your gecko to reduce the risk of salmonella.
Do Reptiles Feel Emotion?
Traditionally, emotions are only assigned to more highly evolved animals like mammals. But seeing the way a Burmese python drapes around its keeper, or a lizard’s closed eyes while being petted, the question arises: Do reptiles feel emotion?
Factors of Personality
Species: Generally a reptile’s species determines most of its disposition. For example, bearded dragons tend to be laid-back and enjoy human attention. Blue tongue skinks are inquisitive, energetic, and comfortable around humans. Ball pythons are nonaggressive to the point of being reluctant feeders.
Conditioning: Conditioning is the second largest contributor to reptile personality. The most common conditioned response is fear or aggression due to neglect. The reverse also holds true: reptiles who are well fed and handled often are more relaxed with their human.
Environment: Any reptile under environmental stress will come off as afraid or aggressive. Bad temperatures make them lethargic and prone to hiding. Inadequate shelter makes them insecure, always looking for a place to hide. Poor feeding may lead to snappiness.
Health: Sick reptiles often experience drastic personality changes when they become ill. An aggressive iguana may become laid back, a calm snake may become aggressive, or an energetic tortoise may become lethargic. The only way to find out for sure is to take him/her to your vet.
Emotions
Fear and Pleasure
Most people agree that if reptiles can feel emotion at all, fear and pleasure are where it starts. That is because these emotions are reinforced by instinct: fear involves the “fight or flight” instinct, while pleasure is associated with sex drive.
Fear shows in defensive responses. Aggressive species’ defensive responses are warnings, signalling annoyance. Passive species’ defensive responses are bluffs, signalling fear.
For example, blue tongue skinks pee, a common expression of fear in both reptiles and amphibians. When Hubby and I first got Hermes (Merauke blue tongue), we tried handling him and he made his displeasure known by spraying us with urine. Ew! But by far the most common expression of fear is running away.
Pleasure is a bit more complicated than fear, and it’s not all about mating opportunities. In my experience, reptile pleasure most often comes from human-reptile interaction, closely related to trust.
For example, bearded dragons will close their eyes and stay still when being stroked by a human. And once I observed a large red-tailed boa noticeably leaning into her keeper’s hand while she rubbed her head.
Irritation
Can a reptile feel irritation? Hop on Instagram and have a look: there are tons of pictures of bearded dragons giving their owners the infamous “stink eye” for waking them up or not filling their food dish. But are we just imagining it as part of the human need to bond?
The stink eye could be anthropomorphized, but other behaviors are unmistakable. A famous sign of irritation in iguanas is tail-whipping. Snakes prefer to hiss — once my Dumeril’s boa, Strider, found a forgotten plate of dinner and tried to eat a piece of curry chicken (please explain to me how that in any way resembles a rat). He hissed at me the whole way back to his bin.
Aggression
Aggression is fear taken to the next level, demonstrated by nearly every animal on earth — including reptiles. If running away, urinating, or musking doesn’t work, then the response switches from “flight” to “fight.”
Signs of impending attack are diverse and often specific to species.
The famous rattlesnake ‘rattle’
Blue tongue skinks gape and stick out their tongues
Frilled lizards fan out their trademark ‘frill’
Bearded dragons darken, flare their beards, and gape
Snakes coil into an ‘S’ shape
Aggressive snakes and lizards most commonly try to bite. Knowing the warning signals — and when to back off — is the first step in understanding your pet’s body language.
Trust/Confidence
In humans and advanced mammals, trust is like love. But reptiles lack the brain development for a complex emotion like love, so trust is the next best thing. And they do show it!
If a reptile, particularly a lizard — remember, snake brains are generally less developed than lizards’ — exhibits the following behaviors in your presence, they likely feel a bond of trust with you.
sleeping or closing eyes
staying near you, even if you’re not petting him/her
not squirming or clawing while being held
voluntarily climbing into your hand
head bobbing
One of our bearded dragons, Deliora, sometimes head-bobs at me when she’s in a good mood. Head bobbing, as you may remember from my article on bearded dragon handling and body language, is a sign of confidence.
Loneliness
Can reptiles feel loneliness? Do they suffer without company?
… Yes and no. It’s complicated.
Do reptiles get lonely? It depends on the reptile. Most snakes don’t live in groups in the wild, and if they encounter another snake outside of breeding season, they ignore it. Most lizards (like bearded dragons, monitor lizards, and leopard geckos) are also solitary. But others, (like mourning geckos, iguanas, and giant girdled lizards) thrive in groups.
Do they suffer without company? It appears so. An article, “Lizards Need Social Lives Too,” argues that reptiles appear to be happier and have better mental health when they are raised with regular social interaction. Reptiles — especially lizards — who get little to no human attention often become defensive and fail to thrive. Some iguanas have been known to bond with one, maybe two humans, and suffer extremely if abandoned.
Conclusion: Can reptiles feel emotion?
Yes! Reptiles feel emotion much more than we give them credit for. Just make sure to take the natural instincts and behaviors of your individual reptile’s species into account, and avoid the pitfalls of anthropomorphism.
What are the behaviors that make your relationship with your snake or lizard unique? Tell us in the comments!
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Do Leopard Geckos Recognize Their Owners? –
Do leopard geckos recognize their owners? This is a question that a lot of us have wondered about. It’s a question that a lot of us have looked for answers to.
The simple answer is, we don’t know for sure if Leopard Geckos recognize their owners but we do know that they will form a bond with you over time.
Let’s look at some of the ways leopard geckos might recognize their owners and delve a bit deeper into how you can create a stronger bond with your pet.
It’s a common misconception that geckos are completely oblivious of their owners. The thinking goes that their reptilian brain can’t process complex emotions like love or affection and as a result, there is no need to recognize or become attached to other creatures. People often think that the only ‘thoughts’ that go through their mind are “is this food or a potential mate?” and “if so, eat/try to mate with it”.
This is simply not true though. Leopard geckos are very social animals and do get attached to their owners. If treated right and housed in a safe and enriching environment, your gecko will certainly begin to express itself and show behaviors that we would consider similar to emotions like happiness and excitement.
On the flip side, if your gecko is stressed, scared, or unhappy, it will show a different set of behaviors letting you know something is wrong.
How Do Leopard Geckos Recognize Their Owners?
While they do have good eyesight, Leopard Geckos will recognize their owners mainly by their scent. This important evolutionary skill has evolved over eons for this exact reason.
True, it’s not just there so a gecko can recognize its human owner but it certainly comes in handy when trying to separate friend from foe (or food!). In the wild, a gecko would use their keen sense of smell to hunt down food or get an early warning of a potential predator coming their way.
It also gives them plenty of other useful information about the local area. When you don’t have Google to hand then a good sense of smell can be a great way to learn what’s around you!
Given the importance of scent to geckos, you should make sure to wash your hands before feeding or handling them and avoid heavily perfumed soaps as this can mask your usual smell and cause your gecko to panic or even become aggressive towards you because you seem like an unknown intruder.
Are leopard geckos affectionate?
Ok, so your leopard gecko gets to know you by recognizing your scent, but does that mean they actually like you? I mean, there’s plenty of people I recognize when I go to the store but I’m sure as heck not going to run up and give them a hug when I see them!
This is where those complex emotions come in again. Leopard Geckos don’t ‘like’ or feel affection towards people and things in the same way a human does, but they will associate positive experiences with their owner.
You’ll be able to see this in their behavior once they have built that bond with you. They might get visibly more excited when you come into the room or stand up against the glass of their tank when you come close.
So it wouldn’t be entirely true to say Leopard Geckos do or don’t show affection, it just kinda depends on what you mean. If your gecko has been brought up around humans (in a kind, loving environment, not crammed into a tank with 30 other geckos in a pet store window) then there’s every chance they will be warm and friendly towards you.
It can be more difficult to socialize reptiles than some other pets so maybe don’t expect them to snuggle up on the bed with you like a cat or dog. But when they’re treated well Leopard Geckos are friendly, affectionate creatures that can actually be quite playful.
Gaining Your Leopard Geckos Trust
If you want your pet to feel safe and comfortable in their (and your) home then you’ll need to spend some time gaining their trust. Luckily, it’s not difficult but it can take a while. This can be especially true if you find yourself caring for a gecko that’s been mistreated in the past – maybe by a previous owner or maybe the pet store you got it from didn’t have the best conditions for them.
The main thing to remember is to take it slow. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see results overnight. Building trust is a process that takes time and, as mentioned above, reptiles aren’t as naturally trusting and warm to people as other pets so it can feel like an uphill battle at times.
Usually, you can expect to gain your gecko’s trust in around 4-6 weeks. But remember, this is just a guide and it’s certainly possible to make a mistake and undo (most of) your hard work up to that point. If that does happen, don’t worry and carry on as before – it’s just a temporary setback!
Here are some tips on gaining your Leopard Geckos trust:
Don’t Touch Your Gecko
That’s right, if you want your gecko to trust you and allow you to touch and hold it, you need to start off by not touching it!
for the first 2-3 weeks of owning your gecko just let them get used to their new surroundings. Coming to a new home, having a new habitat and owner, it’s all quite overwhelming so the last thing your gecko will want to see is a giant stranger reaching in to try and snatch them up.
Make Sure Their Needs Are Met
Obviously, as a considerate pet owner you will be doing this already but the more comfortable and well cared for your gecko is, the sooner they will relax into their new home and the sooner they will come to trust their new owner.
Set up their tank as normal but also keep an eye on their behavior, especially in the first few weeks, for any signs of stress in case you need to make any adjustments. A stressed gecko will not be a friendly and trusting gecko.
Name Your Gecko
This one might sound a bit silly and no, your gecko won’t actually learn its own name or anything but they can start to recognize a familiar sound pattern over time. Giving your gecko a name and greeting it in the same way every day will start to form part of a routine that your gecko will settle into and start feeling more comfortable.
Surprises are stressful but routines can be very calming. Your gecko will soon start to expect (and react to) this familiar sound and it’s a great way to build a bond between the two of you.
Handle Your Gecko
I know, I know, we said don’t handle your gecko but that was before you’d built up their trust. Around 4-5 weeks after bringing your geck home it’s time to offer them a bit of human contact.
We say offer because that’s all it should be – you don’t want your gecko to feel like they are being abducted from their tank, you want them to feel like they can (if they so choose) crawl onto their human’s outstretched hand for a bit of exploration or playtime.
We’ve said it before but it applies double here – take it slow. If there’s ever going to be something to scare your gecko and make them think you are a predator it’s a giant hand attacking them in their home!
Try introducing up to 5 minutes of handling at times when you would already normally be in their tank, like when you are cleaning it out and don’t make any sudden moves that might scare the little guy. Place your hand (carefully) in their tank from time to time without handling them as well, just to let them get more used to it being there.
Conclusion
So do Leopard Geckos recognize their owners? No, not by default.
With a bit of time and effort though, they can certainly be trained to get to know you and build up a bond between you both.
And while they might not recognize you or feel affection towards you in the same way we might with another human, that’s to be expected with their tiny brains and limited emotional processing power.
Does that mean they are cold, unaffectionate pets though? Also no. Leopard Geckos, with a bit of time and care, can be very affectionate in their own way. And when you see your little lizard standing up to greet you when they see you walk into the room, you’ll know they not only recognize you but are actually happy and excited to see you.
Can a Leopard Gecko be an Emotional Support Animal?
People get leopard geckos for different reasons. Some get them for companionship while others get them to teach their children about responsibility. But can these cute reptiles be used as emotional support animals?
Leopard geckos can make great emotional support animals. Not only can their calm demeanor help relieve anxiety, but taking care of a leopard gecko can help stave off depression symptoms. Ultimately, getting your leopard gecko certified as an emotional support animal is straightforward and affordable.
What is an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal is an animal that offers therapeutic support to an elderly person or someone with a disability. They usually provide this support by providing affection, companionship, a point of focus, and non-judgemental positive regard. Since medical professionals usually prescribe these animals, you have to prove that you are elderly or disabled to get one.
Keep in mind that emotional support animals don’t need to get any kind of training to be able to serve their purpose. They don’t even need to be in any specific age group. They need to be manageable and not cause any additional stress for their owners. Their presence alone should be enough to alleviate discomfort.
Since emotional support animals help with emotional wellbeing, they are usually prescribed by mental health professionals like psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists, not medical doctors. These professionals usually provide the owners of these animals with properly formatted prescription letters. However, some property managers and airlines accept verification forms filled by family doctors.
Some mental and emotional disabilities that qualify you to get an emotional support animal include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic stress, attention deficit disorder, depression, and learning disabilities.
Related: How Much a Leopard Gecko Costs
Are emotional support animals the same as therapy pets?
No, emotional support animals aren’t therapy pets. The latter don’t go home with any owner. They are trained to offer affection, comfort, and attention to people in schools, nursing homes, hospices, and retirement homes.
On the other hand, service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. For instance, they can guide blind/deaf people as they walk or remind people with a mental illness to take their medication. Since 15th March 2011, service animals can only be dogs.
Can a leopard gecko be an emotional support animal?
While most emotional support animals are dogs or cats, leopard geckos and other reptiles can be great options too. Some of the qualities that make leopard geckos good emotional support animals include:
They are more manageable than traditional emotional support animals
Since leopard geckos are small, they are more manageable than traditional emotional support animals like cats and dogs. They are particularly suitable for people who live in small apartments or need to move around with their emotional support animal regularly.
They require less attention than cats and dogs
While leopard geckos still need care and attention, they don’t need as much as cats, dogs, and other large animals. They are generally used to being alone and don’t require grooming or exercise. What’s more? You don’t even have to feed them every day.
They are mostly hypoallergenic
Since leopard geckos don’t shed furs like cats and dogs, they are mostly hypoallergenic. Also, as long as you keep their tanks clean, they don’t produce any strong odors. This makes them suitable for people with allergies.
What challenges are associated with having a leopard gecko as an emotional support animal?
While leopard geckos make great emotional support animals, there are some challenges you have to be prepared for. The most common one is the public perception of leopard geckos and other reptiles. Many people find them scary and repulsive and may behave negatively when they see you moving about with your gecko in public. Because of this, some establishments may not allow you in with your leopard gecko, even if you have an emotional support animal license/certificate.
How to get your leopard gecko licensed as an emotional support animal
Registering your leopard gecko as an emotional support animal involves only 5 steps. These are:
Fill out a registration form
The first step to getting an emotional support animal license for your gecko is filling out an online registration form with a relevant organization. While many such organizations exist, the Emotional Support Animal Registration of America (ESARA) is the most popular one. Whichever organization you choose, filling out the online form will be easy. You’ll just have to provide some basic information and a photo of your gecko.
Talk to a licensed medical professional about getting an emotional support animal
Before making your leopard gecko an emotional support animal, you’ll have to consult with a medical professional with ESARA accreditation. This consultation will allow you to ask questions about the process of adding a pet to your treatment plan and get advice on how to obtain all the necessary documentation.
Get an evaluation letter or written certification
The next step is to get documentation from a medical professional indicating that you need your leopard gecko as an emotional support animal. This document should be updated annually and contain:
Your diagnosis where necessary
Your physician’s name, contact details, and license number
The treatment that requires your emotional support animal
Get an ID vest, harness, and portable carrier
Getting an ID vest, harness, and portable carrier for your leopard gecko will make it easy for you to carry them around. Many landlords and public areas also require these to let your gecko in.
Pay registration fees
You will need to pay $30 to $150 to complete your gecko’s registration – the price will depend on your registration package.
Conclusion
If you have a leopard gecko or are looking to get one soon, rest assured that you can get them licensed as your emotional support animal. However, you need to keep in mind that the registration process takes some time. And even when it’s complete, you’ll still need to deal with people’s negative perceptions of leopard geckos and reptiles. Having a leopard gecko as an emotional support animal is a fulfilling endeavor if you’re up for it.
Can a leopard gecko be an emotional support animal?
The answer to this question is yes, a leopard gecko can be an emotional support animal. ESAs are becoming more and more popular, as people realize the benefits they provide. If you’re considering getting an ESA, it’s important to do your research and find out what type of animal would be best for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of having an emotional support animal, and we will also take a look at some of the most popular ESA animals.
Introduction
There’s no definitive answer, but it’s possible. Leopard geckos are generally gentle and docile, and they can form bonds with their owners. They’re also quiet and non-threatening, which makes them less likely to cause stress or anxiety in people who have anxiety disorders or who are otherwise sensitive to loud noises or sudden movements.
If you think a leopard gecko could help you cope with your anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about whether an emotional support animal would be right for you.
What is an emotional support animal?
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are companion animals that provide therapeutic benefits to their owners. Unlike service animals, which receive extensive training to perform specific tasks for their disabled owners, ESAs do not need to have any special training.
Typically, the only requirement for an animal to be designated as an ESA is a letter from a mental health professional stating that the animal provides emotional support that is beneficial to the individual’s mental health.
The Benefits of ESAs
There are many benefits of having an emotional support animal. One of the most significant benefits is that ESAs can provide companionship and unconditional love, which can be invaluable for people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
In addition, studies have shown that interacting with animals can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being. For many people with mental health conditions, an emotional support animal can be a vital part of their treatment plan.
What types of animals make good ESAs
Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide companionship, support, and love to people who suffer from mental or emotional disorders. These animals can be of any species, but they must be specifically trained to perform certain tasks or behaviors that alleviate their owner’s symptoms.
Common ESAs include dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. Some people also choose to register reptiles, rodents, or even amphibians as their emotional support animals.
One popular choice is the leopard gecko. These lizards make excellent ESAs because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for. They are also docile and gentle by nature, making them perfect for people who suffer from anxiety or fear.
In addition, leopard geckos are known to form strong bonds with their owners and can provide years of companionship and support. If you’re considering registering a leopard gecko as your emotional support animal, be sure to consult with your mental health professional first.
How do you get an emotional support animal and what kind of documentation is required?
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are dogs or other animals that provide comfort and support to people with mental or emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for their owners, ESAs do not require any special training. Any animal that provides companionship and emotional stability can qualify as an ESA.
To get an ESA, you will need a letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating that you have a disability that would benefit from having an ESA.
The letter must be on the LMHP’s letterhead and dated within the past year. Once you have your letter, you can register your animal with a service like ESA Doctors. This will give you access to an online portal where you can manage your animal’s information and print out ID cards and pet insurance discounts.
You will also need to make sure that your housing situation allows for emotional support animals, as some landlords have breed or size restrictions. With the proper documentation in hand, an emotional support animal can provide invaluable companionship and support.
Taking care of your Leopard Gecko
When it comes to emotional support animals, leopard geckos make great candidates. Not only are they low-maintenance pets, but they are also gentle and docile by nature.
However, there are a few things you can do to help your leopard gecko feel comfortable and safe in its new role.
First, make sure to create a quiet and secluded space for your pet to retreat to when it feels overwhelming. This could be a small enclosure or even a cardboard box lined with bedding.
Secondly, handle your leopard gecko regularly so it becomes accustomed to being handled.
And finally, provide plenty of food and water so your pet always has access to the necessities.
By taking these steps, you can help your leopard gecko feel comfortable and safe in its new role as an emotional support animal.
Conclusion
While leopard geckos are not traditionally thought of as emotional support animals, there is no reason why they couldn’t fill this role. Leopard geckos are gentle creatures that enjoy being held and are generally very tame. They are also low-maintenance pets that don’t require a lot of care or attention. As long as their basic needs are met, leopard geckos can make excellent companions. In addition, leopard geckos are non-allergenic and unlikely to trigger any allergies in people with sensitivities. For these reasons, a leopard gecko could make a perfect emotional support animal.
Can Reptiles Make Good Emotional Support Animals?
Can reptiles like bearded dragons make good emotional support animals? In this guide, you’ll learn: What is an Emotional Support Animal?
Reasons why reptiles are goode ESAs
Reasons reptiles may not be good ESAs
Yes, reptiles make good emotional support animals. Though not exactly fluffy and cuddly, they do spark curiosity allowing people who are reserved to become more relaxed. They help people have a sense of purpose because they need to be taken care of but are low maintenance enough for people who can’t give that much attention to a full-time pet.
A velociraptor is definitely not what one would have in mind when you think ESA or service animal. To some, reptiles may not be what they had in mind either, but these unique creatures can definitely be emotional support animals and are often effective ones.
Animals have long been used as support in therapy sessions. In the 1930s, Sigmund Freud began noticing a positive effect on himself and his patients during the sessions wherein he had his dog with him. Though still lacking strong scientific research and data, a lot of mental health professionals today recognize the increased effectiveness of including emotional support animals in their treatments.
What Exactly is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal companion or a pet that benefits an individual with some form of disability or mental health condition. An ESA is usually prescribed by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist and is an important part of the patient’s treatment.
Animals provide a lot of comfort and unconditional love without judgement which helps ease the anxiety and other negative symptoms associated with an individual’s emotional disorder.
The presence of pets or other animals is often calming and they become a source of emotional support for people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.
Dogs and cats are the most common type of ESAs but most animals that can be domesticated and are manageable in public can be registered as an ESA – including reptiles!
Can Reptiles be Emotional Support Animals?
Yes, reptiles or lizards can definitely be emotional support animals. The National Service Animal Registry states that nearly all domesticated pets qualify as emotional support animals with no additional training required to qualify. Again, the only requirement for your pet to be an ESA is that it must be manageable in public, domesticated, and will not be problematic in a home setting. Some non-traditional ESAs include pigs, horses, and even chickens!
How Are ESAs Different From Therapy Animals?
Therapy animals are trained to provide attention, comfort, and affection to people in need such as those in hospice, retirement homes, nursing homes, and schools.
Pro-tip Service animals, on the other hand, are trained for a specific task (e.g. detect allergens, guide the blind).
Usually, the presence of an individual’s emotional support animal alone is enough to ease the negative symptoms of their psychological or emotional disorder, such as anxiety, especially in crowded areas like airports. ESAs provide calming and therapeutic benefits through companionship.
How Do ESAs Help Someone?
Emotional support animals help people in many different ways from providing simple comfort through companionship to a sense of purpose through the responsibility of caring for a pet.
Many therapists consider ESAs effective therapy because of the constant support they can provide, compared with a therapy session that is usually only an hour long.
Animals used in therapy sessions often help patients relax by helping ease anxiety and discomfort. They allow patients to open up slowly and at their own pace through simple petting or feeding sessions. In depression patients, for example, the responsibility of taking care of an animal gives a sense of motivation in the simple act of getting up to feed your pet.
An undeniable factor in making animals excellent emotional support for those with disabilities is the companionship and affection these creatures unconditionally provide their owners without any hesitancy, judgment, or complication.
5 Reasons Why Reptiles Make Great ESAs
Reptiles are often smaller and can be more manageable
Most reptiles are smaller than your traditional emotional support animals (dogs or cats) and can therefore be more manageable especially when you have a small space. Their relatively smaller size also becomes an advantage when you need to take them with you elsewhere. They may also be allowed in more housing apartments or living spaces compared with big pets such as dogs and cats.
Reptiles require less attention
Reptiles often require less attention but not necessarily less care because reptiles can still be demanding pets. Detailed husbandry is often required for the proper care of certain reptiles. However, compared to a dog or cat, you can usually leave a reptile on its own. They also don’t require exercise or grooming. Some reptiles don’t even need to eat every day!
Reptiles are unique
Reptiles are definitely unique which leads to special bonds with humans. There are different types of reptiles that can serve as ESAs according to one’s needs. In therapy, the unique aspect of reptiles often sparks the curiosity of more patients allowing them to open up more to treatment.
Reptiles break the stigma of ESAs as a sign of weakness
Sometimes, males who might need an emotional support animal will shy away from adorable and cuddly pets because of a perceived stigma associated with these such as weakness. Caring for a cat, dog, or maybe a rabbit doesn’t exactly look “macho.” Reptiles, on the other hand, look quite cool and unique which makes them a great choice as an ESA for certain people.
Reptiles are mostly hypoallergenic
Since reptiles don’t shed as animals with fur do, they are mostly hypoallergenic. They also don’t emit strong odors especially if their enclosures are kept very clean. This makes them compatible with those that may have certain allergies associated with furry animals.
Which Reptiles Make Great ESAs? (And Why)
Choosing the kind of reptile to register as an emotional support animal depends mostly on the person’s preference and needs. However, certain types of reptiles can make better ESAs based on their hassle-free care needs, temperament, and general disposition. These are usually beginner-friendly reptiles like geckos, ball pythons, or bearded dragons which are not too challenging to care for.
Leopard Geckos
Leopard Geckos, with their huge eyes and seemingly smiling face, are the perfect intro reptile because of their hardy nature. They are small (up to 8 inches) and only need a 20-gallon tank with minimal maintenance which makes them great for kids. They live for a good 10-20 years if properly cared for and need the usual UVB lighting, heat source (heat pad recommended for belly heat), and a few hiding places in their enclosure. Leopard Geckos are white or yellow with dark spots and are known to be vocal especially when hungry or seeking attention.
Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are a crowd favorite. They generally have a calm temperament and are known for their unique looks. They’re a bit more challenging than the rest of beginner-friendly reptiles because of the money and equipment involved in caring for them. They do need big enclosures (50 gallon recommended) and specific lighting equipment (UVB and heat lamp). They live to be about 10-15 years and can be good pets for children with proper handling.
Ball Pythons
Ball pythons require simple care except for being a bit picky with their food. This can easily be remedied by asking tips from a responsible breeder and sticking to a good feeding schedule early on. Ball pythons are easy to care for; requiring a 40-gallon tank as adults, a heat pad, infrared light, and the humidity at 55-60% RH. They should also have some hiding places in their tank for their comfort. They grow up to 5 feet and can live up to 30 years!
Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are docile and easy to care for. You just need a secure enclosure with a very tight lid since they can be quite the escape artists. They grow up to be about 3-5 feet long and live up to 10 years. These bright orange to red snakes are beautiful and can be a great ESA.
The main challenge with snakes such as ball pythons and corn snakes would be feeding them live feed (rodents such as mice) which may be hard for a lot of people. It can be tricky but they really only need to be fed once a week, maybe even less and can be left on their own for a few days, making them a good choice as emotional support animals.
Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Box Turtles are land turtles that do not need the same aquatic requirements that make Red Eared Sliders challenging to care for. This makes them the perfect choice for those who would want a turtle as their ESA. They grow between 5-7 inches long and can live up to 30-40 years in captivity. A 40-gallon tank will do well for adults but bigger is also better. They don’t need water in their enclosures but do need a more humid environment (70% RH) in addition to the basic reptile care.
Reasons Why Reptiles MAY NOT Make Great ESAs
Though reptiles are great emotional support animals, there are a few reasons why they may not be the best choice.
There are some reptiles who do not enjoy being handled (like chameleons, for instance) so if you want to be able to bond with your ESA in that way then a reptile may not be for you.
They might also be a bit harder to bring in public (especially in plane cabins) since some people may be scared of reptiles because of certain negative perceptions of them (e.g. they may be venomous).
Also, certain establishments may not readily accept them even with an ESA license especially if the welfare of the general public is at stake. In addition to that, big reptiles (e.g. big snakes) may not be allowed in most forms of transportation (especially planes).
Lastly, certain reptiles require detailed husbandry so if proper care becomes too challenging, it may also become a source of anxiety for the owner. For example, chameleons who dislike being handled and are mostly for advanced reptile keepers, may not make great ESAs.
Do All Reptiles Qualify To Be An ESA?
Technically, yes. Any household or domesticated pet with an ESA letter can qualify as an emotional support animal. This includes reptiles, even snakes. The only caveat to having a reptile as an ESA is the mixed public perception of these beautiful creatures. Some may be afraid of reptiles, especially snakes.
How To Register An ESA
Register with an Emotional Support Animal organization.
There are many organizations but the most popular one is Emotional Support Animal Registration of America (ESARA). Registration is usually done online and will require you to input some basic information as well as a photograph of your animal.
Take note that registration online alone DOES NOT make your animal an ESA. Additional official documentation is required for your ESA to be recognized especially for travel.
Consult with a licensed medical professional about obtaining an Emotional Support Animal.
Check with a licensed medical professional accredited by the ESA Registration of America (ESARA) for a consultation about adding an emotional support animal to your treatment or registering your current pet as an ESA. This consultation will allow you to ask questions about ESAs, clarify anything you need, and help you obtain proper documentation for your animal.
Secure a written certification or an ESA Evaluation Letter.
Secure a written certification from your physician indicating that your animal is required for your emotional needs. This letter should contain the following useful information below. This document is updated yearly and is required when you bring your ESA in public places.
Diagnosis of your condition (if applicable) Treatment involving your emotional support animal Name, license number, and contact details of your physician
The ESA organization you registered with can help you with your ESA Evaluation Letter or official documentation from a licensed physician.
Obtain an ID or ID vest, harness, and portable carrier for your ESA.
Identification for your ESA is quite useful especially if you plan to take it into public areas. For reptiles, ID vests are available as well. Consider getting a harness as well as a portable carrier for your reptile so there’s no hassle when you take it with you.
This ID, along with the official documentation of your ESA may be required by landlords, apartments, before boarding transportation, or in public places.
Pay for the registration fee.
There are different types of registration packages depending on the organization but the minimum should include documentation, identification for your pet, and registration onto the ESA database. The prices range from $30-$150 USD.
A note on responsible ESA ownership and registration
There have been numerous instances of animals (not just reptiles) being registered as emotional support animals just as an excuse for their owners to bring them on board planes, different places, or in “no-pet policy” housing legally without much consequence or fees (under the “Disabilities Act” and/or “Fair Housing Act”).
While mental health should definitely be a priority, please do not abuse the ownership or registration of an emotional support animal for the benefit of those who really need them.
Please also try to consider “communal well-being” when you bring your ESA to a public place. For example, a lot of people are afraid of snakes, so please exercise caution and responsibility when bringing them to crowded public areas.
If you plan on traveling with your ESA, it’s still best to do research if they will eventually be allowed on board a plane (or a bus, train, etc.) even with an ESA license secured, just to be sure and to avoid a potentially stressful situation for you and your reptile. Different airlines may have different rules.
ESA ownership for the benefit of yourself and your animal
Emotional support for mental well-being from any source, be it animal or otherwise, is definitely a big step towards healing. Reptiles can be effective emotional support animals but we recommend working very closely with your mental health professional or therapist about the correct emotional support animal for you. To ensure that both your and your animal’s welfare are kept in mind.
Reptiles can be relatively easier to care for (and definitely need less attention) compared with most common ESAs like cats or dogs, but they do require some specific points for their proper care. For example, specific temperature and humidity levels will need to be met in their enclosure at all times.
Talk with your therapist closely about including a reptile into your treatment. For example, if you and your therapist expect that you’ll be needing the reptile in situations that could also stress out the animal, then you may want to reconsider. For example, if you will be traveling on the plane often, then it can lead to chronic stress to your reptile as well.
How Much Does ESA Registration Cost?
Registration (complete with documentation) usually ranges from 30 to 150 USD depending on the inclusions the ESA organization offers. Some packages include IDs, a pet harness, and a guidebook but the minimum inclusion is registration in the database, official documentation, and an ID.
Conclusion
Reptiles can make great emotional support animals and have the extra advantage of being unique and relatively easier to care for than the usual cat or dog. They offer the same benefits all ESAs offer, allowing their owners to be happier, less anxious, and more focused because of their care needs.
FAQs
Can snakes be emotional support animals? Yes. Certain snakes, with their docile temperament, can be a source of calm for some people. Any domesticated animal or house pet can be registered as an emotional support animal with no additional training required. Can a reptile be an ESA? Yes. Any domesticated animal or house pet can be registered as an emotional support animal, including reptiles, with no additional training required. Reptiles as ESAs have a lot of advantages. They are relatively smaller and easier to handle. They require less attention and are often hypoallergenic.
References
Overview on Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animal – Wikipedia
FAQs on Emotional Support Animals
FAQs on Emotional Support Animals
Article on Emotional Support Animals
Confirming the benefits of emotional support animals – Counseling Today
Different ESA Registration Sites:
Emotional Support Animal Registration of America | ESARA
Register Your Emotional Support Animal Online | US Service
leopard gecko emotional support animal
DAFTAR ISI
Any animal can be an emotional support animal. Found insideThis most important book fully examines the welfare of captive reptiles and discusses the positive and negative implications of general.
Gecko Tail Regrowth Measuring Activity Gecko Measurement Activities Bearded Dragon Diet
Hes the only thing that really grounds and calms me and I just cant.
. Eublepharis a genus of lizards that the common leopard gecko Eublepharis macularis belongs to. Surprisingly enough my gecko has actually been super friendly and willingly to get close to me. I already knew that reptiles are solitary animals and they have different needs and behaviours to mammals who live together with others of their own kind.
Same Day Approvals for All Breads. A little boy learns that even though his cat has died he is still doing good things However you should ensure your pet is well-trained and well-behaved in public. Easy to handle and tame.
ESAs are becoming more and more popular as people realize the benefits they provide. Leopard geckos can make great emotional support animals. Federal law does not require these animals to have any specific training and you do not have to be physically disabled to have an emotional support animal.
After owning leopard geckos and interacting with them almost on a daily basis I have come to a few conclusions about their level of sociability. Leopard Geckos Tend to be Active at Dawn and Dusk. Thus if you are looking for a pet that will be overjoyed by your presence every time you enter the room then a leopard gecko is not an ideal selection.
That is to say their lips are shaped like a happy curve stretching from ear to ear giving it the appearance of a wide grin. Such a place will come in handy when the lizard needs to shed its skin. It consists of 6 similar species.
An emotional support animal ESA is an animal that provides relief to individuals with psychiatric disability through companionship Emotional support animals may be any type of pet not just eg dogs and are not recognized as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The answer to this question is yes a leopard gecko can be an emotional support animal. When the owner handles their leopard gecko they should try to do so at a regular time for example 7 PM every other day so their pet can expect it.
A bearded dragon a crested gecko and a leopard gecko. It consists of 6 similar species. Leopard Geckos are Easy to Breed in Captivity.
Leopard geckos will associate you with what you give them such as food or going out on a walk to explore the world. Usually dogs are trained for this task. Leopard geckos rarely bite or show aggressive behavior.
Because leopard geckos are nocturnal the owner should try to handle their gecko during the evening so they do not disturb their pet while it is trying to sleep. Why Leopard Geckos Make Good Pets. Ultimately getting your leopard gecko certified as an emotional support animal is.
This makes them ideal animals for both children and adults looking for a. They help people by providing support during difficult times and are mostly commonly utilized by people suffering from conditions such as anxiety or depression. Their mouth is shaped like a smile the perfect curve.
That is the truth behind these cute little creatures and their often-discussed smiles. Jacobsons organ also known as the vomeronasal organ it is an olfactory sense organ found in many animals including all reptiles and many mammals. Thanks to their inherent docile nature leopard geckos tend to get along well with humans.
I am a senior in highschool who suffers from depression and anxiety. If youre considering getting an ESA its important to do your research and find out what type of animal would be best for you. An Emotional Support Animal ESA is any pet that is legally certified to offer support for emotional of psychological conditions.
Ad Emotional Support Animal Certification – Lifetime Registration ID Kits. Emotional support animals help individuals with emotional disabilities such as anxiety or depression by providing comfort and support. Seeking comfort and protection from others.
Leopard geckos will not show affection but instead will make associations. Not only can their calm demeanor help relieve anxiety but taking care of a leopard gecko can help stave off depression symptoms. Posted by 5 months ago.
As part of our animal care course year 11 students have an opportunity to design and put together a vivarium for some of our school reptiles. Being that I am going to college soon I wanted to get my leo registered as an emotional support animal. Yes leopard geckos are born with a smile.
Leopard Geckos are Relatively Easy to Care For Compared to Other Reptiles. Leopard Geckos Dont Take Up Much Room. The animal is fully trained not a service animal-in-training.
You can read more about cats here. Most leopard geckos would much rather hide than fight. ESA Accessories at the Best Prices.
Leopard Geckos are Relatively Long-Lived. Ad Register your Emotional Animal Support in 5min Online. This is why many people consider them as their first pet reptile.
So i want to file my baby gecko as an emotional support pet. However diversity of ESAs. Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter.
I suffer from really bad anxiety and taking care of my new baby has helped so much bc its like finding a new hobby. I take care of him and it makes me feel good about myself and my gecko. Best ESA Certifications 2022.
While service animals are trained to perform specific tasks such as helping a. Some of the best types of cat breeds for emotional support include the Sphynx Russian Blue Abyssinian Manx Siamese Bengal American Bobtail and Exotic Shorthair. Get your ESA Online Today.
Allergy sufferers should choose a hypoallergenic breed that wont trigger their allergies.
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Emotional Support Animal Requirements
Federal law does not require these animals to have any specific training. To qualify for companion animal registration, the animal must have good social skills and not be aggressive toward people or other animals. The animal must be under your control at all times.
Emotional Support Animals have a right to housing. The Fair Housing Act requires Landlords to modify policies, procedures, or practices to permit an individual with a disability to use, own, and live with a service and/or emotional support animal when doing so is necessary to provide a tenant with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations.
Reptiles As Emotional Support Animals
The concept of using animals for emotional support and in therapy is hardly a new one. In the late 1800’s, it was Florence Nightingale who first made major discoveries with regard to the use of small animals in therapy and for emotional support. She identified that small animals reduced anxiety in adult and minor patients in institutions and psychiatric hospitals. Florence Nightingale’s observations and notes helped animal therapy begin to become recognized as a treatment for emotional disorders and anxiety.
Sigmund Freud noticed his dog having a positive effect on both himself and his patients and began using his dog in psychotherapy sessions in the 1930’s. 30 years later, child psychologist Boris Levinson wrote about a patient who was an emotionally disturbed, nonverbal child who would speak when Levinson’s dog sat with the child during therapy sessions.
The list of examples of doctors and professionals using animals in therapy and observing positive effects for patients as a result is long and dates back hundred of years. When people think of therapy animals or emotional support animals, they tend to think of dogs and horses. Small pets, especially reptiles, tend to be overlooked.
There’s a slew of reasons that reptiles make great candidates for emotional support animals. Reptiles typically have long lifespans, some with longer life expectancies than dogs. Reptiles have various levels of care and specific requirements, as well as an array of colors and patterns and interesting behaviors for observation. All of these factors play a role in making reptiles great candidates as emotional support animals.
*Photo from Pampered Beardies Shop on Etsy*
An Emotional Support Animal, or ESA, is a pet that is prescribed by a professional. That pet becomes an integral part of that persons treatment process, providing emotional support, bringing comfort and reducing anxiety. Per the National Service Animal Registry, any domestic animal is able to qualify as an emotional support animal, provided the pet is manageable, both in public and at home. The difference between a service animal and an emotional service animal is that an ESA is not required to have any training or special skills and is not required to pass any type of test. An ESA brings comfort simply by being present.
**Its important to note the distinction between an emotional service animal and a service animal. Service animals are highly trained and are able to accompany their owner throughout their day. An ESA is meant to provide purpose and comfort at home or during a therapy session. An ESA reptile is NOT meant to be traveled around town with.**
Reptiles are being used to help people suffering from depression and people struggling with anxiety. With depression, it can often be difficult to find motivation to get out of bed. Knowing a reptile is waiting for a person and is dependent upon them for their care can serve as motivation to get up and get moving, giving the person a sense of purpose and responsibility. Caring for and handling a reptile can give a person something to look forward to, something interesting to do and something to be proud of. For those with anxiety, reptiles can have a calming effect in addition to the other benefits mentioned.
Reptiles have been found to make great emotional support animals, with the careful husbandry they require and the opportunity for observation they provide. Because there are so many different types of reptiles with different care levels, there are many choices for ESA’s. For lizards, bearded dragons and leopard geckos are recommended for beginners. For snakes, milk snakes and corn snakes are recommended.
A person seeking an emotional support animal should do extensive research to help them determine the best choice for them, based on their needs and the needs of the reptile, as well as their budget. Reptiles are being widely recognized by doctors and mental health professionals as being amazing emotional support animals and having wonderful benefits to the emotional well-being of patients. Those of us in the hobby can quite agree.
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