I think a psychologist lcsw or psychiatrist can give an emotional support certificate but I don’t think a general practitioner can. Be careful of those online agencies, many places won’t accept them. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals don’t need special training. It is a controversial topic. I have heard many doctors think emotional support animals are just a way for people to get free flights for their animal get free housing for them etc. I look at it differently. I want to clarify my dog is not currently one but she almost became one when I thought I was moving to an apartment.

I want to give my experience of having a dog as a pet and what she has done for me. I deal with strong suicidal urges and she has helped me get through many rocky nights dealing with this. It’s a big deal when your pet is the only good thing you can think of as a reason for living. She has also provided me with a consistent positive stable part of my life. She gives me something to look forward to after work. Though this does not effect all with mental illness, I found it difficult to connect with others. So I don’t have a spouse, kids, a BFF, a close circle of friends etc. I have been in survival mode most of my adult life. I do have my siblings and father. I finally take a medication that has caused my mood to stabilize so hopefully I can fill in some of these gaps. But she has been a filler for some of those missing relationships. She has also been my reason for dragging my butt out of bed when depressed. So that is my side of it.