Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are not currently legally recognised within the UK and in 2020 this should not be the case. ESA's are animals that offer support to a person who suffers from a Mental Health Issue, such as depression. An ESA does not need to be trained in anything beyond the basics of being a domestic pet. This is because they are not needed to do anything other than offer companionship and affection. Unfortunately, even in 2020 there is still a stigma surrounding Mental Health. 1 in 4 people are affected by a Mental Health Issue every year and 1 in 6 are affected every week. These people may not be getting the companionship and affection they could from having an ESA because their home does not allow pets unless it is a registered support dog, i.e. a guide dog. An ESA may allow a person who suffers the ability to go into a shop, but as it stands unless your pet is a registered guide dog, you are not allowed to take your pet to the supermarket to support you in an environment that may give you deep anxiety. ESA's are imperative in this day and age for some people and I believe it is important we get these animals legally recognised as support animals for those with the silent illness.

Having Mental Health Issues myself, I am now in a position where I need an ESA and have been told by my therapist that it is a good idea for me to have that support. However, my uni won't currently make concessions for me because I do not have a physical disbility and I won't to change that, so others in my position don't suffer.