Buzz
While we're all familiar with guide dogs and hearing dogs, some places have grown so used to seeing miniature horses assisting their owners that no one gives it a second thought. Recently, however, the number of creatures recognized as 'emotional support animals' (ESA) has skyrocketed, with some truly outlandish choices.
We might be okay with the sight of a miniature guide horse resting on the floor of an airplane next to its owner, but are we truly ready to embrace an emotional support turkey? In 2016, an image of Easter the turkey went viral after being seen on a Delta flight alongside her owner, Jodie Smalley. It sparked a flood of questions about what qualifies as a helper animal.
This debate led to a flood of individuals sharing their own experiences with unconventional creatures that assist them in coping with physical and emotional challenges. From tortoises and alpacas to iguanas and bearded dragons, the list of unusual animals that humans forge deep bonds with seems to be endless.
It's no surprise, then, that airlines have recently been bombarded with requests from passengers eager to bring their increasingly strange helper animals on board. The sheer volume of these demands has resulted in tighter regulations over the past few months regarding which species qualify under the guidelines.
So, just how wild can an ESA get? Prepare to be amazed! Here are 10 of the most extraordinary examples.
10. Capuchin Monkeys
Who wouldn’t want an adorable capuchin monkey assisting with everyday chores? People with mobility challenges have been fortunate enough to welcome one of these charming and affectionate creatures into their lives.
The Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled charity is committed to improving the lives of those with spinal injuries or other physical disabilities that hinder their independence. These expert monkeys are trained to assist with a variety of tasks—everything from operating remote controls and retrieving dropped items to scratching itches and flipping through books.
Capuchin monkeys are not only masters of performing delicate tasks, but they also excel in providing love and companionship to their human friends. Their small stature allows them to curl up on their owner's lap, and their natural instinct to form bonds drives them to care for their humans while seeking affection in return.
9. Snakes
The UK's National Health Service has begun using snakes as part of therapeutic treatments for patients facing communication barriers and depression. At London’s Huntercombe Hospital, therapists have incorporated a corn snake named Angel into group therapy sessions. Seven years old and measuring 1.5 meters (5 ft), Angel plays a key role in these sessions, where patients are encouraged to feed, interact with, and care for her.
While it may sound strange, medical professionals at the hospital have reported that patients who participate in these therapy sessions have experienced notable improvements in their symptoms.
Angel seems to inspire those battling depression to rise out of bed each morning. The responsibility of caring for her helps them manage their day. Especially beneficial for male patients, Angel and her fellow therapy snakes have proven to be great alternatives for those who find it difficult to care for more traditionally affectionate pets.
Angel isn't the only snake serving as an ESA. Daniel Greene's red-tailed boa constrictor, Redrock, plays a crucial role. Greene, who suffers from epilepsy, claims that Redrock is able to sense when a seizure is imminent, giving him the chance to prepare or take medication to prevent it.
8. Parrots
While we often find it entertaining to hear a parrot talk, Jim Eggers's parrot, Sadie, has far more to contribute than just the typical 'pretty Polly.' Jim, who suffers from severe bipolar disorder, experiences intense periods of homicidal thoughts and psychosis.
Sadie is able to detect when Jim is becoming angry and encourages him to calm down. By reassuring him that all is well, Sadie helps Jim to prevent destructive actions. As a result, he takes her everywhere, carrying her in a specially designed backpack.
7. Peacocks
If you thought an emotional support parrot was unusual, imagine an ESA that's a peacock!
Dexter made headlines in January 2018 when his owner, an artist named Ventiko, was denied the chance to bring him on a flight to Los Angeles. Despite Ventiko offering to buy a seat for her colorful companion, United Airlines refused to let them board the flight from Newark. Eventually, the duo had to drive across the country to get to their destination.
6. Pigs
United wasn't the only airline to refuse an unusual service animal on board. US Airways stirred up a media frenzy in 2014 when a pig named Hobie and his owner were abruptly kicked off the plane before takeoff, after the porcine passenger relieved itself in front of shocked travelers.
It was surprising that US Airways even entertained the idea of letting Hobie fly in the first place, considering an earlier incident involving a pig on one of their planes back in 2000. The 135-kilogram (300 lb) animal was flying first class from Philadelphia to Seattle but seemed unimpressed with the luxurious treatment.
After breaking free, the hog went on a rampage through the cabin, even attempting to access the flight deck. Pigs might fly, but not on US Airways!
5. Kangaroos
After news stories in 2015 about a woman in Wisconsin being asked to leave a McDonald’s with her kangaroo, a surprisingly serious debate emerged regarding whether a kangaroo could actually qualify as a service animal.
The woman's companion, reportedly wrapped in a blanket and carried in a baby carrier, wasn’t recognized as an official ESA by either the fast-food restaurant’s management or the local police, who asked her to leave the premises. Still, the incident stirred up quite a buzz.
A medical malpractice insurance company even published an article on its website, advising doctors in Louisiana on how to respond if any of their patients arrived for an appointment with a kangaroo.
For the record, doctors were informed that kangaroos weren’t officially recognized as emotional support animals in the state, but they were encouraged to consider making accommodations if a humane exception could be applied.
4. Turtles
Turtles have surprisingly become a favored choice for emotional support animals. In fact, the ESA certification body Moosh suggests turtles as an ideal exotic ESA.
This might explain why in recent years, an increasing number of travelers have been bringing their shelled companions on flights. Cabin crews have even reported some bizarre scenes, such as turtles stuck to aircraft windows with suction-cup shoes!
In certain cases, these ESAs might be tortoises, which are classified as turtles by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. While there’s often a distinction made between tortoises (land-dwellers) and turtles (typically aquatic), both fall under the order Testudines.
There doesn’t seem to be any concern from ESA owners regarding the tortoise-turtle distinction. Some of these ESAs, however, do spend a significant amount of time in aquariums.
3. Wolves
One of the most extraordinary service animals started as a potentially hazardous wild creature. Kodie, a North American gray wolf, was officially recognized as a service animal after successfully completing a training program. While seeing Kodie might raise a few eyebrows and cause some unease, he plays an essential role in his owner’s life.
Adopted at just six weeks old, Kodie is the companion of truck driver Nick Battles, who has diabetes. Now 12 years old, the wolf is expertly trained to remind Nick when it's time to take his insulin. With the proper paperwork confirming his service animal status, Kodie is allowed in public places, including restaurants and stores in Woodland, where they live.
Nick doesn’t just count on his wolf partner to help prevent hypoglycemic episodes. He also considers Kodie a friend and companion, saying he has developed a deeper bond with him than with any of his previous pet dogs. Kodie has traveled extensively with Nick across America. Interestingly, the wolf has a particular fondness for ice cream and Chihuahuas!
Clearly, no animal is too wild, too exotic, or too strange to qualify as a support animal these days. The variety of creatures now classified as emotional support animals has grown so vast that many organizations are struggling to determine the best way to handle encounters with kangaroos, rats, snakes, and turtles, so as not to run afoul of the law.
Airlines, housing associations, and businesses everywhere are being compelled to review their regulations carefully. They're concerned that making the wrong choice could harm their public image.
As for those who seek comfort and emotional support from their increasingly bizarre animal companions, it's anyone’s guess what the next trend might be. There have been whispers about support hedgehogs, ferrets, llamas, and even spiders. So, who knows what will come next?
How about emotional support jellyfish?
2. Squirrels
In 2017, a story involving another peculiar ESA made headlines.
Ryan Boylan from Clearwater, Florida, found his story splashed across international newspapers when his condo association told him he had to part ways with his emotional support squirrel, Brutis, or face eviction.
Although Boylan had a doctor's prescription for Brutis and a letter from the Office of Human Rights, he couldn't convince the association to retract their eviction notice.
1. Rats
Although rats are often associated with causing anxiety, they are increasingly being selected as therapy animals for individuals battling various emotional and mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety.
Rats have also proven to be effective ESAs for children with autism. Their small size tends to be less intimidating than larger therapy animals like dogs, horses, or even kangaroos.
Some service rats have even been trained to detect muscle spasms and seizures, alerting their human companions in time for them to take necessary precautions.
