Fish as Emotional Support Animals have the same health benefits as other ESAs. Fishes are a group of animals that are aquatic vertebrates with gills, scales, and swim bladders, most produce eggs, and are ectothermic. A few examples of emotional support fish are Goldfish, Angelfish, Betta, Rainbowfish, Guppies, Mollies, etc.
Fish make great pets for people who don’t have the time or space for a higher-maintenance animal. Therefore, having emotional support fish can help reduce stress, reduce blood pressure levels, along with the symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is something peaceful about watching these small creatures swim and glide in the water. Studies have shown that fish can reduce stress levels by 10-12%.
Benefits of Having Fish as Emotional Support Animals:
Emotional Support Fish Reduce Stress and Lower Blood Pressure:
It has been proven that owning fish improves an individual’s mental health and also reduces anxiety. Per research, it was discovered that watching fish in an aquarium led to noticeable reductions in an individual’s blood pressure and heart rate. That is why most doctors and dental offices have aquariums in their waiting rooms.
Recent research has shown that having fish as emotional support animals can be a cost-effective way to provide an individual with therapy. For example, it is effective in therapy specifically for the treatment of disruptive behavior disorder in children. In addition, fish have been shown to help individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. The more vibrant the colored fish, the more it helps provide the best therapeutic results.
Quiet and Calm:
Emotional support animals such as dogs and cats can be irritating, as they can be noisy. As opposed to fish, which are quiet and calm. Fish as emotional support animals are for any family and age, as they are entirely quiet.
Small Space Required:
Having an emotional support dog or cat, depending on their size, may require a lot of space. These animals need space to hang out and wander around. Whereas, having a fish as your emotional support animal requires much less space for an aquarium that you can place anywhere in your home.
Inexpensive:
Setting up a fish tank for your emotional support fish is fairly easy. However, an individual must follow several important steps. You will also have to decide on the type of fish and water for your tank.
Fish do not cost much compared to other animals. Depending on your preference for the type of fish, having fish can be an inexpensive hobby for pet lovers. But the fancier the fish, the pricier it gets. Plus, it’s not as expensive as having a dog or cat. Feeding fish is also cheaper than other animals, because fish food is inexpensive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you get an ESA letter for fish?
Yes, you can get an ESA letter for fish. Although the most common is for a dog, some other emotional support animals include cats, birds, rabbits, or rodents. The ESA process is simple at Pet Connect. Get connected with a licensed mental health therapist to see if you qualify for an ESA letter for fish.
Can fish be therapy animals?
Yes, fish are very calming and soothing, and have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, research has proven to be an effective therapy for children with disruptive behavior disorders.
Are fish good pets for anxiety?
Absolutely! Like other types of relaxation therapy and meditation, watching fish in an aquarium lowers blood pressure.
Are pet fish good for mental health?
Fish can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Watching fish in an aquarium reduces stress hormones, and can improve heart health. Also, fish can enhance mental health, but also physical health.
Pet Connect is an online ESA provider in California that will help you through the ESA process. Our process is quick and straightforward. Connect with a licensed mental health therapist for your ESA letter today!
