Pet owners instinctively know that pets make us feel better. Studies show that pets:

• increase levels of serotonin and dopamine (pleasure and happiness chemicals)
• decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone)
• lower blood pressure 
• reduce loneliness
• increase feelings of social support
• boost mood
• help us co-regulate, release muscle tension, and slow down breathing
• combat depression by giving us a sense of purpose; providing structure and routine to our day; and invoking responsibilities that foster healthy living
• encourage physical activity and increase our time spent in nature
• provide us opportunities to play
• help us stay in the present and engage in mindfulness

• ESAs can legally live in "no-pet-housing" and are exempt from pet deposits.
  
  
• ESAs are not Service Animals; therefore they require no training (although they should be reasonably well-behaved by typical pet standards, and owners are responsible for damage to property or harm to others).
  
  
• There is no government database for registration, nor are there any supplies (like vests) that need to be purchased for ESAs (although some websites may lead you to believe otherwise).
  
  
• ESAs may legally be turned away from restaurants or shopping centers, although your pet's ESA letter can make it much more likely that they are allowed to stay.
  
  
• There are no breed or size restrictions for ESAs, and more than one pet can be designated as an ESA.
  
  
• ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act to ensure that those with mental health concerns are not discriminated against.
  
  
• In some cases, Airbnbs are allowed to charge pet fees for ESAs.