Petition · past parliament · Department for Work and Pensions
Legally recognise Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Closed
746 signatures
What the petition asks
The government should legally recognise ESAs as assistance animals for people with mental health issues and they should have the same rights as other assistance animals, such as guide dogs. This should allow them to accompany with travel and live in non-pet housing.
Mental disorders affect 1 in 4 people at some point during their lives. They can be challenging, difficult to deal with, and feeling alone is common.
ESAs are always there when they are needed most. They provide unconditional love, a purpose and a routine. Through companionship and affection, symptoms of mental disorders can be reduced or alleviated.
Mental health is a disability and, controlled by registration, ESAs can offer emotional wellbeing, and they should be recognised.
ESAs are always there when they are needed most. They provide unconditional love, a purpose and a routine. Through companionship and affection, symptoms of mental disorders can be reduced or alleviated.
Mental health is a disability and, controlled by registration, ESAs can offer emotional wellbeing, and they should be recognised.
Timeline
| 18 Dec 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 18 Jun 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
746
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
18 Dec 2020
Closed
18 Jun 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.