Pets offer companionship, but for many they also provide an important service.
It is growing more popular forpet ownersto certify their pets as emotional support animals (ESAs).
One survey from theAmerican Psychiatric Associationfound that one in five responding pet owners did so.
Owning a pet also is often pricey particularly if youre paying for professional training.
Tracking down emotional support animal discounts and savings can help offset some of those costs.
How Much Does an Emotional Support Animal Cost?
you could adopt a dog from a local rescue shelter for next to nothing.
However, youll have to pay for vet visits and any required shots or surgeries.
If more than one animal is requested, the health care provider must specify why each animal is needed.
Service dogs wear vests identifying them as such, but ESAs dont need to wear them.
As with any other pet, youll need to invest in food, treats and other supplies.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
Here are six options to consider if you own an ESA.
With the right finagling, you could get the same discounts for your ESA.
Did you know?
Tax Savings
Tax breaksare available for taxpayers who have service dogs for specific medical conditions or disabilities.
That break doesnt extend to emotional support animals, though.
Rental Housing
Having a pet can make renting a home tough.
Those who do accept them charge exorbitant fees.
For ESA owners, though, those fees wont apply.
Lusvardi points out that this could lead to even more savings.
Vacation rental owners and hotels typically charge pet fees, and that can increase your travel budget.
But if you have an ESA letter, look into skipping the fees and book locations that prohibit pets.
Hotels are not allowed to charge extra for your ESA or charge a cleaning fee, Lusvardi said.
Airfare
Flying with Fido got a little more complicated in 2021.
That was when the Air Carrier Access Act made distinctions between service animals and emotional support animals.
If you have a larger ESA, be aware that most airlines have acarry-on weight limitof about 20 pounds.
Those costs can add up.
In fact,Roverestimates the annual cost of dog ownership to be $80-$440 a month.
Whether you own a service dog or an ESA, those costs will remain.
However, Lusvardi points out some ways to save money.
Another option Lusvardi recommends is to take advantage of the same cost savings options available to all pet owners.
I get my cats food and litter on autoship from Chewy and get a 5% discount.
That little amount adds up.
Even small emotional support animal discounts and savings can add up.
Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience.
