What is/the purpose of an ESA:

The law defines an emotional support animal as "an animal that does not require training to do work, perform tasks, provide assistance, or provide therapeutic emotional support by virtue of its presence which alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person's disability."

An Emotional Support Animal is an animal that provides a therapeutic presence to a person whom struggles with mental health or psychiatric disabilities. An ESA is not considered a Service Animal and thus is not protected under the same laws. However, it is not considered a pet either. ESAs can be any animal but dogs and cats are most common. The only requirements is a doctor's letter of prescription from a licensed medical professional and an animal that is manageable in public and doesn't create a nuisance.