If you’re looking for a furry friend to help ease your emotional burdens, look no further than the Shih Tzu. These little dogs are known for being friendly and good-natured, making them perfect emotional support animals. Shih Tzus are typically low-maintenance and don’t require a ton of exercise, which is why they make ideal companions for people who lead busy lives.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a pet that provides companionship and emotional support to its owner. ESAs are not specifically trained to perform any particular task, but their mere presence can provide relief from anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
While emotional support animals (ESAs) are not trained like service animals, they still provide therapeutic benefits to their owners who have a mental disability.
In order to get an ESA, you must go through a licensed mental health expert (psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist). This professional will write you a letter that ESAs are beneficial for your Mental Health and this Letter is valid for 12 months.
ESAs can be any domesticated animal, but dogs typically make the best ESAs due to their loyalty and ability to sense emotion.
Let’s look at 12 reasons why Shih Tzus make the ideal emotional support dog.
1. They Love Human Interaction
One of the best things about Shih Tzus is that they are highly social creatures. They love being around people and thrive on human interaction.
This makes them perfect emotional support animals, as they can provide much-needed companionship and love.
Shih Tzus are also known for being very affectionate, which can be a great source of comfort for people who are struggling with anxiety or depression.
2. Low Maintenance
Another great thing about Shih Tzus is that they are low-maintenance dogs. Being small dogs, they don’t require a lot of exercise, so they’re great if you have a busy schedule.
Shih Tzus are also known for being clean dogs, so you won’t have to worry about them making a mess in your home.
3. They’re Good Listeners
No matter how busy our lives get, our dogs are always there lovingly waiting to listen to anything we have to say, and Shih Tzus are no different.
Whether it’s good or bad or if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, talking to your Shih Tzu can be a great way to let off some steam.
Our pets are non-judgmental creatures, so you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings with them without fear of being judged.
4. They’re Loyal
One of the most endearing qualities of Shih Tzus is their loyalty. These dogs are incredibly devoted to their owners and will always be by your side when you need them.
They can provide much-needed companionship and support during difficult times.
5. They’re Cuddly
Shih Tzus are known for being one of the cuddliest dog breeds. If you’re looking for a furry friend to snuggle up with, a Shih Tzu is the perfect choice.
This breed loves nothing more than being close to their humans, so you can rest assured that your Shih Tzu will always be there to offer a cuddle when you need it.
6. They’re Portable
Shih Tzus are small dogs, which makes them easy to transport. This is ideal for people who are on the go or often travel, as it means you can take your Shih Tzu with you wherever you go.
Shih Tzus are also very adaptable, so they can easily adjust to new environments and situations.
7. They Have a Great Personality
One of the best things about Shih Tzus is that they have great personalities. These dogs are friendly, and loving. They make great emotional support animals because they have the ability to brighten up even the gloomiest of days.
Shih Tzus are also very playful, so they can provide some much-needed laughter and fun when times are tough.
8. Shih Tzus are Calm
Shih Tzus are calm nonaggressive dogs, which makes them perfect emotional support animals. Shih Tzus are good natured and easygoing, so you can feel comfortable around them even when you’re feeling down.
9. They Make Great Watchdogs
Despite their small size, Shih Tzus make great watchdogs. These dogs are very alert and will bark to let you know if someone is approaching your home.
This can be a great source of comfort for people who live alone or who are worried about their safety. Shih Tzus are very protective of their owners, so you can rest assured that your Shih Tzu will always have your back.
10. They’re Easy to Train
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train, which makes them ideal emotional support animals. Get them on a good routine and take plenty of walks outside.
They will love spending time together and getting outside will help lift your mood.
11. They’re Very Affectionate
Shih Tzus are very affectionate dogs. If you’re looking for an emotional support animal that will shower you with affection, a Shih Tzu is the perfect choice.
Expect plenty of hugs and kisses from your fur baby that will be sure to brighten your day.
12. Shih Tzus Can Make You Laugh
Shih Tzus can be very playful and silly, which can be a great source of laughter and fun during difficult times. These dogs love nothing more than playing games and goofing around, so you can be sure that your Shih Tzu will always put a smile on your face.
How Can I Register My Shih Tzu to Be an Emotional Support Animal?
If you’re interested in registering your Shih Tzu as an emotional support animal, the best place to start is by contacting your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider can help to assess whether or not an emotional support animal would be beneficial for you and can provide you with the necessary paperwork.
Once you have the necessary documentation, you can then register your Shih Tzu with a reputable emotional support animal registry.
What’s the Benefit of Having an Emotional Support Dog?
- Live Anywhere with Your Pet
The Fair Housing Act protects your right to live with your emotional support animal, even in “no pets” housing. As long as you have a letter from your mental health professional, you cannot be denied housing because of your emotional support animal.
- Travel With Your Pet
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows you to bring your emotional support animal with you when you travel. This includes both domestic and international travel.
You will need to provide the airline with a letter from your mental health professional in order to fly with your emotional support animal.
- Reduced Pet Fees
Many airlines, hotels, and rental car companies offer reduced fees for travelers with emotional support animals. This can help to offset the cost of traveling with your emotional support animal.
It’s worth checking before booking and mentioning that you will be traveling with an ESA.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Shih Tzus make the ideal emotional support animal. They are loving, cuddly and ever so affectionate creatures. They are small enough that you can easily take them on the go with you whether your staying local or traveling someplace far.
There silliness and playful demeanor will surely be a great source of laughter and fun during those difficult times.
If you’re looking for an emotional support animal that will provide you with plenty of love and comfort, a Shih Tzu is the perfect choice.
