Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or just dealing with the stress of day-to-day life, anyone can benefit from the special love of an emotional support animal (ESA). Because Emotional support animals aren’t about labels — they’re simply about wellbeing. ESAs offer comfort, routine, companionship, and emotional grounding that benefits anyone seeking connection, calm, and care at home.
While there is a wide range of options for people looking for an emotional support animal, Joybound is proud to do ESAs the right way.
“My dog’s not just helping me — she’s helping my whole family.”
– David, Shelter to Service Graduate
Shelter to Service provides a personal matching experience for applicants looking to adopt an emotional support cat or dog with some prior foundational training. Once an application has been submitted and reviewed, an appropriate cat or dog will be evaluated, selected, and matched with the applicant, helping to ensure that the emotional support animal is a good fit for both their home environment and therapeutic goals.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide many therapeutic benefits to their guardians. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals do not require specialized task training to provide comfort. Their presence alone brings peace and comfort to their families. Emotional support animals do have access to pet-prohibited housing (thanks to the Fair Housing Act).
The companionship of an emotional support animal can help with:
- Providing a consistent source of comfort and emotional stability during stressful or overwhelming situations.
- Reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation by offering unconditional companionship.
- Encouraging routine and responsibility, which can contribute to improved mental wellbeing.
- Offering a sense of security and calm in unfamiliar or triggering environments.
- Supporting social interaction by serving as a bridge to conversations and connection with others.
ESA Adoption Fees
- Canine Emotional Support Animal – $400
- Feline Emotional Support Animal – $200
Just like in our general adoption program, ESA adoption fees are always waived for U.S. military Veterans.
General Program Eligibility Requirements
Each different type of Shelter to Service service has individual eligibility requirements for applicants. More information is available on their specific program pages. But all applicants must have the following qualifications.
- Applicants must live in a stable, personal residence.
- Applicants must demonstrate willingness and ability to provide proper care and a safe home environment for a dog for their lifespan.
- Applicants must be at least 16 years or older.
- Applicants must submit a copy of their photo ID.
- Applicants must be willing and able to travel by car to our Walnut Creek campus.
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Start your assistance or support animal journey.
We’re a proud recipient of funding from Maddie’s Fund®.
We feed our animals high-quality Purina pet food.
You can find all our adorable, adoptable animals on Petfinder