You saw that alligator in the viral video, but what is an emotional support animal?

By now, you might have come across a viral video of an alligator, coolly taking a walk in the park with a girl, somewhere in the US. This alligator is an emotional support animal.

The video we are talking about went viral because it was such a unique animal. Usually, people prefer furry animals for emotional support. But this girl in Philadephia found an alligator and named it Wally, and depended on it for emotional support. Now, before you think who would want an alligator as an emotional support animal, let's break the news: in 2018, alligators were certified as Emotional Support Animals.

Watch the viral video first:

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ALLIGATOR: Park goers were shocked to see a girl walking her emotional support alligator, Wally, on a leash in LOVE Park in Philadelphia on Friday. Wally seemed to enjoy the park’s fountains. pic.twitter.com/USbxLTDnnk

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 28, 2022

So, before you think of getting an alligator as an emotional support animal, you need to know what they mean.

What are emotional support animals? Animals can provide you joy, companionship and emotional support. This theory gave birth to the concept emotional support animals.

An emotional support animal; not a pet; offers therapeutic benefits to people with a disability.

Other than emotional support animals, there are service animals as well who are trained to help people with disability. Like, helping a blind person walk. These animals usually require training as per the requirement.

On the other hand, emotional support animals do not require specific training and they provide emotional aid with just their presence.

According to Healthline, an emotional support animal can help people with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It can help a person sense purpose and give hope.

In the US, there is a law to keep an emotional support animal at home, with no pet policy. People are also not liable to pay extra for keeping an emotional support animal. But all of this first requires clearance from a doctor.

Animals one can choose from: According to Emotional Pet Support, all domestic animals may qualify as emotional support animals. These can be cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, ferrets, etc.

However, experts also warn against the overuse of these animals, which may lead to exploitation. Therefore, it is crucial to get a green flag from your doctor before getting an emotional support animal at home.

Now, coming back to the viral video...

Wally’s caregiver Joie Henney brought it to the park for a meet and greet with the public. According to a People report, Henney is battling cancer, and she is raising money for Wally and other reptiles.

The reptile has been with Henney for the last 7 years; since it was just a year old.