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Brandy

The Case for Recognising Legislative Need for Emotional Support Animals in the UK

A Personal Journey

There’s something profoundly moving about the way Brandy climbs onto my shoulder while I’m cooking dinner. It’s not just about the physical comfort—though that’s certainly part of it—but about the absolute certainty of being understood without words. As someone navigating life with GAD, complex PTSD, and autistic traits, these moments of pure, uncomplicated connection are precious beyond measure. let me back up a bit; we need to talk about how the UK approaches animal support, particularly for neurodivergent people and those with mental health issues, because frankly, we’re lagging behind in recognising these profound bonds that can quite literally change lives.

The Current Landscape: A Tale of Two Systems

Here in the UK, we’ve got a rather narrow view of support animals. If you’re talking about assistance dogs, you’re sorted – they’re protected under the Equality Act 2010. Therapy animals working in structured settings? Yes, those too. But emotional support animals? That’s where things get complicated, and by complicated, I mean they’re essentially not recognised at all.

Contrast this with the US system, where emotional support animals have real legal standing. Over there, if you need your support animal in your home, the Fair Housing Act has your back. You can get proper documentation from mental health professionals that actually means something. While they’ve recently changed their airline policies (nothing’s perfect), the American system at least acknowledges that emotional support animals are more than just pets.

The Science Behind the Bond

Here’s where it gets really interesting, and I’m speaking not just from my heart but from a wealth of research. When we interact with animals, our brains literally light up in ways that promote healing and emotional regulation. We’re talking about real, measurable changes:

The body releases oxytocin – yes, the same hormone that helps parents bond with their babies. Cortisol levels drop, which means less stress buzzing around in your system. Your parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, helping you feel safe and grounded. For someone like me, dealing with anxiety and PTSD, these biological responses aren’t just interesting facts – they’re lifelines.

Neurodivergence

For neurodivergent people, the benefits go even deeper. As someone with a background in computer science, I find myself approaching social interactions like a complex programming challenge. I’ve developed what I think of as a social API; a sophisticated mental model that maps external social cues to appropriate responses. It’s like maintaining an intricate graph structure in my mind, constantly processing inputs, calculating responses, and updating the model based on feedback.

A 3D graph structure, symbolising the social mapping neurodivergent people need to do in social situations.
My Social API

While this system works—I can function, and even thrive, in social situations—the processing overhead is enormous. Each interaction requires constant monitoring, analysis, and adjustment. Even with a reasonable level of analytical capacity—although this is massively restricted by heavily deficient working memory—thanks to dyslexia—and a deeply analytical mind, the energy cost of maintaining this social mapping is exhausting. Simple conversations become complex computational tasks, with multiple threads running simultaneously: analysing tone, interpreting facial expressions, monitoring body language, calculating appropriate responses, and continuously updating my internal model.

Animal Companionship

This is where the beauty of animal companionship comes in. With Brandy, there’s no need for this elaborate social API. Her communication is direct, honest, and requires no complex interpretation. A purr means contentment. A tail flick communicates interest or annoyance. There’s no hidden meaning to decode, no subtle social cues to process, no need to maintain that energy-intensive mapping system. It’s pure, unfiltered interaction that allows my mind to truly rest while still maintaining meaningful connection.

This respite from the constant demands of social computation isn’t just a comfort – it’s a necessary recharge that helps me maintain enough energy for when I do need to engage with more complex human interactions. The scientific benefits of animal companionship aren’t just about the physiological changes they create in our bodies; they’re about providing a space where neurodivergent minds can experience connection without exhaustion.

My Story: Finding Support in Unexpected Places

Two kittens sleeping together, cuddled-up.
Coffee & Brandy, as kittens

Brandy and Coffee came into our lives as tiny rescue kittens, found in a taped-up cardboard box by the roadside in Bristol. The cruelty of their abandonment still makes my blood boil, but their story took a beautiful turn. While Coffee has grown into a lovely, independent cat, Brandy… well, Brandy decided I was her person.

From those early weeks, she’s been my constant companion. When I’m working at my computer, she’s in my lap. When I’m cooking, she’s on my shoulder. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm me or the world becomes too much to process, she’s there, her presence steady and grounding.

I don’t “own” Brandy – the very concept of owning a sentient being is anathema to me. We share our lives, and she’s chosen to be my emotional support in ways that no human could quite manage. I don’t say this to belittle the human connections I cherish. The understanding and support I receive from my partner… there aren’t words. I doubt very much I would have the safety, security and structure necessary for me to realise the state in which I now exist; where this blog project became possible… Anyway, I digress. Brandy’s support isn’t trained or mandated; it’s given freely and with a purity that brings tears to my eyes even as I write this.

The Need for Change: A Framework for the Future

Looking at the gap between the US and UK approaches to emotional support animals, it’s clear we need change. But we need to do it right. Having worked in various roles and seen how systems can both help and hinder, I believe we need a comprehensive approach that learns from others’ experiences while creating something uniquely suited to our needs.

What Could This Look Like?

Imagine a system where your GP or mental health professional could formally recognise the therapeutic benefit your animal companion provides. Where landlords couldn’t arbitrarily deny housing to people who need their support animals. A system that understands these bonds aren’t luxury items but lifelines.

Homelessness

The impact is particularly acute for our most vulnerable people. For homeless individuals, their dog often represents their only source of consistent emotional support, protection, and unconditional love. According to research by StreetVet and Dogs Trust[1], approximately 15% of homeless people in the UK have a dog. Their studies found that 75% of homeless people with dogs reported being turned away from hostels and shelters due to their pets, and 60% have refused accommodation because they couldn’t take their dog[1,2]. Most tellingly, 98% said their dog was their main source of emotional support and companionship[1].

With only 10% of hostels and temporary accommodation providers in the UK accepting dogs[3], we’re seeing a heartbreaking scenario play out on our streets: people forced to choose between accessing shelter and keeping their dog companions. The cruel irony is that the very companion who’s helped someone survive on the streets becomes a barrier to getting off them.

Domestic Violence

The situation is equally devastating for survivors of domestic violence. For many trapped in abusive relationships, their pet becomes their sole source of unconditional love and emotional support – a literal lifeline in an environment of control and fear. Dogs Trust Freedom Project research shows that nearly half (49%) of domestic abuse survivors report their pets were also abused by their perpetrator[4]. Even more alarming, 89% of women entering domestic violence shelters with pets reported their abuser had threatened, injured, or killed family pets[4].

Yet when someone finally makes the brave decision to flee, they face an impossible choice. Data from Women’s Aid and Refuge shows that only 3% of UK domestic violence refuges are able to accommodate pets[5], forcing survivors to either leave their emotional support animal behind (potentially with their abuser) or remain in dangerous situations. It’s not surprising that up to 48% of survivors report delaying their escape specifically because they couldn’t take their pets with them[5]. For children caught in these situations, The Links Group UK reports that 67% experienced their pet being threatened or abused[6].

Legislation

We need legislation that:

  • Recognises emotional support animals in law
  • Integrates with NHS mental health services
  • Protects housing rights at all levels, from emergency accommodation to permanent housing
  • Specifically requires homeless shelters and domestic violence refuges to accommodate support animals
  • Creates partnerships with animal welfare organisations to support temporary fostering when needed
  • Provides assistance with veterinary care for those in financial hardship
  • Protects pets from being used as tools of coercive control
  • Includes pets in domestic violence protection orders
  • Ensures animal welfare

The current gap in legislation doesn’t just affect middle-class pet owners dealing with restrictive landlords – though that’s certainly an issue. It affects people at every level of society, and often hits hardest at those who already face the greatest challenges. When we talk about changing these laws, we’re talking about creating a more compassionate society that recognises and protects these vital bonds for everyone, regardless of their housing status or economic situation.

Sources:

[1] StreetVet and Dogs Trust Joint Research Report (2023): https://streetvet.org.uk/research

[2] Homeless Link “Support for Pet Owners” Report (2023): https://www.homeless.org.uk/

[3] Crisis UK Housing Report (2023): https://www.crisis.org.uk/

[4] Dogs Trust Freedom Project Research (2023): https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/about-us/our-views/animal-welfare/freedom-project

[5] Refuge and Women’s Aid Joint Research Report (2023): https://www.refuge.org.uk/our-work/forms-of-violence-and-abuse/domestic-violence/domestic-abuse-and-pets/

[6] The Links Group UK, “Breaking the Links Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence” (2023): http://www.thelinksgroup.org.uk/

Note:

Statistics are based on most recent available data as of April 2024. Current figures may vary.

Making It Happen

As someone who’s experienced both the ups and downs of navigating life with invisible disabilities, I understand the importance of getting this right. We need to:

  1. Gather solid evidence – not just from abroad but here in the UK
  2. Engage with mental health organisations, disability rights groups, and animal welfare experts
  3. Build a coalition of support across political lines
  4. Develop clear, practical guidelines that work for everyone

A Personal Reflection

Every evening, when Brandy settles into her spot on my lap while I work—if I’m exceptionally lucky, she bleps—I’m reminded of the healing power of these relationships. She doesn’t care about my diagnosis or whether I’m having a good day or a bad one. She’s just there, providing the kind of unconditional support that helps me navigate a world that wasn’t built for minds like mine.

A young cat with eyes closed and tongue sticking out; blepping.

The fact that the UK doesn’t formally recognise this kind of support feels like a missed opportunity. Not just for people like me, but for countless others who could benefit from the profound connection that an emotional support animal can provide.

Moving Forward

It’s time for the UK to catch up – not just with the US, but with the growing understanding of how animal companionship can support mental health and neurodivergent individuals. We need a system that recognises and protects these vital relationships while ensuring both human and animal welfare.

This isn’t just about changing laws – it’s about acknowledging the deep, transformative connections that can develop between humans and animals, particularly for those of us who experience the world differently. As someone who lives this reality every day, I believe it’s time for change.

And as I write this, with Brandy purring contentedly in my lap, I know it’s a change worth fighting for.

A young cat sleeping on a lap. Cat is in focal point using depth-of-field.


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Ruari Mears
Ruari Mears

Hey there! I'm Ruari, creator of 'soneaca', AKA 'Society Neurodiversity & Cats' – where personal experience meets social analysis, transformation meets understanding, and thoughts on social justice are often served with a side of seriously spicy curry.

Drawing from my journey through trauma, recovery, and personal growth, I explore the intersections of neurodiversity, class, politics, identity, food, and ethics. As an educator, former actor, computer scientist, biker and passionate vegetarian cook, I bring diverse insights to my writing. Living in a beautifully neurodiverse household, I share authentic perspectives on everything from ADHD and autism to gender identity, mixed-race relationships, and social justice. I'll also share my culinary adventures – from growing extreme chillies to crafting vegan versions of Indian and Italian classics that challenge the notion that ethical eating means compromising on flavour.

My writing examines how personal experiences connect to broader social issues, from economic inequality to systemic oppression, while exploring how our food choices reflect our values and connection to other sentient beings. I believe in the power of open dialogue and accessible knowledge – which is why all content will always be freely available to everyone, regardless of financial situation.

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2 Comments

  1. This is an insightful piece.
    Particularly regarding the impact of not allowing emotional support animals in emergency and temporary accommodation. For many homeless individuals, this is a real dilemma. In my five years working in the homeless sector, I’ve seen people forced to make impossible choices: either refuse accommodation to stay with their support animal or accept the housing, hide their pet, and risk eviction. Legislation that supports the inclusion of emotional support animals could be life-changing for many.

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