https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/general/therapy-birds-emotional-support-animal-or-merely-a-pet
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Birds, including parrots, have shown potential to assist individuals with emotional or psychological disabilities through therapeutic interactions or trained support roles.
While birds are not recognized as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) since the 2011 redefinition that limits the term to dogs and some miniature horses, they can still serve as emotional support animals or therapy animals.
These roles are distinct and governed by different legal frameworks. Emotional support birds, when prescribed by a licensed professional, may be allowed in housing under the Fair Housing Act and, in some cases, brought into workplaces as reasonable accommodations under Title I of the ADA.
Whether in rehabilitation programs, therapy sessions, or emotional support roles, birds can provide calming, sensory rich engagement that may benefit individuals with mental health challenges or developmental conditions.
Organizations like Gifted Wings Ministry in Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrate how rescued birds can help people in nursing homes and other community facilities through structured programs designed to engage and uplift.
Therapy birds can foster emotional breakthroughs, spark memories, and even motivate individuals with disabilities to engage more fully with their environment and care.
While legal protections for therapy and emotional support birds vary, those seeking to keep birds as support animals are encouraged to understand their rights under local and federal law, and to advocate for reasonable accommodations.
Chewy editorial team encourages individuals to explore the therapeutic value of birds while remaining informed and empowered when navigating these unique support relationships.
