What’s better than being able to carry a pet in your purse? Being able to carry your pet in your pocket! Often referred to as "pocket pets," rats are small enough to be considered companions while still being small enough to be carried in a coat pocket. Rodents, which are soft and adorable, account for approximately 40% of the world's mammal population and can be found around the world.
When it comes to selecting an ESA (emotional support animal), the word "rodent" is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Individuals suffering from emotional disorders, on the other hand, may find that their presence can be extremely beneficial in overcoming difficult times.
In your search for an ESA, don't be scared to think out of the box and consider unusual options, such as pocket-sized animals. Maybe you'll be surprised to learn that realesaletter.com offers ESA letters for a wide variety of animals, including rodents. So, if you're considering a cute little hamster or a friendly rat as your next ESA, make sure to obtain an ESA letter for housing to ensure that you can keep them in your home without any issues. After all, rodents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they all make wonderful emotional support animals.
Guinea Pig
A guinea pig may not appear to be the most affectionate of animals to some people, yet many guinea pig owners would disagree with that assessment. Guinea pigs can recognize their owners after a period of getting to know them, and they can even participate in protracted snuggle sessions. They can get so comfy that they feel sleepy while being held within a short period.
Furthermore, because they are herd species, guinea pigs prefer to be in the company of their owners and are not bothered by the presence of other "roommates". Because of their demand for social connection, they make excellent ESAs for persons who want a well-rounded companion.
Hamster
Hamsters, in contrast to guinea pigs, prefer to live in isolation in a cage. They manage quite well on their own, occupying themselves with gadgets and spinning around on their hamster wheels, for example. They are happier when their cage resembles a playground, complete with toys and barriers for them to navigate through and around. In addition, the action is beneficial to them because a sleepy hamster can quickly gain weight and become obese.
Adorable hamsters appear to be designed to be cuddled up to you. All you have to do is move slowly and softly when approaching them, as they appreciate a softer touch. Because hamsters are nocturnal animals, they are best suited for owners who are night owls.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas have large and round bodies, mouse-like ears, giving them the appearance of an incredibly cute cross of both a rabbit and a mouse. Chinchillas can stand on their rear legs and eat with their hands if they are comfortable doing so. Their fur, on the other hand, is the most eye-catching feature of them. Their fur is as soft as mink and as luxurious as cashmere, and it pleads to be touched. Chinchillas are the biggest of all of the rodent species on this list, and they can develop up to a foot in length, making them small enough to fit in a bag but too large to fit in a pocket.
In the same way that hamsters are nocturnal animals, chinchillas are also. They are not as energetic as hamsters, but they will sit for longer durations and enjoy being petted after they have become familiar with their owners' presence. After getting an ESA Letter, adopting and socializing chinchilla kits (babies) will ensure that they are well-suited to their role as emotional support animals. Chinchillas as adults often don't become used to being handled by humans, but with some patience, they can get used to hugs.
Gerbil
Gerbils, like chinchillas, prefer to sit on their rear legs when they are awake. Even though, unlike chinchillas, they only grow to be around 4 inches long (without the tail). Gerbils, on the other hand, are bursting with quirkiness and individuality. They are incredibly gregarious creatures who do not like to be left alone for long periods. They prefer to share a gerbil room with other gerbils and engage in social contact with their owners when possible.
Rat
Rats are beautiful and social animals, even though they are not the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of ESAs. If you are interested in keeping a rat as an ESA, get an realesaletter and then find a pet shop. Unlike rats discovered on city streets, rats purchased from pet shops are different. Rats that are offered as pets have been bred specifically to bring out their most endearing characteristics, which include intelligence, sociability, and tranquility.
Rats, contrary to popular belief, form very strong bonds with their owner and are excellent at keeping themselves clean. Rats are also capable of doing tricks, responding to their nickname, and, of course, running through mazes, owing to their high intellect. Given that they are highly social animals, they want owners who will spend quality time with them daily. As a result, rats make excellent pocket ESAs.
When traveling or residing with their owner, ESAs are protected under federal law. Anyone interested in owning any pet as an ESA should speak with their licensed mental health care practitioner about obtaining an ESA letter, which enables them to acquire an ESA that is protected by federal and state laws and regulations. To obtain a legal ESA letter, you must consult with a licensed medical practitioner who is licensed in the state where you live. This could be the primary physician or a therapist who is available online through telemedicine.
More Resources:
Keep Your ESA Quiet and Happy at Apartment: Tips and Guidelines
How to select the best pet if you are living in an apartment
How to deal with my ESA's death
What kinds of pets make the best ESA?
5 key differences between a pet dog and ESA dog