Dr. Woller was trained in VETERINARY Social Work at the University of Tennessee

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides comfort, companionship, and support to individuals who have emotional or psychological disabilities. These animals are not considered pets but are prescribed by mental health professionals as part of a treatment plan to help individuals cope with the symptoms of their condition.

Emotional support animals can include a wide range of species, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even miniature horses, depending on the individual's needs and preferences. Unlike service animals, which are specifically trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities, emotional support animals do not require any specialized training. Instead, their presence and companionship alone provide therapeutic benefits to their owners.

ESA owners typically have a diagnosed mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a phobia, among others. These animals help alleviate symptoms by providing emotional support, reducing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress. They can offer a sense of comfort and security, help regulate emotions, and provide a distraction from negative thoughts or triggers.

It's important to note that emotional support animals are different from service animals and do not have the same legal rights and access privileges. While service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are allowed to accompany their owners in public places where animals are typically not permitted, emotional support animals are protected under different laws, such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which grant certain housing and travel accommodations, respectively.

Dr. Woller has been providing animal assisted therapy for most of her career. She was formally at the University of Tennessee in Veterinary Social Work which is a specialized field within social work that focuses on the intersection of veterinary medicine and social work. Veterinary social workers have a strong understanding of animal behavior, animal welfare, and veterinary medicine. They use their skills in counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management to help clients navigate the emotional and practical challenges. 

Dr. Woller does provide comprehensive clinical assessments and subsequent certification for her clients who are in need of emotional support and/or psychiatric service animals. In order to qualify for an ESA or psychiatric service animal one must have a diagnosable mental health condition that impedes their daily levels of functioning.