Emotional support animals are precious companions to humans with an array of unique emotional needs. These furry friends can come in various forms and are sometimes not even furry at all.
Some of the best ESAs are animated! But being 2-D figures doesn’t make them any less heartwarming or essential to the people they support. Here are the best ESAs in animated films. After this list, you’ll want to cuddle up with your pet and get ready for movie night.
1. Dug From “Up”
There are different types of emotional support animals, and Dug from “Up” is an excellent example. While Dug is not an official ESA, few can deny the love and companionship he offers Russel and Carl, the two protagonists of the 2009 film. Dug is both an excellent boy and also a terrific example of an emotional support animal.
Dogs are among the most popular pets in the country, and they are especially beneficial for children going through difficult times. They help by offering constant companionship and love, and there’s even scientific evidence to show how good they are for mental health. It’s no wonder they are so popular in children’s movies!
2. Kiko From “Winx Club”
Kiko is a pet rabbit in the animated show “Winx Club.” He belongs to a fairy named Bloom, a young girl who believed she was from Earth until she saves a fellow fairy and awakens burgeoning magical power. Kiko is a tiny creature who often accompanies and amuses the brave fairy and is revealed early in the show to have some magical power of his very own.
Rabbits are pretty common pets that are low-maintenance. These two traits make them an excellent choice as ESAs.
While rabbits may not be as easy to travel with, at least on a day-to-day basis, they can provide support in the form of cuddles and companionship. They do this all without being quite as expensive to train or care for, making it easy to afford an ESA.
3. Rajah From “Aladdin”
Rajah is Princess Jasmine’s pet tiger from the classic film “Aladdin.” Rajah is a kind, loyal, and fierce ally to Princess Jasmine, protecting her from threats throughout the movie. Rajah is an excellent example of an emotional support cat. While you may not get a tiger, there have been more exotic animals who tried to pass as ESAs.
Any emotional support cat (though preferably not a large cat) will provide you with the same level of love and loyalty as Rajah does to Jasmine. Cats are deeply affectionate creatures who love and care immensely for their owners, albeit in ways that manifest very deeply from affectionate dogs.
If you need an ESA that falls in the middle ground between the popularity but higher maintenance of a dog and the timidness of a rabbit, cats may be the perfect companion.
Conclusion
There are many different ESAs in real life and the movies. Your pet could be a great candidate for an ESA if you or someone you know needs more support. The movies here show how much these incredible creatures have to offer.