For the purposes of the ADA, not all animals used by people with disabilities are considered service animals. Any animal that offers emotional support to alleviate one or more symptoms or consequences of a person's handicap is considered an emotional support animal by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Despite the fact that they may give companionship, alleviate loneliness, and even aid with mental health issues such as melancholy, anxiety, and phobias, emotional support animals do not have the training necessary to assist individuals with disabilities. Dogs aren't the only animals that may be used as emotional assistance.