Emotional Support Emu? Comfort Kangaroos? What’s Michigan’s Law?

If my wife sees a dog, she has to pet it. It's somehow a part of her DNA, a primal need to give all puppies love. That's why it's hard for her to see a service animal. Not that they don't provide an incredible service, it's the sign they wear:

Don't Pet Me, I'm Working

This only makes her want to pet the dog more. Were it, say, an emotional support cat, she could walk by without a second thought. Ahhhhh. You've never seen an emotional support cat before, have you?

What Animals Can Provide Service or Emotional Support Legally in Michigan?

Recently, a man and his Emotional Service Animal (ESA) were denied entry into a Philidelphia Phillies game. The animal in question, Wallygator, is a 70lb alligator and a licensed ESA in Pennsylvania.

Get our free mobile app

So, if a gator with razor-sharp teeth can be an ESA in Philly, what about Michigan? Could someone legally have an emotional support snake? Lizard? Kangaroo?

According to Michigan.gov, there are only 2 animals that can legally serve as either Service Animals or ESAs. Of course, dogs are on that list as you've no doubt encountered more than one in life.

Related: Which Michigan City is Among the Top 100 for Pets in the US?

The only other species, other than canine, that can serve as a support animal in Michigan is:

That's right. Miniature horses are the only other species that can legally serve as ESA's and Service Animals. I personally have never seen a mini-horse working in the wilds of Michigan but, now I really want to!

Regardless of their species, these animals truly enrich the lives of those they are paired with. Give these hardworking, 4-legged, Michiganders some room next time you see one. After all, they are on the job.