We Need to Do Better for Our Pets
By Dr. Roberto Jiménez, LMFT, LMHC | RJimenez Pet Therapy Rx
Our pets are there for us in ways that are easy to feel and hard to measure. A dog may greet us after a difficult day, help us settle into a routine, or offer comfort when words are not enough. When an animal supports our emotional well-being, it is natural to ask what we can do to support theirs.
The answer begins with a simple commitment: we need to do better for our pets, too.
See the animal, not just the support
An emotional support animal or psychiatric service dog is still an individual animal with physical, social, and emotional needs. The bond can be deeply meaningful, but a pet's job is not to absorb every stressful moment in our lives. We owe them care that extends beyond what they do for us.
That means paying attention to changes in appetite, energy, behavior, mobility, and comfort. It means providing appropriate veterinary care, nutrition, rest, exercise, and opportunities to play and explore. It also means recognizing when an animal needs space rather than attention.
Build a routine that works for both of you
Predictable routines can help people and animals feel more secure. Regular meals, walks, rest, and time together create opportunities to notice what your pet enjoys and when something seems different. The right routine depends on the animal's age, health, temperament, and abilities. An older dog may need a slower pace; a younger dog may need more activity and enrichment.
Quality time does not have to be elaborate. A gentle walk, a short training game, or quiet time together can strengthen your connection when it is enjoyable for both of you.
Respect your pet's limits
Animals communicate through behavior and body language. Pulling away, hiding, avoiding a situation, or becoming unusually restless may be a sign that something is wrong or overwhelming. Rather than assuming a pet is being difficult, pause and consider what the animal may need. A veterinarian or qualified trainer can help when a change persists or raises concern.
For psychiatric service dogs, training and task work should be paired with appropriate breaks, ongoing care, and attention to the dog's well-being. For emotional support animals, a supportive bond does not require the animal to be available every moment. Caring for their needs helps sustain the relationship that matters so much to us.
Care for your own mental health, too
Our animals can be an important part of our support system. They should not have to be our only source of support. Therapy, trusted relationships, and healthy coping strategies can help us care for ourselves while allowing our pets to be pets.
At RJimenez Pet Therapy Rx, we value the human–animal bond and the well-being of both people and animals. An ESA or PSD assessment is a clinical evaluation of a person's needs; it is not simply a way to obtain a letter or a label for a pet. When we approach these relationships with honesty, compassion, and responsibility, we honor the animals who give us so much.
They show up for us every day. Let's show up for them.
Visit RJimenez Pet Therapy Rx to explore our services and schedule an assessment.
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