I always wonder Why Singapore Cannot be more ESA (emotional support animal) friendly.
Its just sad that some people has misuse ESA and end up people in real need of a ESA end up being boo and given a bad name in public.
Still…ESA should be as well tamed as other service animals and not just a typical untrained house pet. In short they shouldnt pee and poop everywhere and be in their best behaviour in public area around crowds.
And if they can behave aswell as a guide dogs, i don’t see why they don’t get the same privilege. Just to say If a person with serious mental health issues have a service animal around is so much better when having a meltdown, and without it, it might just end up to be a public police violence when the police trying to subdue the person and enforce MHCTA.
So…have a ESA also helps to support the person with mental health issues independence, allowing them to go out with confidence without the need to have a family member accompany them.
Still…not on ESA benefits people with mental health issues, but it can also be helpful for people with special needs like autism. As having a animal to cuddle when having a meltdown will help to reduce the level of meltdown and also the duration.
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Thank you for sharing this, it’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought and care into this issue 
. It does feel unfair that people who genuinely need ESA face so many barriers, especially when others have misused the system. I agree with what you think, if an ESA is properly trained and behaves like a service animal, it makes sense that they should be granted similar access, especially when they play such an important role in helping someone regulate their emotions and avoid crisis. I really appreciate how you highlighted not just the emotional support, but also how ESA can help with a person’s independence. Hopefully with more awareness and understanding, SG can take steps towards becoming more ESA friendly :') while still maintaining public safety and respect for all 
.
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Sadly, whenever the topic of letting service animals and ESA into public transport or shopping malls, came out the first 3 reason to cause the ideal to be rejected is allergies, safety and religion.
Been trying to hard to advocate and even trying to write to our ministers, even to our VWOs and schools, but all i get is rejection and rejection and all with this 3 reasons.
Sometimes i wonder how are those people need guide dogs actually tired and how they do it.
Still…in Singapore even doctors and other professionals disapprove ESA and many dont even know they exist. I can ask them, but they are like what?.. I guess in Singapore education for people working in healthcare and social service landscape and to start adding the subject of how animals can help to support their client’s/patient’s recovery and independence.
I guess the only time when safety is an issue when ESA is around is when the animal decided to protect their owners and attack those that are threatening them. Its to say some very loyal dogs actually do even when they are not train to.
Dear @user1446
Thank you for sharing your experience. I can feel the heart behind your message, and I acknowledge this is an important issue.
Yes, it’s unfortunate that some people misuse the ESA label, and it’s heartbreaking when that leads to stigma for those who genuinely rely on their emotional support animals to function in daily life. People often don’t see what goes on beneath the surface—the invisible struggles with anxiety, trauma, autism, or other conditions—and so they assume that someone “looks fine” and doesn’t need the support. That kind of judgment can be damaging.
You’re absolutely right that ESAs should be properly trained and behave well in public, just like guide dogs. It’s not about letting any pet into shared spaces, but about recognising that a well-behaved and well-trained ESA can provide vital support—often preventing serious emotional distress or even crises.
It’s also powerful how you highlighted the safety aspect. Having an ESA around can de-escalate a situation before it spirals into something more traumatic, like police involvement under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act. It’s a form of prevention, not just comfort.
And I completely agree that this isn’t only about mental health—it extends to neurodivergent individuals as well. For many people on the autism spectrum, an ESA provides grounding and comfort during meltdowns. That emotional regulation support can make all the difference.
Thank you for speaking up on this. I hope more people will begin to understand that ESAs are not a luxury—but rather they’re a form of support. When respected and handled responsibly, it has the potential to empower people to live with dignity, independence, and confidence.
You’ve voiced something that really matters, and I too look forward for a more inclusive and compassionate Singapore.
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Hello @user1446
Thank you for sharing this. I hear your care and thoughtfulness in how you see emotional support animals, and the frustration that comes from seeing the system fall short.
It’s really unfortunate that the misuse of ESA status by some has affected public perception so negatively. I can imagine how disheartening it must feel when people with genuine needs are judged unfairly or even denied support, simply because others have taken advantage of the system.
You’re absolutely right. ESAs, when properly trained and well-behaved, can offer real and meaningful support, especially during meltdowns, panic attacks, or overwhelming social situations. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about safety, stability, and autonomy. The idea that a person might end up in crisis without their ESA, possibly escalating to unnecessary police involvement, is a painful but very real concern.
You’ve highlighted something really important: that ESAs aren’t just helpful for mental health conditions but also for people with special needs like autism. The ability to self-regulate, feel safe, and move through public spaces more independently, those are huge.
It’s clear you’re not just thinking about policy, but about people. About dignity, inclusion, and the quiet strength it takes to function in a world that often doesn’t make space for invisible struggles. Your voice matters in this conversation.