An Emotional Support Stuffed Animal is a plushie that provides genuine comfort, emotional regulation and sensory support for neurodivergent children and adults, anxious kids and anyone who needs something soft to hold onto. Our ESSAs come with optional vests and accessories that signal their important role — similar to how an assistance dog wears a vest. They are for anyone carrying big feelings, of any age.

You can use the order editing feature after placing your order or email hello@littlepawsplushies.com as soon as possible if you need to make any changes. We will do our best to help but cannot guarantee changes can be made once an order has been processed.

Little Paws Plushies are designed for anyone who needs extra emotional support — including children, teens and adults with neurodivergence, anxiety or other hidden disabilities. They are also perfect for anyone who simply finds comfort in having a plush companion. You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from an ESSA. You are welcome here.

Absolutely. Many of our customers are teens and adults who find their ESSA helps with anxiety, sensory regulation and confidence in social settings. There is no age limit on needing comfort.

Tactile objects like plushies can help release feel-good hormones and provide a grounding sensory input that is especially helpful in stressful or overwhelming situations. Having something soft and familiar to hold can help with co-regulation — bringing your nervous system back to calm when everything feels too big. Our community tells us their ESSAs help them get through school, work, appointments, public transport and the hard moments in between.

The emotional support vest signals to others that your plushie has an important role, similar to how an assistance dog wears a vest. It can help reduce questions and judgment in social situations and gives the ESSA a sense of purpose and identity. Vests are entirely optional — your ESSA is just as valid without one.

Little Paws plushies may be eligible for NDIS funding depending on your plan and individual needs. We recommend speaking with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager for guidance. We can provide an invoice upon request.

Every product page includes a sizing guide in the description with direct links to the right size vest, boots, clothing and collar and leash for that specific plushie.

Our vests are available in XXS, XS. Each product page specifies which size fits that plushie. As a general guide:

• XXS — fits smaller Douglas plushies in the 10-12" range
• XS — fits most 12-16" Douglas plushies, Wild Republic Cuddlekins and Living Nature range and smaller DLux
• Small — fits DLux by Douglas large range and 24" plushies

Head to the product page and watch the video that shows how to pop the vest on!

Yes — we ship to most countries internationally from Adelaide, South Australia. Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the weight of your order. We are currently unable to ship to Russia or Ukraine.

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the weight of your order. Australian and international rates are calculated automatically when you enter your address at checkout.

All orders are processed within 1-3 business days. Once dispatched:

• Australia — Standard 2-6 business days, Express 1-3 business days
• International — varies by destination and carrier

Metro areas are generally faster. Regional and remote locations may take a little longer.

International orders may be subject to import duties or taxes charged by your country's customs authority. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and are not included in your order total.

• UK orders under £135 are duty-free
• USA tariffs are calculated and charged at checkout
• For all other countries, check with your local customs office before ordering

If your parcel is returned to us due to unpaid customs duties or taxes, we will refund the product cost only. Original shipping fees are non-refundable.

We accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in their original packaging and in the same condition as received. Please email hello@littlepawsplushies.com to begin your return. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and original shipping fees are non-refundable. Refunds or exchanges are processed once we receive the returned item.

If your item arrives faulty or damaged, we will cover all return shipping costs and offer you a full refund or replacement. Please report any issue within 5 days of receiving your order and provide clear photos so we can resolve this quickly for you. Email hello@littlepawsplushies.com.

Yes — all Little Wings Publishing books are available on Amazon and most other online bookstores. You can also purchase directly from us here at Little Paws Plushies.

Yes — all books are available as eBooks. ESSA High Book 1 is also available as an audiobook, with the remaining books in the series coming soon.

Yes — the ESSA High series is best read in order, beginning with Book 1.

Email us at hello@littlepawsplushies.com — we aim to respond within 1-2 business days. You can also reach us through our Contact page.