An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is an official document that confirms your need for an emotional support animal. It is prescribed by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) and grants you certain legal protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). If you believe you qualify for an ESA, follow these steps to obtain a legitimate ESA letter.
Templates
Getting an Emotional Support Animal Letter
Assess Your Eligibility for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) –
Before applying for an ESA letter, you need to confirm whether you qualify for one based on your mental or emotional health condition.
- ESA letters are issued to individuals with conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional disabilities.
- If you are unsure, assess whether an ESA provides relief from your symptoms and improves your well-being.
- A licensed mental health professional (LMHP) must diagnose you with a qualifying condition.
Find a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) –
To obtain an ESA letter, you must consult a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician.
- If you already have a therapist, ask them if they can write an ESA letter for you.
- If you do not have a therapist, search for one in your area or online who is qualified to issue ESA letters.
- Make sure the professional is licensed in your state, as ESA letters must be issued by a provider authorized in the state where you reside.
Schedule an Evaluation Appointment –
You will need to discuss your mental health condition with an LMHP to determine whether an ESA would benefit you.
- This can be done in person or via telehealth services, depending on your preference.
- Be honest about your mental health struggles and how an ESA could help alleviate your symptoms.
- Some online ESA services provide assessments with LMHPs, but check their legitimacy before proceeding.
Request an ESA Letter from the LMHP –
If your therapist or doctor determines that you qualify for an ESA, request an official letter from them.
- The letter must be written on official letterhead and include the professional’s license number, contact information, and signature.
- It should specify that you have a qualifying mental health condition and that an ESA is a necessary part of your treatment.
- Avoid services that guarantee ESA letters without an evaluation, as these are often scams.
Verify the Legitimacy of the ESA Letter –
A valid ESA letter should meet all legal requirements to be accepted by landlords and airlines (if applicable).
- Make sure the letter states your need for an ESA under the Fair Housing Act.
- Confirm that the LMHP’s credentials are verifiable and that the letter has not been generated automatically.
- Be cautious of fake ESA registration websites that claim to provide “instant” ESA letters.
Submit Your ESA Letter When Required –
Once you have obtained a legitimate ESA letter, use it when necessary for housing accommodations or other legal protections.
- If you are renting a home, present the letter to your landlord or property manager.
- Landlords are required by the Fair Housing Act to accommodate ESA owners without charging pet fees.
- If traveling with an airline, check their current ESA policies, as many now require pets to travel as regular pets rather than ESAs.
Renew Your ESA Letter Annually (If Required) –
Most ESA letters need to be renewed every year to remain valid.
- Some landlords and housing authorities require updated ESA letters annually.
- If you move to a new place, your new landlord may request a current ESA letter.
- Check with your LMHP about renewal procedures to keep your letter valid.
Tips
- Always get your ESA letter from a licensed professional; do not rely on services that offer “instant” ESA letters.
- Keep a digital and printed copy of your ESA letter for easy access.
- If a landlord denies your ESA despite a valid letter, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- If you travel frequently, check airline policies in advance, as rules for ESAs have changed in recent years.
Important
- Beware of online scams that promise ESA registration or certification—no official ESA registry exists.
- Fake ESA letters can lead to legal issues, including eviction or denial of accommodation.
- Misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal is illegal and can result in fines or other penalties.
- Landlords can deny an ESA if the animal poses a direct threat or causes significant damage to property.
FAQs
Only a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician) can issue a valid ESA letter.
No. An ESA provides emotional support, while a service animal is trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
Yes, under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must accommodate ESAs without charging pet fees, unless the ESA poses a direct threat.
Yes, but only through legitimate telehealth services with licensed professionals. Avoid websites that offer ESA letters without an evaluation.
It varies. If you already see a therapist, you may receive one quickly. Online services may take 24-72 hours after a proper evaluation.
Yes, most ESA letters need to be renewed annually for continued validity.
