Many people rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. ESAs differ from pets because ESAs are recommended by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) as part of a personal care plan for mental illness.
When you need an ESA letter: Moving and renting with an animal can be difficult. But if your animal is an ESA that helps you manage a mental health condition, a legitimate ESA letter can ease the process. An ESA letter is what you need to legally prove to your landlord that you have a valid emotional support animal. With an ESA letter, you can live with your dog, cat, or other animal in buildings that ban or limit pets.
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What is a legitimate ESA letter?
A legitimate ESA letter is written by a licensed mental health professional and explains the purpose of the animal. It states you have a qualifying mental health condition and that an animal helps manage it.
Will an ESA letter help me register my animal? No, and that’s a good thing. There is no ESA registration that has legal standing. The only thing you need to be protected by federal law is the ESA letter.
With a legitimate ESA letter, you can live in rental housing where pets may not normally be allowed and avoid paying pet deposits and fees.
ESA Doctors, est. 2015
People with certain mental health conditions are protected from discrimination in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for people with qualifying disabilities, including several mental illnesses. ESA letters justify your right to accommodations for housing. (More below.)
If you suffer from a mental health disorder and would like to qualify for an Emotional Support Animal online, ESA Doctors can help connect you to a health professional who is licensed in your state. Click below to get started.
What should a legitimate ESA letter include?
A legitimate ESA letter should include the following:
- the license type and number of the LMHP
- the state in which they’re licensed to practice
- the date their license was issued
- printed on their official letterhead
- their contact information
- the date the letter was issued
Information about you: The letter should state you have a mental or emotional health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities that is aided by the presence of an emotional support animal. It does not have to specify what condition you have.
Validity: The letter should also have the date the letter was issued. ESA letters are valid generally only for one year, so having the date on them is important.
Optional: Some letters may also mention a specific animal — for example, if you already own a pet that will become your ESA or if the LMHP recommends a specific type of animal. And ESA letters can also cover multiple ESAs if your condition requires the attention of 2 or more animals. In that case, the letter should mention each animal.
Last requirement: ESA letters must have an original or digital signature from a licensed healthcare provider to ensure their authenticity.
(sample for informational purposes only).
How can I get an ESA letter?
If you already have a care provider for your mental health condition, then the question of how helpful animal therapy can be may be part of your next conversation with them.
If you need a mental health specialist or need to find someone new to help you, many kinds of mental health providers can issue ESA letters, including:
- licensed social workers
- licensed mental health counselors
- licensed marriage or family therapists
- psychologists
- psychiatrists
- psychiatric mental health nurses
If you see your primary care physician (PCP) for your mental health condition, they may also be able to write an emotional support animal letter for you.
If you’re having trouble finding an LMHP in your area or your current therapist is unaware of the benefits of an emotional support animal, ESA Doctors can help. We connect prospective ESA owners with licensed professionals who can assess their situation and provide the ESA letter they need.
What does an ESA letter give me?
An ESA letter establishes your need for an emotional support animal. You need an ESA letter to help protect your rights under the Fair Housing Act, as the letter confirms that you are a member of a class protected from discrimination.
Housing ESA accommodations
Many landlords and property management companies have restrictions on animals allowed to live with tenants — some may completely ban pets, while others have restrictions on the animals, sizes, and breeds.
“No-pet policies” do not apply: Because ESAs are not regular pets, but part of managing a disability, tenants with an ESA letter enjoy different rights than other occupants. ESA owners with a legitimate ESA letter have the right to reasonable accommodations for their disability under the FHA, and allowing them to have an ESA is a part of this.
No fees: Furthermore, charging pet rent, deposits, fees, and other associated costs to tenants with a legitimate ESA is considered discriminatory; an ESA letter allows those fees to be waived.
Steps after obtaining an ESA letter
Once your licensed mental health provider has approved an emotional support animal for your condition, they will write out the ESA letter. The ESA letter may be issued in different formats — both physical and digital versions are considered legal.
Make sure that you keep the letter in a safe place. Your landlord may also ask for a copy of your letter to keep on file.
ESA letters are valid for one year, after which you may need a renewal. Your LMHP will reassess your condition and further confirm your need for an ESA with a new ESA letter if your emotional or mental disability still requires it. Some landlords demand a recent letter from your LMHP every 12 months to renew your ESA accommodation.
Just like any form of mental health help, including medications and talk therapy, the benefits of your emotional support animal should be regularly revisited. Your condition and symptoms may change over time, affecting your healthcare provider’s assessment of how much your ESA is helping.
For ongoing mental health benefits, you may want to keep a log or journal of the benefits of owning an ESA and how the responsibility of caring for another creature is making positive changes in your life. You might note how caring for your animal lessens the severity of your symptoms, helps reduce the intensity of panic attacks and depressive periods, or soothes your trauma and grief.
Records like this can help you and your mental health provider work together to treat your condition.
Do you need help obtaining an Emotional Support Animal letter?
If you believe you need an emotional support animal but aren’t sure where to start, or if you need to have an ESA letter to provide to your landlord, we can help. ESA Doctors can connect you with qualified mental health professionals who are licensed for your state of residence.
We can help you find an LMHP who understands the benefits of animals and how they can improve specific conditions. These LMHPs know how to write a legitimate emotional support animal letter and what needs to be included to ensure your rights are protected.
Start your assessment today and enjoy living a fuller life thanks to the comfort and support your ESA will provide to you.
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