Get your Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter Consultation.

Discover how to get an official ESA letter prescribed by licensed mental health professionals

  • Start your convenient ESA online screening Start your convenient ESA online screening
  • Obtain your ESA letter Obtain your ESA letter
  • Receive continued care for all your ESA needs Receive continued care for all your ESA needs
  • Renew your ESA letter with CertaPet Renew your ESA letter with CertaPet
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How to get your ESA Letter

Get your ESA Letter in 3 Easy Steps

Start your free ESA screening

Start your free ESA screening

If you qualify as a good candidate for an ESA, choose the type of consultation that applies to you and complete an assessment

We connect you to a licensed therapist

We connect you to a licensed therapist

A licensed professional in your state will contact you within 2 business days to schedule your ESA consultation

Receive your ESA letter and enjoy the benefits

Receive your ESA letter and enjoy the benefits

If approved, you may use your ESA letter for housing forgetting about extra pet fees

How to get an emotional support animal: ESA requirements & rights

What is an Emotional Support Animal

Register your Emotional Support Animal

An emotional support animal (ESA), also referred to as a support pet, provides comfort and emotional stability to individuals coping with mental or emotional health conditions.

Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to undergo specialized training to perform specific tasks. Emotional support animals alleviate their owner’s symptoms exclusively with their mere presence. However, ESAs are expected to be well-behaved and not display aggressive behavior in their living environment. So, basic animal training (especially) for dogs is recommended.

No, there’s no such thing as a legally recognized ESA registration. An emotional support animal can only be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional. There is no national ESA registry or certification, so be cautious of websites or agencies claiming to offer these services.

Register your Emotional Support Animal
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A variety of animals can be ESAs, however the most common ones are:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Rabbits*
  • Ferrets
  • Rats
  • Mice
  • Hedgehogs
  • Miniature Ponies
  • Pigs
  • Mini horses

Disclaimer: The CertaPet team of Licensed Mental Health Professionals approves ESA letters strictly for dogs, cats, and rabbits, no other animal will be taken into consideration.

To qualify for an emotional support dog, you must be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who can prescribe a dog as part of your treatment plan. Any dog can serve as an emotional support animal if their presence helps ease their owner’s symptoms.

Not necessarily. While dogs aren’t the “best” emotional support animals for everyone, they are one of the most popular choices. An emotional support dog should be well-behaved, manageable in public, and not cause problems at home. Many people choose dogs as ESAs because they’re often easier to train and are welcome in more places, including dog-friendly parks and other pet-friendly venues.

No, you cannot adopt an emotional support dog. However, you can adopt a dog and then have it prescribed as an ESA animal after going through an evaluation process with a licensed mental health professional.

An emotional support cat offers comfort and companionship to individuals facing mental or emotional health challenges. According to a 2015 study published in Anthrozoös titled “Psychological Health in a Population of Australian Cat Owners,” cat owners scored higher on measures of psychological well-being compared to those without pets.

Yes. Cats can make excellent emotional support animals thanks to their unique temperament. More independent than many other animals, for example dogs, cats can provide comfort while still giving their owners personal space. Breed and individual personality play a role, as some cats are more affectionate and people-oriented than others. In general, cats require less day-to-day maintenance than many other ESAs, especially regarding outdoor needs and bathroom routines. Their adaptability also makes them a great fit for apartment living.

There is no official registry for emotional support cats. Any service claiming to “register” your cat, whether for a fee or for free, is not legally valid. The only way for a cat to be recognized as an emotional support animal is through a prescription from a licensed mental health professional, given as part of your treatment plan after an evaluation.

An emotional support rabbit is a comforting companion for people facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or emotional distress. Through their companionship and emotional bond, ESA rabbits can provide meaningful therapeutic benefits.

Yes, rabbits make wonderful emotional support animals thanks to their gentle temperament, quiet demeanor, and ability to form strong human bonds. Their calm nature and soft presence can help ease stress and support emotional regulation for those facing mental health challenges. Rabbits also offer practical benefits: they’re quiet, require minimal space, and adapt well to indoor living. Caring for a rabbit as they require regular feeding, grooming, and interaction, creates structure and consistency, which can be especially helpful in managing conditions like anxiety or depression. Their unobtrusive companionship fosters a peaceful home environment, making it easier to relax, focus, and maintain emotional balance throughout the day.

There is no official registry for emotional support rabbits. Any service claiming to “register” your rabbit, whether for a fee or for free, is not legally valid. The only way for a rabbit to be recognized as an emotional support animal is through a prescription from a licensed mental health professional, given as part of your treatment plan after an evaluation.

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Emotional support animal conditions

To qualify for an emotional support animal (ESA), an individual must be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional who confirms the presence of a mental or emotional disability as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Emotional support animals are prescribed as part of a holistic treatment plan.

Some of the mental health disabilities that can qualify a person for an ESA are:

Anxiety disorders — including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Depression and mood disorders — such as major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — an ESA can help manage triggers and provide emotional stability.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — an emotional support animal offers comfort during compulsive episodes or intrusive thoughts.

Phobias — emotional support animals help reduce intense fear responses.

Some of the emotional conditions that can qualify a person for an ESA are:

  • Emotional distress that significantly impacts daily functioning.
  • Adjustment disorders related to major life changes or trauma.
  • Loneliness or social withdrawal, in this case an ESA presence and companionship can improve emotional well-being.
  • Chronic stress that can be alleviated through regular interaction with a support animal.
  • Grief or loss where emotional support can aid in coping and recovery.
Emotional support animal conditions
Emotional support animal myths

It is very important to understand that emotional support animals are not service animals and are therefore NOT entitled to the same legal protections. ESAs are not granted the same rights and they’re not covered by the same laws.

The major federal ESA law is the Fair Housing Act (FHA) Amendments of 1998 which states that ESAs with legitimate accompanying documents are legally allowed to live in no-pet housing including housing that limits your pet’s size or breed. Under the FHA, you cannot be charged a pet fee or pet deposit.

In most states, the process for obtaining an emotional support animal and the laws that protect ESAs are largely the same. However, some states have additional requirements or specific regulations regarding ESAs, including rules on fines for misrepresentation. In particular, five states—Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana—have unique procedures for obtaining an ESA letter.

The Air Carrier Access Act once allowed emotional support animals to fly with individuals who had psychological disabilities at no extra cost. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation changed the rules, removing ESAs from the service animal category due to safety concerns, inconsistent training, and frequent misuse.

No. Emotional support animals do not have the same public access rights as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. While housing laws require reasonable accommodations for ESAs, businesses, restaurants, and hotels can decide whether to allow them on the premises.

Emotional support animal myths
Emotional support animal certification
Emotional support animal certification
ESA LETTER REQUIREMENTS

What is an ESA Letter

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a legally recognized document issued by a licensed mental health professional as part of an individual’s treatment plan. For those experiencing emotional or mental health challenges, the presence of an ESA can offer meaningful therapeutic support. A valid ESA letter grants housing protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA)—allowing individuals to live with their emotional support animal even in residences with no-pet policies, and at no additional cost. Under the FHA, landlords cannot charge pet fees, require pet deposits, or enforce breed or size restrictions for ESAs.

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Use the Letter for Housing

Major Benefits of getting an ESA letter with CertaPet

Get Your Emotional Support Animal Letter Today

Stress-free and pet rent-free living

Obtain your ESA letter and enjoy living with your ESA free from pet deposit and pet rent fees with no size or breed restrictions

How to Get an Emotional support animal letter.

Comprehensive care for your mental well-being

Receive continued care from our team of licensed mental health professionals. Find convenient renewal plans so your ESA letter will always be up to date.

WHO WE ARE

CertaPet is a revolutionary online tele-health platform that improves access to mental health care.

Established in 2015, CertaPet was the first in the industry of issuing legitimate ESA letters 100% compliant with state and federal regulations to qualifying individuals from the comfort of your home. CertaPet is a proud veteran owned company, recipient of the Gold Star from the BBB.


Here at CertaPet we have a full staff of psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapist that are legally authorized to prescribe an ESA and/or PSD letter. The process involves a free screening, an assigned licensed mental health professional, and a customer support team that is dedicated to getting you all the information you need.

Emotional Support Animal Expert Prairie Conlon Prairie Conlon, LPC, NCC

Clinical Director at CertaPet

World’s leading expert on Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animal letter sample.
HOW TO VERIFY THE LEGITIMACY OF AN ESA LETTER

A legitimate ESA letter is only issued after an evaluation with a licensed professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed counselor).

A legit ESA letter has the following characteristics:

  1. An ESA letter will be issued on formal letterhead.
  2. General information of the ESA applicant. The full name of the person qualifying for the ESA must be included in the document.
  3. License information of the licensed health care provider. The complete and updated license information of the health care provider is included in the ESA letter to be considered valid. The information includes the license number, date of issuance, and the state where they are licensed to practice.
  4. Date in which the letter was issued. ESA letters generally expire within 1 year. The date of issuance is important information for the annual renewal of the document.
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Emotional support animal registration
ESA MYTHS AND MISINFORMATION

Do I need to register my ESA?

No, ESA registration and ESA certification are not required to recognize or validate an Emotional Support Animal. This is a common misconception, as no legal registry or certification process is mandated for ESAs at the federal or state level. Instead, only an official ESA letter issued by a licensed professional establishes a pet as an ESA.

Beware of fraudulent online sites and services that advertise free, quick and easy ESA certification or registration because they are fake and you will not receive valid ESA documentation.

Emotional support animal registration
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WHY CERTAPET OVER OTHER COMPANIES

Reasons to choose CertaPet for you ESA letter

  • Trusted and <br/> Reliable
    Trusted and
    Reliable
    Backed by licensed professionals and a proven process that ensures compliance with federal ESA housing and travel laws.
  • Support Against <br/> Landlord Pushback
    Support Against
    Landlord Pushback
    Certapet’s therapists are trained and equipped to handle any ESA dispute with landlords or housing complexes.
  • Legitimate <br/> Documentation
    Legitimate
    Documentation
    Fully valid ESA letters to protect your rights and prevent landlord issues.
  • Expert <br/> Advocacy
    Expert
    Advocacy
    Our team supports you if challenges arise, ensuring your housing rights are upheld.
  • Comprehensive <br/> Care
    Comprehensive
    Care
    More than a letter – we’re with you every step of the way with ongoing support.
Learn More About ESAs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an ESA letter?

The purpose of an ESA letter is to provide a legal document that certifies a person's need for an emotional support animal as part of their treatment protocol for mental illness. The letter gives them the legal right to have their ESA live with them and travel with them under specific conditions. An ESA letter is the only binding legal document that affords rights to individuals experiencing emotional and mental health disabilities.

How long does it take to get an ESA letter?

Currently, a therapist will contact you within 2 business days to schedule a phone session. If approved, you can download a digital copy of your letter immediately. If you opted for a hard copy, it will be sent via USPS priority mail, which takes 2-3 business days.

Who can write an ESA letter?

Licensed mental health professionals (LMHP) and authorized healthcare providers are the only people allowed to write an ESA letter. Here's a complete list of professional figures that can write ESA letters: Psychologists, Psychiatrist, Physicians, Licensed Counselor, Physician Assistants, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

Can you get an ESA letter online?

Yes, you can get a free ESA Letter online, but they do not hold any legal value at all, they are scams. Many fraudulent sources advertise free ESA letters online which do not require a consultation with a mental health professional, and are thus fake. A fake ESA letter is easily distinguishable by the lack of a LMHP consult prior to being issued.

Can you get a lifetime ESA letter?

No, ESA letters expire after one year from the date of issuance. Services that offer lifetime ESA letters are fraudulent. ESA letters need to be renewed because they assess a patient's need for an emotional support animal as part of their treatment plan. A patient's condition changes over time, so up to date valuations are necessary.

Can I get an ESA letter even if I don’t have my pet yet?

We offer an option for those without a pet. Select "I don't have my pet yet" during registration for an additional $20. You'll receive an initial recommendation letter. Once you have your pet, update the details and complete a shorter assessment to get a second letter with the pet's information.

Can an ESA letter reduce the financial burden of pet owners?

Yes, receiving a legitimate ESA letter grants pet owners the right to house ESAs at no additional cost. Landlords cannot charge pet deposits and pet fees.

What is the CertaPet ESA process?

Start with a 5-minute online screening to check your eligibility for an ESA or PSD. If eligible, you'll receive information on letter types and pricing. Choose the type of consultation, then provide patient and pet details in a comprehensive assessment. A licensed mental health professional will contact you for a phone consultation. If approved, you'll get a digital letter via email and can request a hard copy. If not approved, you'll receive a refund minus a $40 fee. Expect contact within two business days.

Note: Canadian residents can apply for ESA housing and travel consultations.

What is CertaPet refund policy?

CertaPet cannot guarantee that every airline employee or landlord will follow the requirements outlined by the Federal rules and regulations which govern Emotional Support Animals. Furthermore, CertaPet is not responsible for changing Federal Regulations and rules.

In the unlikely event you are denied an accommodation by an airline, landlord or housing management agent due to a claim that your letter is not valid, we will provide you with the informational resources to assist you.It is not our policy to refund letters due to other entities’ refusal to accept your ESA or PSD letter.

Consultation: If your application was not approved by the Licensed or Qualified Mental Health Professional, your fee will be refunded, excluding the USD40 for consultation and administration fee. This applies to new applicants, renewal applicants, and applicants applying for more than one emotional support animal.

*You can cancel your consultation and receive a refund excluding the USD5 administration fee if you have not been assessed or contacted by the Licensed or Qualified Mental Health Professional.

Are CertaPet ESA letters legit?

Yes, CertaPet ESA letters are 100% legitimate. They’re not issued instantly or to just anyone. Each letter is provided only to qualified applicants after a thorough evaluation with a licensed mental health professional in their state.

Who writes ESA letters at CertaPet?

CertaPet’s licensed mental health professionals are selected and trained by our world-renowned ESA expert Prairie Conlon to write all ESA letters. Each therapist is fully qualified to guide clients through every step of the process and answer any questions related to housing rights.

Can you travel with your ESA at no cost?

No, ESAs are no longer allowed to travel for free on any domestic flight in the US. Since January 11 2021, under new regulations passed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Access Carrier Act was amended so that emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals, thus they're subject to air fees like any regular pets on American domestic flights.

Are emotional support animals allowed in hotels?

You can bring an emotional support animal to a hotel if the property already has a pet-friendly policy. Since ESAs aren’t considered service dogs, they don’t receive the same public access rights under the law. That said, more and more hotels are opening their doors to ESAs. Well-known chains like La Quinta, Marriott, and Hampton are among those welcoming them.

Are emotional support dogs allowed in restaurants?

Under federal law, emotional support animals are generally not allowed inside restaurants because they are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some establishments may permit them in outdoor dining areas, patios, or drive-in service spaces, where local rules are more flexible. The confusion often comes from assuming ESAs have the same legal rights as service animals. Clear policies and signage help manage expectations and maintain health standards.

Does Airbnb allow emotional support animals?

Airbnb does not treat emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals, so hosts are not required to accept them. Under Airbnb’s service animal policy, only trained service animals must be accommodated. ESAs are covered by the general pet policy, meaning it’s up to each host to decide whether to allow them.

Are online services offering ESA letters legitimate?

Some online ESA letter services are legitimate, but many are not. A real ESA letter can only be issued after a proper evaluation with a licensed mental health professional. If a service promises instant approval, offers a letter without a live consultation, sends a document without official letterhead, or uses a “therapist” you can’t verify on your state’s licensing board, it’s a red flag. In those cases, the letter is almost certainly fake and will not hold up under legal scrutiny.

Are there any additional ESA forms for approval?

Our therapists can complete reasonable accommodation verification forms for $49.99. Some housing providers may ask invasive health questions, which therapists may not be comfortable answering. Privacy is our priority. You will receive a follow-up call after submitting the form.

What is the difference between an ESA and a service dog?

Service dogs are highly trained to perform specific tasks that help people with disabilities live safely and independently. Emotional support animals (ESAs), on the other hand, offer comfort and emotional stability through their companionship alone, they are not trained to carry out tasks directly related to a disability and they do not fall under the same legal category as service dogs.

What is the difference between an ESA and a therapy dog?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a pet that provides comfort and emotional stability to its owner through companionship. ESAs are prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to support a specific person with a mental or emotional disability, but they are not trained to perform specific tasks.
A therapy dog, on the other hand, offers comfort and affection to many people in settings such as hospitals, schools, or nursing homes. Therapy dogs are usually part of volunteer programs and are not designated to assist a single individual with a disability.

Which one is best for you?

What’s the difference between an ESA & PSD Letter

CertaPet offers different types of legitimate letters for both ESAs or/and PSDs according to your needs. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets that can alleviate and support individuals with emotional disabilities. ESAs are not required to undergo specific training. On the other hand, a psychiatric service dog (PSD) is a type of assistance animal that’s trained to perform specific tasks for individuals living with a mental illness. These unique tasks are directly related to the handler’s disability. CertaPet recommends an ESA letter for housing and a PSD letter to travel.

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Emotional Support Animal Letter for Housing

Psychiatric Service Dog Letter for Traveling

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Resources

Discover everything there is to know about ESAs, PSDs, and so much more

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Emotional Support Laws by State

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