Q: How much does an ESA letter cost?

A legitimate ESA letter costs between $149-$199 for the initial evaluation with a licensed therapist. CertaPet's ESA letters start at $149 with a 100% money-back guarantee if not approved. Beware of services offering "free" or instant letters that look very inexpensive: these are scams. Real ESA letters require a consultation with a state-licensed mental health professional, which has a cost associated with the therapist's time and expertise. Annual renewals start at $99

Q: How do I get an ESA letter with CertaPet?

Getting your ESA letter with CertaPet is simple and takes 4 steps: 1. Take Free 5-Minute ScreeningComplete our eligibility questionnaire to see if you qualify for an ESA 2. Complete AssessmentProvide your information 3. Speak with Licensed TherapistA state-licensed mental health professional will contact you within 2 business days to schedule a phone or video consultation 4. Receive Your ESA LetterIf approved, download your digital letter immediately. Hard copies are sent via USPS priority mail (2-3 business days) Total timeline: 2-5 business days from start to finish If not approved by the therapist, you receive a full refund - 100% money-back guarantee. Note: Canadian residents can also apply for ESA housing consultations.

Q: How long does it take to get an ESA letter?

With CertaPet: Therapist contacts you: Within 2 business days Digital letter if approved: Immediately after consultation Hard copy delivery: 2-3 business days via USPS priority mail Total timeline: 2-5 business days from application to letter in hand.

Q: Can I get an ESA letter online?

Yes, you can get a legitimate ESA letter online through HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms like CertaPet. You'll have a real consultation with a state-licensed therapist via phone or video call. Online ESA letters are just as valid as in-person evaluations, as long as they're issued by a licensed mental health professional after a proper assessment. ⚠️ Warning: "Free" online ESA letters or instant approvals with no evaluation are scams and will be rejected by landlords.

Q: Can I get an ESA letter if I don't have a pet yet?

Yes. CertaPet offers an option for people who don't have their pet yet. Select "I don't have my pet yet" during registration for an additional $20. You'll receive an initial recommendation letter. Once you adopt or purchase your pet, update the details and complete a shorter assessment to receive a second letter with your pet's specific information. This is common for people who need housing approval before adopting an ESA.

Q: Are CertaPet ESA letters legitimate?

Yes, CertaPet ESA letters are 100% legitimate and legally valid. Each letter is issued by a state-licensed mental health professional after a real evaluation, an instant approval never takes place. CertaPet credentials: ✓ BBB Gold Star accredited ✓ Veteran-owned since 2015 ✓ Licensed therapists in all 50 states ✓ 278,000+ pet parents helped ✓ 99.7% housing acceptance rate ✓ HIPAA-compliant platform Our letters meet all Fair Housing Act requirements.

Q: Who writes ESA letters at CertaPet?

CertaPet's ESA letters are written by state-licensed mental health professionals, including: Licensed therapists (LMFT, LCSW, LPC) Psychologists (PhD, PsyD) Psychiatrists (MD, DO) Clinical social workers Every therapist is selected and trained by Prairie Conlon, LPC, NCC—CertaPet's Clinical Director and the world's leading expert on Emotional Support Animals. Each therapist is licensed in the state where you live and qualified to assess ESA eligibility.

Q: What is CertaPet's refund policy?

CertaPet offers a 100% money-back guarantee if not approved.

Q: Can CertaPet help with landlord issues?

Yes. CertaPet provides comprehensive landlord support: Educational materials explaining Fair Housing Act rights Direct therapist verification available Housing accommodation request letter templates Customer support team to answer landlord questions Resources for filing HUD complaints if needed Our therapists are trained and equipped to handle any ESA dispute with landlords or housing complexes, ensuring your housing rights are upheld. 99.7% of landlords accept CertaPet letters.

Q: What's the difference between an ESA letter and a PSD letter?

An ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter and a PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog) letter provide different legal protections based on the type of animal and training involved. ESA Letter (Emotional Support Animal) What it covers: Housing rights ONLY under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) Allows you to live with your animal in no-pet housing Protects against pet deposits, pet rent, and breed/size restrictions Requirements: No specialized training required Animal provides comfort through companionship alone Can be any domesticated animal (dog, cat, rabbit, etc.) PSD Letter (Psychiatric Service Dog) What it covers: Housing rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) Air travel at no cost under the Air Carrier Access Act Full public access to restaurants, stores, hotels, and all public spaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements: Must be a dog (or miniature horse in rare cases) Must be individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability Tasks must directly assist with the handler's disability (e.g., interrupting panic attacks, reminding to take medication, providing deep pressure therapy during anxiety episodes)

Question 1

Can my landlord deny my ESA in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under specific conditions. A landlord, HOA, or condo board can deny if:

You don't meet the disability standards
You refuse to provide compliant Illinois ESA documentation when it's legitimately requested
The animal is dangerous, extremely disruptive, or would cause significant property damage
The animal has engaged in a pattern of uncontrolled behavior that you haven't taken effective action to correct

Question 2

Can my landlord charge pet rent or a pet deposit for my ESA?

Accepted Answer

No. Pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for assistance animals (including ESAs). You're still responsible for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Question 3

Are there breed or weight limits for ESAs in Illinois housing?

Accepted Answer

Breed or weight limits that apply to pets generally must be waived for ESAs, unless the landlord can show a specific safety or property risk associated with your animal. A blanket "no pit bulls" rule, by itself, is not a valid reason to deny a properly documented ESA.

Question 4

Do I have to register my ESA with the state or get a special ID?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no official Illinois ESA registry. What matters in housing is a compliant Illinois ESA letter from a provider with whom you have a therapeutic relationship and who has actual knowledge of your disability and need for the animal, not an ID tag or certificate.

Question 5

Can I have more than one ESA in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HUD guidance and Illinois law acknowledge that some people may need more than one assistance animal, but you'll need documentation that explains the disability-related need for each animal. Landlords have the right to consider whether multiple animals would create an undue burden, health/safety risk, or significant property damage.

Question 6

Does my ESA need special training?

Accepted Answer

No, ESAs don't need to undergo specialized task training. However, assistance animals must:

Be under your control
Be house-trained enough not to cause ongoing sanitation problems
Not be aggressive or dangerously out of control

Question 7

Are ESAs allowed in Illinois workplaces?

Accepted Answer

Not by default. Illinois law and the ADA state that employers need not accommodate ESAs. You can still request an ESA as an accommodation, but your employer can legally say no if it's not reasonable or if there are other workable accommodations.

Question 8

What animals can be ESAs in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

A variety of pets can serve as emotional support animals, as long as they provide comfort and support for mental or emotional disabilities. The most common ones are dogs and cats, but they can be any animal.

Question 9

Can I use an ESA letter from another state in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to temporarily use an ESA letter issued in another state, but it must meet Illinois requirements (be from a licensed healthcare professional, demonstrate a therapeutic relationship, etc.). For long-term use in Illinois, it's recommended to get your letter from an Illinois-licensed mental health professional.

About

Specialty

Curriculum

Illinois ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Idaho ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Hawaii ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Georgia ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Delaware ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Connecticut ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)