Question 1

Is CertaPet legit in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CertaPet connects Alberta residents with mental health professionals licensed to practice in the province. All evaluations are conducted by real clinicians, and letters meet Alberta Human Rights Act requirements.

Question 2

Can my family doctor write an ESA letter?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, if they're licensed in Alberta and have sufficient knowledge of your mental health condition to make a clinical determination about whether an ESA is medically necessary.

Question 3

What if I'm moving to Alberta from another province?

Accepted Answer

Your current ESA letter remains valid until it expires. Once it does, you'll need new documentation from an Alberta-licensed provider.

Question 4

Do I need to register my ESA with the government?

Accepted Answer

No. There's no government ESA registry in Alberta or anywhere in Canada. Registration services are scams with no legal value.

Question 5

Can my landlord charge me a pet deposit for my ESA?

Accepted Answer

No. ESAs are disability accommodations, not pets. Landlords cannot charge deposits or fees for accommodations under the Human Rights Act.

Question 6

My condo has a strict "no pets" bylaw. Can I still have an ESA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Condominium corporations have the same duty to accommodate as landlords under the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Question 7

What happens if my ESA causes damage to the rental?

Accepted Answer

You're financially responsible for damage your ESA causes, just like any tenant. Landlords can pursue legitimate damage claims after the fact—they just can't charge upfront deposits.

Question 8

Can I have multiple ESAs in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, if clinically justified. Your healthcare provider would need to document why multiple animals are medically necessary. Expect more scrutiny from landlords on multiple-animal requests.

Question 9

What species can be ESAs in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

While service dogs under the Service Dogs Act must be dogs or miniature horses, ESAs aren't limited by this law. Dogs and cats are most common, but other domestic animals may qualify if clinically appropriate and reasonable for your housing.

Question 10

Does my ESA need training?

Accepted Answer

No formal training is required. However, your ESA must be housebroken, non-aggressive, and under your control. Poorly behaved animals can legitimately be denied on safety or property damage grounds.

Question 11

Can I bring my ESA to work?

Accepted Answer

Employers aren't legally required to accommodate ESAs the way they must accommodate service dogs. You can request accommodation, but approval depends on workplace safety, operations, and other factors.

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Alberta ESA Letter: How to Get It and ESA Laws in Alberta

Newfoundland and Labrador ESA Letter: How to Get It ESA Laws in the Province

British Columbia ESA Letter : How to Get It and ESA Laws in BC

New Brunswick ESA Letter: How to Get It and ESA Laws in New Brunswick

Nova Scotia ESA Letter: How to Get It and ESA Laws in Nova Scotia

How To Register an Emotional Support Animal in Canada (2026)