Question 1

How much does an ESA letter cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

How do I get an ESA letter with CertaPet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How long does it take to get an ESA letter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can I get an ESA letter online?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Are CertaPet ESA letters legitimate?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Who writes ESA letters at CertaPet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What is CertaPet's refund policy?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Can CertaPet help with landlord issues?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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 11

What is the purpose of an ESA letter?

Accepted Answer

An ESA letter is a legal document from a licensed mental health professional that confirms your need for an emotional support animal as part of your mental health treatment plan.
                        The letter grants you legal housing rights under the Fair Housing Act, allowing you to:
                        
                            Live with your ESA in no-pet housing
                            Avoid pet deposits (save $200-$900)
                            Avoid monthly pet rent (save $300-$1,200/year)
                            Keep your ESA regardless of breed or size restrictions
                        
                        An ESA letter is the ONLY legally recognized documentation for housing accommodations with an emotional support animal.

Question 12

Who can write an ESA letter?

Accepted Answer

Only state-licensed mental health professionals can legally write ESA letters, including:
                        
                            Licensed Therapists (LMFT, LCSW, LPC)
                            Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
                            Psychiatrists (MD, DO)
                            Licensed Clinical Social Workers
                            Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
                            Physicians
                        
                        Your ESA letter must come from a professional licensed in YOUR state. CertaPet has licensed therapists available in all 50 states.

Question 13

What makes an ESA letter legal and legitimate?

Accepted Answer

A legal ESA letter must include:
                        
                            Official letterhead from a licensed mental health practice
                            Your full legal name
                            Therapist's complete license information (license number, state, contact info)
                            Date of issuance (valid for 1 year)
                            Statement confirming your disability-related need for an ESA
                        
                        Letters missing any of these elements can be legally rejected by landlords.

Question 14

How long is an ESA letter valid for?

Accepted Answer

ESA letters are valid for one year from the date of issuance. After 12 months, you need to renew your letter with an updated evaluation from a licensed therapist.
                        ⚠️ Important: Services offering "lifetime ESA letters" are fraudulent. HUD guidelines require annual renewal to ensure the ESA is still medically necessary for your mental health treatment.
                        CertaPet offers convenient annual renewal starting at $99.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. With a legitimate ESA letter, landlords CANNOT charge:
                        
                            Pet deposits
                            Monthly pet rent
                            Application fees for having an ESA
                        
                        This saves you $200-$800 in deposits plus $25-$100/month in pet rent ($300-$1,600 per year in savings).
                        Important: you're still liable for any damage your ESA causes to the property.

Question 16

Can you travel with your ESA at no cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Are emotional support animals allowed in hotels?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Are emotional support dogs allowed in restaurants?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Does Airbnb allow emotional support animals?

Accepted Answer

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.

Articles by Kathryn Anderson (13 posts)

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