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ESA Letter California

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

Erika Caturegli, PhDWritten by: Erika Caturegli, PhD - Updated:Feb 04, 2026
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A California emotional support animal (ESA) benefits from housing rights under the Fair Housing Act, but ESAs in California don’t have access to most public places, and can no longer fly at no cost, as they’re now recognized as regular pets by airlines. California also has a strict “anti–letter mill” law that requires licensed healthcare providers to establish a 30-day relationship with patients who are ESA candidates, before they can issue ESA documentation. 

Warning: California Law Mandates 30-Day Relationship and Penalizes Service Animal Misrepresentation

California Health & Safety Code § 122318 (AB 468, effective January 1, 2022) requires mental health professionals to maintain a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship before issuing ESA letters. Misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 365.7, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, businesses or individuals misrepresenting ESA-related products face escalating fines: first violation $500, second violation $1,000, third and subsequent violations $2,500. Work only with licensed California mental health professionals who comply with state-mandated relationship requirements.

Figuring out California’s ESA rules is stressful, especially when a landlord is waiting or you’re worried about “fake letter” scams. This guide translates the law into plain English and shows you exactly how to qualify legitimately in California.

Key Takeaways for California ESA Owners

  • An emotional support animal (ESA) is protected under the Federal Fair Housing Act which provides robust housing rights, requiring California landlords to accommodate legitimate ESAs
  • California’s 30-day relationship mandate: AB 468 requires a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with your mental health provider before ESA letter issuance
  • ESAs in California housing are exempt from pet fees, pet deposits, and breed/weight restrictions when properly documented
  • Public access limitations: California ESAs cannot enter restaurants, retail stores, or most public spaces
  • Airlines no longer required to accommodate ESAs: expect pet fees and standard pet travel policies since 2021
  • Employment protections: California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) may allow ESAs in workplace as reasonable accommodation—discuss with your employer
  • Documentation requirements: secure your ESA letter from a California-licensed mental health professional following the 30-day relationship requirement
  • Severe penalties for fraud: up to $1,000 fine and 6 months in jail for misrepresenting ESAs as service animals

CertaPet is Fully Compliant with California ESA Law

✓ Licensed California mental health professionals
✓ Adheres to California AB 468 30-day relationship requirement
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What is a California Emotional Support Animal?

Under California law, “emotional support animal” and “emotional support dog” are defined terms in the Health & Safety Code.

ESA vs. Service Dog (California & Federal)

TopicESAService Dog
Training RequiredNo specific task trainingYes:  trained to perform specific tasks
Public Access (stores, restaurants)No right of entry by ADABroad access under ADA
Housing (CA & federal fair-housing)Protected as a reasonable accommodationProtected
Airlines (ACAA/DOT 2020 rule)Treated as a petRecognized as service animal
Fees/“Pet Rent” in HousingNo pet fees for ESAsNo fees

How to Get a Legitimate California ESA Letter (Step-by-Step)

Why this matters: California’s AB 468 bill (now in the Health & Safety Code) targets “letter mills.” A letter issued too fast or by an out-of-state provider is not valid, and can be legally denied by landlords.

Following are the steps to obtain a compliant ESA letter in California:

1) Work with a California-licensed clinician. Your provider must be licensed where you are located and include licensing details in the letter. 

2) Establish a 30-day provider/patient relationship. The law requires a client-provider relationship of at least 30 days before a healthcare provider can issue ESA documentation. 

3) Complete a clinical evaluation. Your clinician must evaluate whether an ESA is clinically appropriate for your disability. There’s no such thing as “quiz-only” letters. The law in California is very strict and clear on the matter.

4) Get a compliant letter. A legitimate letter should include the clinician’s license type, number, jurisdiction, the date in which the letter was issued, and clearly state your need for an ESA as a reasonable accommodation in housing. Remember ESAs are prescribed by professionals as part of an individual’s holistic treatment plan. (Source for 

5) Avoid ESA registration, ESA certification, and vests. ESA registration and ESA certification are not federally mandated, and thus legally binding. Registering your ESA is not a determining step to obtaining your ESA. Furthermore, California requires sellers of ESA tags/vests to warn buyers that these items don’t create rights; sellers who mislead can be fined $500/$1,000/$2,500. 

California Law Alert: AB 468 (effective Jan 1, 2022) requires: (1) a 30-day client-provider relationship, (2) a clinical evaluation, and (3) license details in the documentation. It also forces ESA gear sellers to give a written disclaimer that ESAs aren’t service dogs. (Source for Editor:)

Nervous about the 30-day rule? Start your therapeutic relationship now so your letter is valid when you need housing.

Understanding Your California ESA Housing Rights

Core rule: Housing providers (landlords, HOAs, university housing, shelters) must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities who need an ESA, even in “no-pets” buildings. California follows the Fair Housing Act regulations when it comes to housing support pets.

What landlords can (and can’t) ask for: If your disability/need isn’t obvious, they may request reliable documentation, but not your diagnosis details. A legitimate California ESA letter from a licensed provider is enough; online “certificates/registrations” by themselves don’t prove need for an ESA. 

Fees & deposits: Landlords cannot charge “pet rent” or pet deposits for ESAs, though you’re responsible for actual damage (normal wear excluded). 

Breed/size limits: No blanket bans based on breed, size, or weight. Decisions must be case-by-case and based on credible evidence of a direct threat or substantial physical damage that can’t be reduced by reasonable steps. 

When landlords can say no: Only if allowing the ESA would cause an undue financial/administrative burden, fundamentally alter the housing program, or the animal poses a direct threat or would cause substantial damage that can’t be mitigated. 

What This Means for You 

YES, your ESA is allowed in California housing with a proper letter, at no additional cost (no pet deposit fee, no monthly pet rent fees.)
NO, landlords can’t use breed/weight to deny you or demand “registration.”
Exception, dangerous behavior, major damage, or true hardship to the housing provider can still get a request denied.

Where Can You Take Your ESA in California? (Rules, Risks & Limits)

Public places (stores, restaurants, hotels): ESAs do not have public-access rights under the ADA; businesses may treat ESAs as pets. It is up to the discretion of the business owner to allow ESAs, or to establish ‘pet-friendly’ policies. Similarly, hotels may say no to ESAs unless they choose to allow pets. 

Air travel: Under DOT’s 2020 rule, airlines are not required to accept ESAs as service animals any longer. ESAs used to be able to travel aboard aircrafts free of charge and restrictions. Most carriers nowadays treat ESAs as regular pets, thus they’re subject to the same rules, including air fees, and size limitations. ESAs are supposed to travel within approved airline approved carriers that fit in the footspace in front of their handler. 

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State parks, campuses, and other facilities: Rules vary. California ESAs are generally not allowed in non-housing indoor campus spaces unless the institution permits pets; campus housing follows fair-housing principles. 

What This Means for You (In Plain English)

YES, ESAs have housing rights.
NO, ESAs don’t get public access like service dogs or free flights.
Some places are pet-friendly by choice, always check policies first.

California ESA Rules for the Workplace

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) recognizes assistive animals, including support pets, as a possible reasonable accommodation at work. 

Employers may require support animals to meet minimum standards (meaning that the animal should be housebroken, be able to respond to basic commands and display appropriate behavior, and not pose a safety risk) and may challenge disruptive behavior within the first two weeks.

In workspaces, it is up to your employer’s discretion if to allow an ESA or not. An ESA can be approved if it’s necessary for you to perform your job or access equal employment benefits, and if the animal meets standards. 

California ESA Resources for Students

University and College Housing

California college and university housing falls under FHA jurisdiction, meaning ESAs receive accommodations as reasonable disability support, though access remains limited to student living quarters. Universities may remove animals that pose health/safety threats or interfere with University programs.

Typical process:

  • Contact your school’s Disability Services office, Student Accessibility Services, or Center for Accessible Education (not housing departments initially)
  • Provide ESA documentation from a qualified California-licensed provider meeting AB 468’s 30-day relationship requirement
  • Follow approval processes and requirements (vaccinations, behavioral standards, designated areas)

California schools with documented ESA policies:

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA):

  • ESAs permitted in University Housing through Center for Accessible Education (CAE)
  • Students must submit Housing Accommodation Request Form
  • Must provide documentation from California-licensed mental health professional with established 30-day therapeutic relationship
  • ESAs restricted to assigned residential room or apartment only
  • ESAs NOT permitted elsewhere on campus (classrooms, dining facilities, libraries, academic buildings)
  • Must comply with vaccination requirements, behavioral standards, and housing guidelines
  • Contact: Center for Accessible Education – (310) 825-1501

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley):

  • ESAs permitted in University Housing through Disability Access & Compliance office
  • Students must complete Emotional Support Animal Approval Request Form
  • Must provide documentation from licensed medical or mental health professional
  • ESAs restricted to residential areas only (room, suite, or apartment)
  • NOT permitted in common spaces (bathrooms, kitchens, recreation rooms, hallways, lounges, computer labs)
  • Must provide vaccination records, local animal license, and emergency caregiver contact
  • Approval typically takes up to 60 days—apply well in advance
  • Contact: housingaccommodations@berkeley.edu

University of Southern California (USC):

  • ESAs permitted in University Housing through Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS)
  • Students must request approval before bringing animal to campus
  • Must provide documentation from California-licensed provider meeting 30-day relationship requirement
  • ESAs restricted to residential setting only
  • ESAs NOT permitted in academic buildings, offices, classrooms, dining areas, or other University facilities
  • Must comply with behavioral standards and vaccination requirements
  • Misrepresentation of animal’s role may result in immediate removal and disciplinary action
  • Contact: Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS)

Stanford University:

  • ESAs permitted in University Housing through Office of Accessible Education
  • Students must submit accommodation request with supporting documentation
  • Documentation must be from California-licensed mental health professional
  • ESAs restricted to student’s assigned housing unit
  • NOT permitted in other campus buildings or facilities
  • Must follow University guidelines for animal behavior and care
  • Contact: Office of Accessible Education

ESA Resources for California Veterans

Federal & State Housing Protections

Veterans in California receive the same Fair Housing Act protections as all other residents. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides additional protections for veterans with disabilities. Veterans qualify for ESA housing accommodations just like any other California resident with a documented mental health condition.

VA Mental Health Services & ESA Letters

California veterans can access mental health services through the VA healthcare system. VA mental health providers licensed in California can issue valid ESA letters that meet Fair Housing Act requirements and California’s AB 468 standards.

Key points for veterans:

  • Veterans receive same FHA protections as all residents
  • VA-connected mental health providers licensed in CA can issue valid ESA letters
  • ESAs are NOT allowed on VA facility grounds (service animals only)
  • Veterans can use VA mental health services to connect with CA-licensed providers for ESA evaluations
  • VA providers must comply with California’s 30-day relationship requirement

VA Facilities Offering Mental Health Evaluations:

  • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System – West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073 – (310) 478-3711 – Comprehensive behavioral health program with mental health care services
  • VA San Diego Healthcare System – 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161 – (858) 552-8585 – Full mental health services and outpatient care
  • VA Northern California Health Care System – Sacramento, CA – Comprehensive mental health services for Northern California veterans
  • VA Long Beach Healthcare System (Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center) – 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822 – (562) 826-8000 – Mental health and psychiatric services
  • Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital – 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357 – (909) 825-7084 – Mental health care and counseling services

Additional Support:

  • California Department of Veterans Affairs: (916) 503-8397
  • Vet Centers throughout California: Confidential counseling for PTSD, depression, MST, and readjustment support
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7 support)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my emotional support animal in California?

No. There is no official ESA registry in California or any other state. Websites claiming to “register” or “certify” your ESA are scams. The only documentation you need is a legitimate ESA letter from a California-licensed mental health professional who has maintained a 30-day therapeutic relationship with you, as required by California AB 468.

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

No. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords in California cannot charge pet deposits, pet rent, or additional fees for emotional support animals. However, you remain financially responsible for any damage your ESA causes to the property, and landlords can charge you for repairs if your animal causes damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Can I bring my ESA to restaurants, stores, or hotels in California?

No. Emotional support animals do not have public access rights in California. Only service animals (dogs and miniature horses individually trained to perform specific disability-related tasks) are allowed in public accommodations under the ADA. Attempting to bring an ESA into public places by falsely claiming it’s a service animal is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 365.7, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

Can I fly with my ESA in California?

No. Airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals under updated Department of Transportation regulations that took effect in 2021. Most airlines now treat ESAs as regular pets and charge standard pet fees. If you need to fly with an animal for psychiatric reasons, consider whether your animal qualifies as a psychiatric service dog (PSD), which has air travel protections.

What is California's 30-day relationship requirement for ESA letters?

California AB 468 (Health & Safety Code § 122318), effective January 1, 2022, requires licensed mental health professionals to establish and maintain a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with a client before issuing an ESA letter. This means you must have an established professional relationship with your provider for at least 30 days, including clinical evaluation of your need for an ESA, before they can legally provide ESA documentation. Instant online ESA letters without this relationship requirement are not valid in California.

What should I do if my landlord denies my ESA request in California?

First, ensure your ESA letter is legitimate and from a California-licensed mental health professional who has maintained the required 30-day relationship with you. If your documentation is valid and the landlord still denies your request without legal justification, file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or HUD’s San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 489-6524 or (800) 347-3739. You have one year to file with HUD from the date of discrimination.

Can I have more than one ESA in California?

Yes, you can have multiple emotional support animals if your California-licensed mental health professional determines that each animal is necessary to alleviate symptoms of your disability. Each ESA must be individually documented in your ESA letter. However, having a very large number of ESAs may not be considered a “reasonable” accommodation under federal and state fair housing law.

Does my ESA need special training in California?

Under California Penal Code § 365.7, fraudulently misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, businesses or individuals who misrepresent ESA-related products (such as fake certificates, vests, or registrations) face escalating civil penalties: first violation $500, second violation $1,000, third and subsequent violations $2,500. This includes falsely claiming an ESA is a service animal to gain public access rights.

What are the penalties for misrepresenting a service animal in California?

Under California Penal Code § 365.7, fraudulently misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, businesses or individuals who misrepresent ESA-related products (such as fake certificates, vests, or registrations) face escalating civil penalties: first violation $500, second violation $1,000, third and subsequent violations $2,500. This includes falsely claiming an ESA is a service animal to gain public access rights.

Can I bring my ESA to work in California?

California offers broader workplace protections than most states under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). While federal law (ADA) does not require employers to allow ESAs in the workplace, California’s FEHA may allow ESAs as a reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities. Employers must engage in an interactive process to determine if allowing an ESA is a reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship. Contact your employer’s HR department to request this accommodation and provide appropriate documentation.

Do I need an ESA letter to keep my emotional support animal in California housing?

Yes. To receive Fair Housing Act protections in California, you must have a valid ESA letter from a California-licensed mental health professional who has maintained a 30-day therapeutic relationship with you as required by AB 468. Without proper documentation that meets California’s legal requirements, landlords can treat your animal as a regular pet and apply standard pet policies, fees, and restrictions.

Can my HOA or condo association deny my ESA in California?

No. Homeowners associations (HOAs) and condo associations in California must comply with the Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, requiring them to provide reasonable accommodations for ESAs even if their CC&Rs or bylaws prohibit pets. You must provide valid ESA documentation from a California-licensed provider with the required 30-day therapeutic relationship, and the association cannot charge pet fees. However, they can deny requests if the animal poses a direct threat to safety or would cause substantial property damage.

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