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ESA Letter Louisiana

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

Erika Caturegli, PhDWritten by: Erika Caturegli, PhD - Updated:Feb 04, 2026
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If you live in Louisiana and rely on an emotional support animal (ESA), the Fair Housing Act ensures you can live with your ESA in most housing situations. Louisiana has taken significant steps to protect the legitimacy of ESAs through the Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (HB 407), a 2024 law that requires a 30-day therapeutic relationship and at least two consultations between clients and mental health providers before issuing ESA letters.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything Louisiana residents need to understand about emotional support animals: federal and state legal protections, your housing rights, the proper process for securing legitimate documentation, and crucial information about where ESAs are and aren’t permitted, helping you navigate the system with confidence.

It’s important to note that Louisiana Law Requires a 30-Day Relationship and Prohibits Fraudulent ESA Documentation.

Warning: Under Louisiana’s Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (HB 407, effective August 1, 2024), mental health providers must establish a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with clients, including at least two consultations, before issuing ESA letters. Selling or providing fraudulent ESA documentation carries severe penalties:

  • First offense: $500 fine
  • Second offense: $1,000 fine
  • Third and subsequent offenses: $2,500 fine

Always obtain legitimate documentation from a licensed Louisiana mental health professional with whom you have established the required 30-day therapeutic relationship.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana ESA Owners

  • An emotional support animal in Louisiana is strongly protected in housing through the Fair Housing Act, which means that landlords must accommodate legitimate ESAs in Louisiana
  • 30-day relationship requirement: Louisiana HB 407 mandates a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with your mental health provider, with at least two consultations before receiving an ESA letter
  • No pet fees or deposits for properly documented Louisiana ESAs in housing
  • Breed and size restrictions don’t apply to ESAs in Louisiana when they present compliant documentation
  • No public access rights: ESAs in Louisiana can’t go to restaurants, stores, or most public places
  • No free air travel: Airlines have treated ESAs in Louisiana as regular pets since 2021
  • Workplace access is not guaranteed, and it is up to the employer’s discretion
  • Louisiana prohibits templated ESA certifications and online registries as valid documentation

CertaPet is Fully Compliant with Louisiana ESA Law

  • Licensed Louisiana mental health professionals
  • Meets Louisiana HB 407 30-day relationship requirement
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What is a Louisiana Emotional Support Animal?

In Louisiana, emotional support animals are regulated under federal law and Louisiana state legislation (HB 407). An emotional support animal in Louisiana is any domesticated animal that provides therapeutic emotional support to individuals with mental health or emotional disabilities through its presence and companionship.

ESA vs. Service Dog in Louisiana (Quick Comparison)

FeatureEmotional Support AnimalService Dog
Main RoleComfort and emotional supportSpecifically trained tasks for disability
Training RequiredNo special training requiredYes, individually trained for specific tasks
Key Protection in LAHousing (FHA)Housing, public access, and employment (ADA)
Public PlacesGenerally treated as a petMust be allowed under ADA
AirlinesTreated as a pet (fees apply)Must be allowed as a service animal
Housing Pet FeesNo pet fees for valid ESAsNo fees
Provider Relationship30-day minimum with 2 consultations (Louisiana HB 407)Not applicable
Identification RequiredESA letter onlyNo specific identification required by law

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

Step 1: Work With a Louisiana-Licensed Mental Health Professional

Your ESA letter must be issued by a licensed healthcare provider authorized to practice in Louisiana. This includes:

  • Licensed psychologists
  • Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed professional counselors (LPC)
  • Psychiatrists
  • Licensed therapists or counselors
  • Other licensed mental health professionals (LMHP)

The Louisiana HB 407 30-day relationship requirement: Louisiana law requires healthcare providers to establish a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with clients, including at least two consultations, before issuing an ESA letter. This means:

  • You must have an ongoing clinical relationship with your provider for at least 30 days
  • You must have a minimum of two consultations during these 30 days
  • Your provider must have actual knowledge of your condition and disability-related needs
  • One-time consultations or instant evaluations do not meet Louisiana legal requirements
  • The therapeutic relationship must be substantive, not just a waiting period

While telehealth consultations are legal and acceptable, they must involve a genuine therapeutic relationship over the required 30-day period with at least two consultations conducted by a Louisiana-licensed provider.

Step 2: Complete a Clinical Evaluation

Over the course of your 30-day therapeutic relationship with at least two consultations, your mental health professional must:

  • Evaluate your mental or emotional disability
  • Establish actual knowledge of your condition through ongoing treatment
  • Determine that an ESA is necessary to help alleviate your disability-related symptoms
  • Confirm that the ESA enables you to use and enjoy your dwelling

Important: “Instant letters” or same-day evaluations violate Louisiana HB 407’s 30-day relationship and two-consultation requirement and are not legally valid in Louisiana.

Step 3: Get a Compliant Louisiana ESA Letter

A legitimate Louisiana ESA letter should include:

  • Provider’s full name, license type, license number, and state of licensure (Louisiana)
  • Written on professional letterhead
  • Statement confirming you have a mental or emotional disability (specific diagnosis not required for housing)
  • Explanation that the animal helps alleviate disability-related symptoms
  • Confirmation that the provider has an established therapeutic relationship with you (minimum 30 days with at least two consultations)
  • Date of the therapeutic relationship’s establishment
  • Signature and date
  • There is a clear indication that the ESA is necessary as a reasonable accommodation in housing

Important: ESA Letter Validity and Renewal

ESA letters are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. To maintain your ESA housing privileges in Louisiana, you must renew your letter annually before it expires. Landlords and property managers can request current, valid documentation, and an expired ESA letter may not be accepted as proof of your accommodation needs. Schedule a follow-up evaluation with your Louisiana-licensed mental health professional before your letter expires to ensure uninterrupted housing protections. Keeping your ESA documentation current demonstrates the ongoing therapeutic relationship required under fair housing law and Louisiana HB 407.

Step 4: Avoid Fake Registries, Fraudulent Documentation, and Online Scams

Louisiana law explicitly addresses fraudulent ESA documentation and products. Under Louisiana HB 407:

For providers and sellers:

  • Healthcare providers must comply with the 30-day relationship requirement and the minimum two-consultation requirement
  • Providers cannot issue templated ESA certifications without establishing a genuine therapeutic relationship
  • Companies that misrepresent ESA products or sell fraudulent documentation face civil penalties:
    • First offense: $500
    • Second offense: $1,000
    • Third and subsequent offenses: $2,500

For individuals:

  • Using fraudulent ESA documentation can result in the denial of housing accommodations
  • Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal or ESA using fake documentation can result in penalties
  • Potential eviction if fraud is discovered after move-in

Red flags to watch out for:

  • Sites promising instant letters with no evaluation or a 30-day relationship
  • “Official” ESA registries or certification databases (these don’t exist federally or in Louisiana)
  • Providers who never ask about your mental health history or therapeutic needs
  • Pre-printed certificates or ID cards are sold as proof of ESA status
  • Any site suggesting you “just say you’re disabled” to qualify
  • Extremely cheap letters ($25-50) with no real consultation
  • Services that don’t comply with Louisiana’s 30-day relationship and two-consultation requirement
  • Providers that don’t have a valid Louisiana license

ESA registrations, certificates, and vests are neither legally required nor recognized under Louisiana or federal law. What matters for housing is a valid ESA letter from a Louisiana-licensed mental health professional with whom you have established a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with at least two consultations as required by Louisiana HB 407.

CertaPet telehealth services connect you with a licensed clinician in Louisiana to conduct a compliant assessment that meets Louisiana HB 407’s 30-day relationship and two-consultation requirement. All our therapists will be with you every step of the way.

Understanding Your Louisiana ESA Housing Rights

Louisiana ESAs are protected in housing by:

  • Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and HUD’s assistance animal guidance
  • Louisiana Fair Housing Opportunity Act
  • Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (HB 407, 2024) establishes standards for ESA documentation

What Landlords, HOAs, and Property Managers Can and Cannot Do

Landlords MUST:

  • Make reasonable accommodations for tenants with legitimate Louisiana ESA documentation
  • Waive “no pets” policies for ESAs
  • Allow ESAs without charging pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits
  • Consider ESA requests on an individualized basis, not on breed or size alone
  • Evaluate requests and reliable supporting documentation fairly

Landlords CAN:

  • Request reliable documentation if your disability or need isn’t obvious or readily apparent
  • Verify that your ESA letter comes from a Louisiana-licensed provider with a 30-day therapeutic relationship and a minimum of two consultations
  • Charge for any actual physical damage caused by the ESA beyond normal wear and tear
  • Ask for documentation that verifies the disability and the disability-related need for the ESA
  • Deny requests in specific, limited circumstances

What landlords CANNOT ask for:

  • Specific details about your diagnosis
  • Medical records
  • Detailed proof of training or certification for the ESA
  • Registration or certification documents (these don’t create legal rights)

When Can a Louisiana Landlord Deny Your ESA Request?

Housing providers can deny an ESA request if:

  • The animal would cause substantial property damage that cannot be mitigated
  • Allowing the animal would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the housing program
  • The documentation is fraudulent, inadequate, or doesn’t meet Louisiana HB 407 requirements (such as lacking proof of a 30-day therapeutic relationship with at least two consultations)
  • Your documentation is not from a licensed Louisiana provider
  • The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced through reasonable measures

Small landlord exemption: Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units may be exempt from FHA requirements. Religious organizations and private clubs may also have limited exemptions.

If you believe you’ve been wrongly denied, you can file a complaint with:

  • Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center: (504) 596-2100 / Toll-Free: (877) 445-2100
  • Louisiana Department of Justice: (225) 326-6705 / Toll-Free: (877) 297-0995
  • HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

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

Public Places (Stores, Restaurants, Hotels)

The reality: ESAs do NOT have public access rights under the ADA or Louisiana law. Businesses in Louisiana may treat ESAs as regular pets.

Louisiana law is explicit: Only service dogs have public access rights. Service animals in Louisiana are defined as dogs (and sometimes miniature horses) individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities.

  • Hotels: May refuse ESAs unless they have pet-friendly policies
  • Restaurants and grocery stores: Only service animals are allowed; ESAs can be excluded
  • Stores and shops: Business owners have complete discretion to allow or deny ESAs

Some establishments implement pet-friendly policies. In those cases, ESAs are allowed as well, but it’s always best to call ahead.

Air Travel

Following revisions to the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines are no longer required to accept ESAs as service animals, effective January 2021. This means that:

  • Most major carriers (United, American, Delta, Southwest) now treat ESAs as regular pets
  • ESAs are subject to pet fees (typically $95-$125 each way)
  • Must travel in airline-approved carriers that fit under the seat
  • Size and breed restrictions may apply
  • Some smaller airlines may have different policies; always contact your airline in advance
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Public Transportation, Parks, and Facilities

ESAs are not permitted on Louisiana buses, trains, or other public transit. Some systems may allow them at their discretion under pet policies.

State and local parks:

  • Many Louisiana parks are pet-friendly and may welcome ESAs under regular pet policies
  • Leash laws apply (varies by city and parish)
  • Some parks have restricted areas or seasonal limitations
  • Always check specific park regulations

Louisiana ESA Rules for the Workplace

ESAs do not have automatic workplace access rights in Louisiana.

Federal Law and ESAs at Work

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must provide “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities. However:

  • The ADA only protects explicitly service animals in the workplace, not ESAs
  • ESAs fall into a gray area for workplace accommodations
  • Employers have significant discretion in deciding whether to allow ESAs

Can You Request an ESA at Work in Louisiana?

Yes, you can request it, but your employer can legally deny it. Here’s what might help:

Your request may be stronger if:

  • You have a documented mental health disability
  • A licensed Louisiana mental health professional confirms in writing that the ESA is necessary for you to perform your job duties
  • The animal is well-behaved and won’t disrupt operations
  • Your employer can accommodate the animal without undue hardship

Employers can refuse if:

  • The ESA would create safety concerns
  • The animal disrupts work operations or other employees
  • Other reasonable accommodations exist that don’t involve an animal
  • The accommodation causes undue financial or administrative hardship

Best Practices for Workplace ESA Requests in Louisiana

  • Review your employer’s policies regarding animals in the workplace
  • Communicate openly with your employer or HR department about your needs
  • Provide documentation from your Louisiana-licensed mental health provider that meets HB 407 requirements
  • Discuss alternatives if an ESA isn’t feasible (flexible schedules, modified duties, etc.)
  • Be prepared for rejection: employers are within their legal rights to deny ESA requests
  • Ensure your ESA is well-trained if approved; disruptive behavior can lead to removal

Louisiana ESA Resources for Students

University and College Housing

College and university housing in Louisiana falls under the FHA, which allows ESAs as a reasonable accommodation for students. Still, their access is limited only to the students’ living quarters. Animals can be removed from University housing if they pose health/safety threats or interfere with University programs.

How it typically works:

  • Contact your school’s Disability Services office or Office of Accessibility (not housing first)
  • Provide ESA documentation from a qualified Louisiana-licensed provider that meets HB 407’s 30-day relationship and two-consultation requirement
  • Follow the approval process and any requirements (vaccines, behavior standards, designated areas)

Louisiana schools with documented ESA policies:

Louisiana State University (LSU) – Baton Rouge:

  • ESAs are allowed in University housing as reasonable accommodations
  • Students must contact the Office of Disability Services
  • ESA requests are reviewed by an ESA working group consisting of representatives from Housing, Disability Services, Counseling & Testing, and Risk Management
  • ESAs are NOT permitted in public areas of campus (classrooms, labs, offices, dining halls) without specific accommodation approval
  • Must follow University requirements, including behavior standards, vaccination records, and housing rules
  • All ESAs must be at least 1 year old and up to date on all vaccinations
  • Contact: Residential Life for ESA housing requests

University of Louisiana at Lafayette:

  • ESAs may be approved for on-campus housing under the Fair Housing Act
  • Students must complete the ESA Request form in the StarRez Housing Portal
  • The ESA Committee reviews requests
  • The animal must be approved before being brought into campus housing
  • All ESAs must be at least 1 year old and up to date on all vaccinations
  • Contact: esarequests@louisiana.edu 

Louisiana Tech University (Ruston):

  • ESAs permitted in University housing with prior approval
  • Students must request through the Department of Testing and Disability Services (TDS)
  • Must provide documentation from a Louisiana-licensed healthcare provider
  • ESAs determine whether the requested assistance animal is necessary for equal access to housing
  • ESAs are not permitted in other campus areas (libraries, classrooms, labs) unless specifically approved

Louisiana ESA Resources for Veterans

Louisiana veterans have both federal and state resources:

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – provides mental-health services and, for some conditions, support related to service dogs
  • Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs – helps veterans with benefits, claims, and referrals (including disability-related supports)

For many Louisiana veterans:

  • ESAs/assistance animals help them maintain stable civilian housing under the FHA and the Louisiana Fair Housing enforcement
  • Psychiatric service dogs (when realistic) can offer public-access help and are sometimes supported through VA-related programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord charge pet rent or a pet deposit for my ESA in Louisiana?

No. Under both federal FHA and Louisiana housing law, pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for ESAs. However, you’re still responsible for actual physical damage beyond normal wear and tear.

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

No. Breed and weight limits that apply to pets generally do not apply to ESAs. Decisions must be individualized to the specific animal, not based on stereotypes.

Can my landlord deny my ESA in Louisiana?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances:

  • You don’t meet disability requirements
  • Your documentation doesn’t meet Louisiana HB 407 requirements (such as lacking the 30-day therapeutic relationship with at least two consultations)
  • You refuse to provide valid documentation when legitimately requested
  • Your documentation is fraudulent or from an unlicensed provider
  • The animal poses a direct threat that can’t be mitigated
  • The animal would cause substantial damage that cannot be reduced
  • Your landlord qualifies for a small landlord exemption (owner-occupied, four or fewer units)
Do I have to register my ESA in Louisiana or get a special ID?

No. There is no official Louisiana ESA registry, and federal law doesn’t require registration. Louisiana HB 407 explicitly prohibits the use of templated ESA certifications and registrations as valid documentation. The only required documentation is a legitimate ESA letter from a Louisiana-licensed mental health professional with whom you have established a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with at least two consultations.

Does my ESA need special training in Louisiana?

No specific task training is required (that’s what distinguishes ESAs from service animals). However, your ESA must:

  • Be under your control
  • Be housebroken
  • Not be aggressive or pose a safety threat
  • Not cause ongoing disturbances that fundamentally alter the housing environment
  • Comply with reasonable rules applicable to all residents
Can I have more than one ESA in Louisiana?

Yes, if each animal is necessary for your disability-related needs. You’ll need documentation from a licensed Louisiana provider (with the required 30-day relationship and at least two consultations) explaining the need for multiple animals. Landlords can consider whether multiple ESAs would create an undue burden, pose safety concerns, or cause significant property damage.

Does my clinician need to be licensed in Louisiana?

Yes. Your provider must be licensed to practice in Louisiana and should include their Louisiana license details in your letter. Additionally, Louisiana HB 407 requires that you establish a minimum 30-day therapeutic relationship with at least two consultations with this provider before they can issue your ESA letter.

What happens if I use fraudulent ESA documentation in Louisiana?

Providing fraudulent ESA documentation or documentation that doesn’t meet Louisiana HB 407 requirements (such as a lack of the 30-day therapeutic relationship with at least two consultations) can have serious consequences.

Consequences:

  • Landlords can deny or revoke housing accommodations
  • Potential eviction if fraud is discovered after move-in
  • Providers and sellers of fraudulent ESA products face civil penalties under Louisiana HB 407:
    • First offense: $500
    • Second offense: $1,000
    • Third and subsequent offenses: $2,500
Can I use an ESA letter from another state in Louisiana?

While an ESA letter from a provider licensed in another state may be temporarily accepted, this is not allowed in Louisiana. This is because a Louisiana-licensed mental health professional needs to write the letter to ensure full compliance with Louisiana HB 407 and to avoid potential landlord challenges.

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