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ESA Letter Michigan

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

Ivana Crnec, DVMWritten by: Ivana Crnec, DVM - Updated:Feb 04, 2026
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If you live in Michigan and rely on an emotional support animal (ESA), the Fair Housing Act ensures you can live with your ESA in most housing situations. Michigan has no state-specific ESA laws beyond federal protections. In 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation that would have imposed stricter requirements on ESA documentation, citing privacy concerns and compatibility with federal protections.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything Michigan 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.

Warning: Under Michigan law (MCL- 752.62), those who knowingly submit fraudulent affidavits or fraudulently represent an unqualified animal as a service animal or service animal in training are guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Imprisonment for not more than 90 days, OR
  • A fine of not more than $500, OR
  • Community service for not more than 30 days

Landlords can deny housing to tenants who provide fraudulent ESA letters in Michigan. 

Key Takeaways for Michigan ESA Owners

  • An emotional support animal in Michigan is strongly protected in housing through the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which means that landlords must accommodate legitimate ESAs in Michigan
  • No state-specific relationship requirement: Michigan does not require a minimum therapeutic relationship period for ESA letters
  • No pet fees or deposits for properly documented Michigan ESAs in housing
  • Breed and size restrictions don’t apply to ESAs in Michigan when they present compliant documentation
  • No public access rights: ESAs in Michigan can’t go to restaurants, stores, or most public places
  • No free air travel: Airlines have treated ESAs in Michigan as regular pets since 2021
  • Workplace access is not guaranteed, and it is up to the employer’s discretion

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What is a Michigan Emotional Support Animal?

In Michigan, emotional support animals are regulated primarily under federal law, with enforcement through the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). An emotional support animal in Michigan 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 Michigan (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 MIHousing (FHA + Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act)Housing, public access, and employment (ADA + Michigan service animal law)
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 RelationshipNo state minimum requirementNot applicable
Identification RequiredESA letter onlyNo specific identification required by law
Misrepresentation PenaltiesNo state penalties for ESAsUp to $500 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or 30 days community service

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

Step 1: Work With a Licensed Mental Health Professional

A licensed healthcare provider must issue your ESA letter. This includes:

  • Licensed psychologists
  • Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed professional counselors (LPC)
  • Psychiatrists
  • Licensed therapists or counselors
  • Other licensed mental health professionals (LMHP)
  • Physicians who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions

Michigan does not require a specific minimum therapeutic relationship period: it has no state-specific laws mandating a 30-day relationship requirement, as in Louisiana or Arkansas. In 2020, proposed legislation that would have required healthcare providers to have treated clients in the last 6 months before issuing ESA letters was vetoed by Governor Whitmer because it would have violated privacy rights and conflicted with federal protections.

However, the healthcare provider must be aware of your disability and the disability-related need for the animal to issue a legitimate letter that will be accepted under fair housing law.

While telehealth consultations are legal and acceptable, they must involve a genuine evaluation by a licensed provider with sufficient knowledge of your condition, not just a cursory online quiz or instant approval.

Step 2: Complete a Clinical Evaluation

Your mental health professional must:

  • Evaluate your mental or emotional disability
  • Have knowledge of your condition and how it affects you
  • 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

“Instant letters” or same-day evaluations from providers with no knowledge of your condition are not considered legitimate documentation under fair housing law and can be denied by landlords.

Step 3: Get a Compliant Michigan ESA Letter

A legitimate Michigan ESA letter should include:

  • Provider’s full name, license type, license number, and state of licensure
  • 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 knowledge of your condition and disability-related need for the animal
  • Date, signature, and contact information
  • 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 Michigan, 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 licensed mental health professional before your letter expires to ensure uninterrupted housing protections. Keeping your ESA documentation current demonstrates the ongoing disability-related need required under fair housing law.

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

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights and Fair Housing Centers are explicit about fake documentation:

“No certification of an animal’s status as a service or emotional support animal is currently in existence. Some individuals and organizations sell service and emotional support animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA or Fair Housing Act, and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that an animal is a service or emotional support animal.”

Red flags to watch out for:

  • Sites promising instant letters with no genuine evaluation
  • “Official” ESA registries or certification databases (these don’t exist federally or in Michigan)
  • 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 guarantee approval before any evaluation
  • Providers that don’t have valid licenses

ESA registrations, certificates, and vests are neither legally required nor recognized under Michigan or federal law. What matters for housing is a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional with knowledge of your disability and disability-related need for the animal.

Michigan landlords can request valid documentation and deny tenants who cannot provide legitimate ESA letters. Using fraudulent documentation can result in denial of accommodations and potential eviction.

CertaPet telehealth services connect you with a licensed clinician in Michigan to conduct a compliant assessment that meets federal fair housing requirements. All our therapists will be with you every step of the way.

Understanding Your Michigan ESA Housing Rights

Michigan ESAs are protected in housing by:

  • Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and HUD’s assistance animal guidance
  • Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
  • Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act
  • Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) enforcement
  • Regional Fair Housing Centers across Michigan

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

Landlords MUST:

  • Make reasonable accommodations for tenants with legitimate Michigan 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 licensed provider with knowledge of your condition
  • 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 (see below)

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 Michigan Landlord Deny Your ESA Request?

Housing providers can deny an ESA request if:

  • The documentation is fraudulent, inadequate, or doesn’t establish both a disability and a disability-related need for the animal
  • Your documentation is not from a licensed healthcare provider with knowledge of your condition
  • The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced through reasonable measures
  • 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

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:

  • Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): (800) 482-3604 / Email: MDCR-INFO@michigan.gov
  • Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan: (877) 979-3247
  • Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit: (313) 579-3247
  • Fair Housing Center of West Michigan: (616) 451-2980 / Toll-Free: (866) 389-3247
  • Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan: (866) 637-0733
  • Fair Housing Center of Eastern Michigan: (800) 322-4512
  • HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development): (800) 669-9777

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

Public Places (Stores, Restaurants, Hotels)

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

Michigan law is explicit: only service dogs have public access rights. Service animals in Michigan are defined under Michigan law and federal ADA rules 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

Public transportation: ESAs are not permitted on Michigan buses, trains, or other public transit under service animal policies. Some systems may allow them at their discretion under pet policies.

State and local parks:

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

Michigan ESA Rules for the Workplace

ESAs do not have automatic workplace access rights in Michigan.

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
  • The Michigan Department of Civil Rights confirms that ESAs are generally not considered reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Can You Request an ESA at Work in Michigan?

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 Michigan 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 Michigan

  • 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 licensed mental health provider
  • Discuss alternatives if an ESA isn’t feasible (flexible schedules, modified duties, remote work options, 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

Michigan ESA Resources for Students

University and College Housing

College and university housing in Michigan falls under the FHA, meaning that ESAs are allowed 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 licensed mental health provider
  • Follow the approval process and any requirements (vaccines, behavior standards, designated areas)

Michigan schools with documented ESA policies:

Michigan State University (MSU):

  • ESAs (Assistance Animals other than service animals) are permitted in University housing if approved by the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
  • Students must request approval through RCPD before bringing an ESA to campus
  • ESAs must remain in the student’s assigned housing and are NOT permitted in other campus areas (dining halls, classrooms, labs, recreation facilities, common areas except in transit)
  • The animal must be under the student’s control at all times
  • Students cannot leave an ESA unattended overnight or assign supervision to another student
  • Contact: Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)

University of Michigan (Ann Arbor):

  • Service animals and emotional support animals are permitted in University housing as required by law
  • Students must complete the Initial Contact form and upload documentation
  • Documentation typically includes a letter from a qualified healthcare provider
  • ESAs are permitted only in assigned housing units, not in public campus spaces (dining halls, classrooms, museums, athletic facilities)
  • Contact: Housing Information Office – Phone: (734) 763-3164 / Email: housing.assignment@umich.edu

University of Michigan-Flint:

  • Students must register with Disability & Accessibility Support Services (DASS) before housing for the animal is needed
  • The student’s treating professional must complete the ESA Disability Verification Form
  • Once approved, students must meet with Housing and Residential Life to discuss guidelines
  • UM-Flint will not accept documentation from online certification/registration sites
  • ESAs are only permitted in assigned housing, not in other campus facilities
  • Contact: Disability & Accessibility Support Services (DASS)

Michigan ESA Resources for Veterans

Michigan 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
  • Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency – helps veterans with benefits, claims, and referrals (including disability-related supports)

For many Michigan veterans:

  • ESAs/assistance animals help them maintain stable civilian housing under the FHA and Michigan 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?

No. Under both federal FHA and Michigan housing law (Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act), 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 Michigan 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 or blanket policies.

Can my landlord deny my ESA in Michigan?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances:

  • You don’t meet disability requirements
  • Your documentation doesn’t establish both a disability and a disability-related need for the animal.
  • You refuse to provide valid documentation when legitimately requested
  • Your documentation is fraudulent or from an unlicensed provider without knowledge of your condition
  • 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 Michigan or get a special ID?

No. There is no official Michigan ESA registry, and federal law doesn’t require registration. Michigan universities and the Department of Justice explicitly state: “No certification of an animal’s status as a service or emotional support animal is currently in existence,” and that registration documents “do not convey any rights under the ADA or Fair Housing Act.”

Does my ESA need special training in Michigan?

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 Michigan?

Yes, if each animal is necessary for your disability-related needs. You’ll need documentation from a licensed provider 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 Michigan?

While Michigan does not explicitly require the provider to be licensed in Michigan, it’s strongly recommended to work with a Michigan-licensed mental health professional to ensure landlords accept the letter and comply with telehealth regulations. The provider must be knowledgeable about your condition and the animal’s disability-related needs.

What happens if I use fraudulent ESA documentation in Michigan?

While Michigan does not have state-level criminal penalties for fraudulent ESA documentation (unlike service animal misrepresentation), providing fraudulent ESA documentation

  • can have serious consequences:

    Consequences:

    • Landlords can deny or revoke housing accommodations
    • Potential eviction if fraud is discovered after move-in
    • Liability for damages
    • Loss of credibility for future accommodation requests

    Michigan has penalties for service animal misrepresentation (up to a $500 fine, 90 days’ imprisonment, or 30 days of community service), but these do not apply to ESAs.

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