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ESA Letter Nebraska

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

Athena Angela Gaffud, DVMWritten by: Athena Angela Gaffud, DVM - Updated:Feb 04, 2026
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If you live in Nebraska and rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition, understanding your legal rights is essential. Nebraska residents are protected under federal housing law, ensuring individuals with disabilities can live with their emotional support animals without facing discrimination.

This guide explains Nebraska’s ESA laws, housing protections, penalties for misrepresentation, and how to obtain a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

Warning: Nebraska Service Animal Misrepresentation Penalties

Under Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1313), unlawfully using a white cane or guide dog is a Class III misdemeanor. Additionally, misrepresenting an animal as a service animal or emotional support animal can result in fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. ESAs do NOT have public access rights in Nebraska. Attempting to bring your ESA into restaurants, stores, or other public places by falsely claiming it’s a service animal constitutes misrepresentation and could result in criminal penalties.

Key Takeaways for Nebraska ESA Owners

  • No state-specific ESA housing law: Nebraska relies entirely on the federal Fair Housing Act for ESA protections
  • Strong housing rights: No pet deposits or fees, access to no-pet housing, protection from discrimination under federal law
  • No public access rights: ESAs cannot enter restaurants, stores, hotels, or other public places (only service animals have public access under Neb. Rev. Stat. 20-127)
  • Misrepresentation penalties: Up to $1,000 fine and six months in jail for falsely claiming an animal is a service or emotional support animal
  • No ESA registries: Official registrations don’t exist—avoid scam websites selling fake certifications
  • Airlines treat ESAs as pets: No air travel protections; most airlines charge standard pet fees

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What is a Nebraska Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal provides therapeutic benefits to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities through companionship, comfort, and support. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t require specialized training to perform specific tasks.

ESAs vs. Service Animals in Nebraska:

AspectEmotional Support Animals (ESAs)Service Animals
Training RequiredNo specialized training requiredMust be trained to perform specific disability-related tasks
SpeciesAny domestic animal (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, etc.)Dogs and miniature horses only
Public Access RightsNo public access rights in NebraskaFull access to public places under Neb. Rev. Stat. 20-127
Housing RightsProtected under federal Fair Housing ActProtected under FHA and Nebraska law
Air TravelTreated as pets (fees apply)Protected under Air Carrier Access Act
DocumentationESA letter from licensed mental health professional requiredNo certification required, but handlers may be asked two questions

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

Step 1: Qualify for an ESA

To qualify for an emotional support animal in Nebraska, you must:

  • Have a diagnosed mental or emotional disability (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.)
  • The disability must substantially limit one or more major life activities
  • A licensed mental health professional must determine that an ESA will help alleviate symptoms of your disability

Step 2: Consult with a Nebraska-Licensed Mental Health Professional

Only licensed mental health professionals can issue legitimate ESA letters in Nebraska. These professionals include:

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Psychiatrists (MD, DO)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

The provider must be licensed in Nebraska and have a legitimate therapeutic relationship with you. Instant online ESA letters without proper consultations are often fraudulent and may not be accepted by landlords.

Step 3: Obtain Your Nebraska ESA Letter

A valid ESA letter in Nebraska must include:

  • Provider’s name, license type, license number, and jurisdiction
  • Date of issuance (letters are valid for one year)
  • Statement that you have a mental or emotional disability
  • Explanation that the ESA is necessary to alleviate symptoms of your disability
  • Provider’s signature
  • Written on the provider’s official letterhead

Avoiding ESA Letter Scams

Unfortunately, many websites sell fake ESA letters and fraudulent “registrations” that have no legal standing. Protect yourself by avoiding:

  • Instant ESA certifications without consulting a licensed professional
  • ESA registries or databases (no official ESA registry exists)
  • ESA vests, IDs, or certificates sold as proof of legitimacy (these have no legal value)
  • Websites that don’t verify provider licenses in your state
  • Providers without legitimate patient relationships

Warning: Using a fraudulent ESA letter to gain housing accommodations may result in eviction, denial of future accommodation requests, and potential legal consequences. Under Nebraska law, misrepresenting an animal as a service animal or emotional support animal can result in fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Always ensure your ESA letter comes from a Nebraska-licensed mental health professional with whom you’ve had a legitimate consultation.

Use CertaPet for Convenient Online Consultations

CertaPet connects Nebraska residents with licensed mental health professionals for legitimate ESA evaluations. Our process ensures you receive a valid, landlord-approved ESA letter.

Understanding Your Nebraska ESA Housing Rights

Fair Housing Act & State Law Protections

State Law Overview

Nebraska does not have state-specific laws protecting emotional support animals in housing. However, Nebraska residents are fully protected under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires landlords and housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who need emotional support animals.

Under the Fair Housing Act, Nebraska landlords must provide these protections:

  • Housing access: Landlords must permit ESAs in rental housing, even in properties with “no pet” policies
  • No pet fees: Landlords cannot charge pet deposits, pet rent, or additional fees for ESAs (though tenants remain responsible for any damage caused by the animal)
  • No breed or size restrictions: Landlords cannot apply breed or weight restrictions to ESAs

How to Request an ESA Accommodation in Nebraska

To secure housing accommodations for your emotional support animal in Nebraska, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a legitimate ESA letter from a Nebraska-licensed mental health professional (LMHP).

2. Submit your ESA letter to your landlord or housing provider when requesting reasonable accommodation. Provide the letter before or shortly after moving in with your ESA.

3. Allow the landlord time to review your request. Housing providers may verify the letter’s authenticity by contacting your LMHP but cannot ask about specific details of your disability.

4. Maintain your ESA’s good behavior. You’re responsible for your animal’s actions, cleanliness, and any property damage. Landlords can deny or remove ESAs that pose safety threats or cause substantial property damage.

When Can a Landlord Deny an ESA in Nebraska?

While federal law requires reasonable accommodations, landlords may legally deny an ESA request in certain situations:

  • Direct threat to health or safety: The animal poses a genuine threat to other tenants or staff
  • Substantial property damage: The animal would cause significant damage that cannot be reasonably prevented
  • Undue financial or administrative burden: The accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the housing provider’s operations
  • Invalid documentation: The ESA letter is fraudulent, outdated, or from an unlicensed provider

Landlords cannot deny ESAs based solely on breed, size, or weight restrictions that apply to regular pets.

Enforcement & Filing Complaints

If you experience housing discrimination related to your emotional support animal in Nebraska, you can file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Kansas City Regional Office

Nebraska falls under HUD’s Kansas City Regional Office jurisdiction.

  • Phone: (913) 551-6958 or (800) 743-5323
  • TTY: (913) 551-6972
  • Address: Kansas City Regional Office of FHEO, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 400 State Avenue, Room 200, Kansas City, KS 66101-2406
  • Filing Deadline: One year from the date of discrimination
  • Website: hud.gov/fairhousing

HUD will investigate your complaint, and if they find reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred, they may pursue conciliation or hold a public hearing.

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

Contrary to service dogs, emotional support animals in Nebraska are not protected under the ADA, thus they do not benefit from generic public access rights. This means that when it comes to public spaces, ESAs in Nebraska can be denied entry. Businesses and establishments are within their legal rights to turn ESAs away unless they already implement pet-friendly policies. Below is a list of public places that can refuse ESAs in Nebraska.

Public Places

  • Restaurants and bars
  • Hotels and motels
  • Retail stores and shopping centers
  • Movie theaters and entertainment venues
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Public transportation (buses, taxis, Uber/Lyft)
  • Hospitals and medical facilities (except as patients)

Air Travel

  • Airlines now treat ESAs as regular pets under updated Department of Transportation regulations
  • Most airlines charge standard pet fees for ESAs
  • Support pets have to travel inside airline-approved carriers
  • ESAs may be required to travel in cargo if they exceed cabin size limits
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Workplace

  • Employers are not required to allow ESAs in Nebraska workplaces under the ADA
  • However, some employers may allow ESAs as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other disability laws; discuss this with your employer and HR department

Nebraska ESA Resources for Students in Campus Housing

Many Nebraska colleges and universities allow emotional support animals in campus housing for students with documented disabilities. Below are the ESA policies for major universities in the state.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln permits emotional support animals in University Housing through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office.

  • Students must request accommodation through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
  • Eligibility determined on a case-by-case basis
  • Must submit Disability Accommodations in University Housing Request form
  • Both student and mental health provider must complete required forms
  • SSD notifies applicants of approval or denial within 14 days after receiving completed forms
  • Complete request process several months prior to semester to enhance Housing’s ability to coordinate appropriate space
  • Approval process may take 2-4 weeks; submit before May 1 (fall semester) or November 15 (spring semester)
  • ESAs restricted to privately assigned student living accommodations (room, suite, or apartment)
  • ESAs NOT permitted in classrooms, dining halls, libraries, academic buildings, or other campus facilities
  • Must meet with resident directors before move-in regarding waste disposal and noise ordinances
  • Students responsible for ensuring animal is well-cared for at all times
  • University may require animal be removed if out of control, not housebroken, or poses safety threat

Contact: Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) – (402) 472-3787 or ssd@unl.edu

University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)

UNK permits assistance animals in University Housing through Disability Services.

  • Students must request accommodation through Disability Services Coordinator
  • Documentation from mental health professional showing disability and need for ESA required
  • No ESA may be kept in University Housing prior to receiving approval
  • Students found with unauthorized animals subject to disciplinary sanctions
  • University will not charge deposit or surcharge for approved ESAs
  • ESAs restricted to University Housing only
  • NOT permitted in other university facilities (dining, libraries, academic buildings, etc.)
  • Annual review may be required

Contact: Disability Services Coordinator at UNK

ESAs Resources for Nebraska Veterans

Federal & State Housing Protections

Veterans in Nebraska receive the same Fair Housing Act protections as all other residents. There are no special state ESA laws specifically for veterans, but veterans qualify for ESA housing accommodations just like any other Nebraska resident with a documented mental health condition.

VA Mental Health Services & ESA Letters

Nebraska veterans can access mental health services through the VA healthcare system. VA mental health providers licensed in Nebraska can issue valid ESA letters that meet Fair Housing Act requirements.

Key points for veterans:

  • Veterans receive same FHA housing protections as all residents
  • VA-connected mental health providers licensed in NE 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 NE-licensed providers for ESA evaluations

VA Facilities Offering Mental Health Evaluations:

  • Omaha VA Medical Center – 4101 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105-1850 – (800) 451-5796 – Main campus with 24/7 emergency department and comprehensive mental health services
  • Lincoln VA Clinic – 420 Victory Park Drive, Lincoln, NE 68510-2484 – (866) 851-6052 – Outpatient clinic with mental health care services
  • Grand Island VA Medical Center – 2201 North Broadwell Avenue, Grand Island, NE 68803-2153 – (866) 580-1810 – Primary care and mental health services

Additional Support:

  • Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs: (402) 471-2458
  • Lincoln Vet Center: Confidential counseling for PTSD, depression, MST, and transition support
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7 support)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my emotional support animal in Nebraska?

No. There is no official ESA registry in Nebraska 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 Nebraska-licensed mental health professional.

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

No. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords in Nebraska 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.

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

No. Emotional support animals do not have public access rights in Nebraska. Only service animals (animals individually trained to perform specific disability-related tasks) are allowed in public accommodations under Neb. Rev. Stat. 20-127. Attempting to bring an ESA into public places by falsely claiming it’s a service animal could result in criminal penalties up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Can I fly with my ESA in Nebraska?

No. Airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals under updated Department of Transportation regulations. 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 should I do if my landlord denies my ESA request in Nebraska?

First, ensure your ESA letter is legitimate and from a Nebraska-licensed mental health professional. If your documentation is valid and the landlord still denies your request without legal justification, file a complaint with HUD’s Kansas City Regional Office.

Can I have more than one ESA in Nebraska?

Yes, you can have multiple emotional support animals if your 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 law.

Does my ESA need special training in Nebraska?

No. Emotional support animals do not require any specialized training. Their therapeutic benefit comes from their presence and companionship, not from performing specific tasks. However, your ESA must be well-behaved and under your control at all times.

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

Under Nebraska law, misrepresenting an animal as a service animal or emotional support animal can result in fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Additionally, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1313 makes unlawful use of a white cane or guide dog a Class III misdemeanor.

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

Yes. To receive Fair Housing Act protections, you must have a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Without proper documentation, landlords can treat your animal as a regular pet and apply standard pet policies.

Can my landlord ask me about my disability in Nebraska?

Landlords can request documentation proving you have a disability and that your ESA is necessary to alleviate symptoms. However, they cannot ask for specific details about your diagnosis or medical history. Your ESA letter should provide sufficient information without disclosing private medical details.

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