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ESA Letter Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico and rely on an emotional support animal (ESA), understanding your rights as a U.S. territory resident is essential to protecting your housing accommodations. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico follows federal Fair Housing Act protections, meaning ESA owners have the same housing rights as residents in the 50 states. However, Puerto Rico also has specific territorial regulations regarding animal health, breed restrictions, and import requirements that ESA owners must understand and follow.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything Puerto Rico residents need to know about emotional support animals: federal Fair Housing Act protections, territorial animal regulations, your housing rights, the proper process for securing legitimate documentation, and crucial information about where ESAs are and aren’t permitted in Puerto Rico.

Warning: Puerto Rico Has Strict Animal Health and Breed Regulations

Puerto Rico enforces territorial animal welfare laws with significant penalties. Under Puerto Rico animal protection statutes, violations of animal health regulations and banned breed laws can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months. Additionally, misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal to gain access to public places is illegal and can result in legal consequences. Puerto Rico also maintains breed-specific legislation that prohibits certain dog breeds from entering or remaining on the island, which may affect your ESA eligibility.

Key Takeaways for Puerto Rico ESA Owners

  • Emotional support animals are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) in Puerto Rico, which provides them strong housing rights and requires landlords to accommodate legitimate ESAs
  • Must use Puerto Rico-licensed mental health professional: Your ESA letter should come from a mental health professional licensed in Puerto Rico to ensure acceptance by landlords
  • No pet fees or deposits: Properly documented ESAs in Puerto Rico housing are exempt from pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits under FHA
  • Breed restrictions apply: Puerto Rico maintains breed-specific legislation prohibiting certain dog breeds, which may affect ESA housing accommodations and air travel
  • Import requirements: Animals entering Puerto Rico must comply with specific vaccination, health certificate, and disease testing requirements
  • No public access rights: ESAs cannot enter restaurants, stores, hotels, or most public places in Puerto Rico unless they have pet-friendly policies
  • No free air travel: Airlines have treated ESAs as regular pets since 2021, subject to standard pet fees and carrier requirements
  • Workplace access not guaranteed: Employers in Puerto Rico maintain discretion over workplace ESA accommodations under federal ADA guidelines

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What is a Puerto Rico Emotional Support Animal?

In Puerto Rico, emotional support animals are regulated under federal law: specifically the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Puerto Rico has no separate territorial ESA legislation beyond federal protections. An emotional support animal in Puerto Rico is an animal that provides therapeutic benefits to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities through companionship and presence, without requiring specialized training to perform specific disability-related tasks.

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico residents receive the same federal Fair Housing Act protections as residents of the 50 states. This means Puerto Rico landlords, property managers, HOAs, and housing providers must comply with FHA requirements for reasonable accommodations for assistance animals, including ESAs.

ESA vs. Service Dog in Puerto Rico (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 PRHousing (Federal FHA)Housing, public access, employment (Federal ADA)
Public PlacesGenerally treated as a petMust be allowed under ADA
AirlinesTreated as a pet (fees apply)Must be allowed as service animal
Housing Pet FeesNo pet fees for valid ESAsNo fees
Provider RelationshipNo mandatory waiting periodNot applicable
Clinical EvaluationRequired before issuing ESA letterNot applicable
Identification RequiredESA letter only (registrations NOT valid)No specific identification required by federal law
Puerto Rico-Specific RequirementsMust comply with PR vaccination and import requirementsMust comply with PR animal health regulations

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

Step 1: Work With a Puerto Rico-Licensed Mental Health Professional

Your ESA letter in Puerto Rico should be issued by a licensed mental health professional in Puerto Rico. This includes:

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

Important: While federal Fair Housing Act regulations don’t explicitly require your provider to be licensed in Puerto Rico specifically, working with a Puerto Rico-licensed mental health professional ensures your documentation is accepted by landlords and avoids potential challenges to your accommodation request.

If you recently moved to Puerto Rico and have an ESA letter from another state, it’s strongly recommended that you work with a Puerto Rico-licensed provider to ensure compliance and avoid landlord disputes.

Step 2: Complete Clinical Evaluation

Your mental health professional must:

  • Conduct a clinical evaluation of your mental or emotional disability
  • Assess how your condition substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • Determine whether an ESA is necessary to alleviate symptoms or provide therapeutic benefit
  • Establish knowledge of your disability through professional assessment

Step 3: Receive Your Puerto Rico ESA Letter

A legitimate Puerto Rico ESA letter should include:

  • Provider’s credentials: Full name, license type, license number, and jurisdiction of licensure (Puerto Rico)
  • Written on professional letterhead: Official letterhead with provider’s contact information
  • Statement of disability: Confirmation that you have a mental or emotional disability (specific diagnosis not required for housing under FHA)
  • Therapeutic necessity: Explanation that the animal provides necessary support to alleviate disability-related symptoms
  • Clinical basis: Indication that the provider has conducted a clinical evaluation and has professional knowledge of your condition
  • Identification of the animal: Clear statement that a specific animal provides emotional support necessary for your wellbeing
  • Date and signature: Current date, provider’s signature, and contact information
  • Housing accommodation statement: Clear indication that the ESA is necessary as a reasonable accommodation in housing

Important: ESA Letter Validity and Renewal

ESA letters are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. To maintain your ESA housing privileges in Puerto Rico, you should 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.

Step 4: Ensure Your Animal Complies with Puerto Rico Requirements

In addition to obtaining a valid ESA letter, you must ensure your animal complies with Puerto Rico’s territorial regulations:

Vaccination Requirements:

  • Current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian
  • Other vaccinations as required by Puerto Rico Department of Health
  • Proof of vaccination must be available upon request

Import Requirements (if bringing animal to Puerto Rico):

  • Official health certificate from licensed veterinarian (issued within 10-15 days of travel)
  • Proof of rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel, but not more than 12 months)
  • Additional testing may be required for certain diseases
  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection may be required

Breed Restrictions:

  • Puerto Rico maintains breed-specific legislation prohibiting certain dog breeds
  • Banned breeds may not be permitted even with valid ESA documentation
  • Check current Puerto Rico breed restrictions before obtaining an ESA

Step 5: Avoid Fake Registries, Fraudulent Documentation, and Online Scams

Federal Fair Housing Act protections are based on legitimate clinical evaluations, not purchased registrations or certificates. Red flags to watch out for:

  • Sites promising instant letters with no genuine evaluation
  • “Official” ESA registries or certification databases (these don’t exist and are NOT recognized under federal law)
  • Providers who never ask about your mental health history or therapeutic needs
  • Pre-printed certificates or ID cards 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 without valid Puerto Rico licenses
  • Any service claiming Puerto Rico has special ESA registration requirements

The truth: ESA registrations, certificates, ID cards, and vests are neither legally required nor recognized under Puerto Rico or federal law. The only valid documentation is an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional who has conducted a clinical evaluation.

CertaPet connects you with licensed mental health professionals in Puerto Rico who conduct genuine clinical evaluations and provide documentation that meets federal Fair Housing Act standards.

Understanding Your Puerto Rico ESA Housing Rights

Puerto Rico ESAs are protected in housing by:

What Landlords, HOAs, and Property Managers Must Do

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers in Puerto Rico MUST:

  • Make reasonable accommodations for tenants with legitimate ESA documentation
  • Waive “no pets” policies for ESAs with valid documentation
  • Allow ESAs without charging pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits
  • Consider ESA requests on an individualized basis, not based solely on breed or size
  • Provide written responses to accommodation requests
  • Evaluate requests and reliable supporting documentation that meets FHA standards

What You’re Still Responsible For

  • Animal care and supervision: Ensuring your ESA is well-behaved and under control
  • Property damage: Any actual damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by the animal
  • Vaccination compliance: Maintaining current vaccinations as required by Puerto Rico law
  • Licensing: Complying with local pet licensing requirements when applicable
  • Cleaning: Proper cleanup and sanitation related to your ESA
  • Nuisance prevention: Ensuring your ESA doesn’t create ongoing disturbances or safety threats

When Can a Puerto Rico Landlord Deny Your ESA Request?

Under federal Fair Housing Act guidelines, housing providers can deny an ESA request if:

  • Direct threat: The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced through reasonable measures
  • Substantial property damage: The animal would cause substantial physical damage to the property that cannot be mitigated
  • Undue burden: Allowing the animal would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the housing program
  • Inadequate documentation: The documentation doesn’t meet FHA requirements or is fraudulent
  • No disability established: The documentation doesn’t establish both a disability and a disability-related need for the animal
  • Unlicensed provider: Documentation is not from a licensed healthcare provider with professional knowledge of your condition
  • Fake documentation: Documentation relies on generic registrations, online certificates, or identification cards
  • Breed prohibition: The specific animal is a breed prohibited under Puerto Rico’s breed-specific legislation
  • Vaccination non-compliance: You fail to provide proof of vaccination when requested
  • Small landlord exemption: Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units may be exempt from FHA requirements

If You Believe You’ve Been Wrongly Denied

You can file a complaint with:

  • HUD San Juan Office: (787) 766-5400 or toll-free (800) 669-9777
  • Online complaint: Visit HUD.gov and file electronically
  • Filing deadline: You have one year from the date of discrimination to file with HUD
  • Legal assistance: Puerto Rico Legal Services or fair housing organizations

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

Public Places: Stores, Restaurants, Hotels

The reality: ESAs do NOT have public access rights under federal ADA law or Puerto Rico regulations, only service dogs do. So, businesses in Puerto Rico may treat ESAs as regular pets.

  • Hotels: May refuse ESAs unless they have pet-friendly policies (though many pet-friendly hotels may waive fees with ESA documentation)
  • Restaurants and cafés: Only service animals are allowed; ESAs can be excluded
  • Stores and shops: Business owners have complete discretion to allow or deny ESAs
  • Beaches and resorts: Subject to individual property policies; ESAs treated as pets

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

Important: Misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal to gain public access is illegal and can result in legal consequences.

Air Travel

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

  • Most major carriers (United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest) now treat ESAs as regular pets
  • ESAs are subject to pet fees (typically $95-$150 each way)
  • Must travel in airline-approved carriers that fit under the seat (for small animals)
  • Size and breed restrictions may apply and vary by airline
  • Breed bans: Some airlines have additional breed restrictions that may affect Puerto Rico ESAs
  • International travel: Additional requirements apply when traveling between Puerto Rico and other countries

Important for Puerto Rico residents: When traveling between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland, be aware of both airline pet policies and any applicable import/export requirements.

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Public Transportation, Parks, and Beaches

Public transportation:

  • ESAs are not permitted on Puerto Rico public buses, tren urbano (urban train), or other public transit under service animal policies
  • Some systems may allow small ESAs in carriers under general pet policies
  • Always check with your specific transit provider

Puerto Rico parks and beaches:

  • Many public beaches in Puerto Rico are pet-friendly and may welcome ESAs under regular pet policies
  • Leash laws apply (varies by municipality)
  • El Yunque National Forest and other protected areas have specific pet restrictions
  • Always check specific park and beach regulations before visiting
  • Clean-up laws are strictly enforced

Puerto Rico ESA Rules for the Workplace

ESAs do not have automatic workplace access rights in Puerto Rico. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must provide “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities. However:

  • The ADA only protects service animals explicitly in the workplace, not ESAs in Puerto Rico
  • 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 Puerto Rico?

Yes, you can request it, but your employer can legally deny it. Federal case law confirms that employees do not have a legal right to bring emotional support animals to work under the ADA.

Your request may be stronger if:

  • You have a documented mental health disability
  • A licensed Puerto Rico 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

Puerto Rico ESA Resources for Students in Campus Housing

University and College Housing

College and university housing in Puerto Rico falls under federal FHA jurisdiction, meaning ESAs are allowed as reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. However, their access is limited to 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:

  1. Contact your school’s Disability Services office or Student Accessibility office (not housing departments initially)
  2. Provide ESA documentation from a qualified Puerto Rico-licensed mental health provider
  3. Follow the approval process and any requirements (vaccinations, behavioral standards, designated areas, local licensing)
  4. Comply with Puerto Rico’s animal health regulations and vaccination requirements

Puerto Rico schools with documented ESA policies:

Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry (Bayamón):

  • ESAs permitted in University Housing through established accommodation process
  • School maintains official “Housing Manual for Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals”
  • Students must request accommodation and receive approval BEFORE bringing animal to campus
  • Must comply with Puerto Rico animal health regulations, vaccination requirements, and licensing
  • ESAs restricted to student housing only (privately assigned residential areas)
  • ESAs NOT permitted in classrooms, laboratories, optometry clinics, libraries, or other academic buildings
  • Animals must be contained within privately assigned residential area at all times except when transported in carriers
  • Contact: Housing Office – housing@opto.inter.edu or (787) 906-5937

University of Puerto Rico System (Multiple campuses including Río Piedras, Mayagüez, Arecibo, Utuado):

  • ESAs permitted in campus housing through disability services offices
  • Must comply with federal Fair Housing Act standards
  • Students must request accommodation before bringing animal to campus
  • Documentation from Puerto Rico-licensed mental health professional required
  • Must meet Puerto Rico vaccination and animal health requirements
  • ESAs restricted to residential housing areas only
  • ESAs NOT permitted in classrooms, laboratories, libraries, or other academic facilities
  • Contact: Campus-specific disability services or student affairs offices

Universidad Ana G. Méndez System (Multiple campuses including Gurabo campus):

  • ESAs permitted in campus housing through appropriate accommodation request
  • Must comply with federal Fair Housing Act requirements
  • Students must provide valid ESA documentation from qualified provider
  • Must follow campus-specific approval processes
  • Contact: Campus disability services offices

Note: Most Puerto Rico universities follow federal Fair Housing Act guidelines for campus housing accommodations. Students should contact their specific campus disability services office well in advance (ideally 60 days before moving in) to initiate the accommodation request process.

Puerto Rico ESA Resources for Veterans

Federal Housing Protections for Puerto Rico Veterans

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

VA Mental Health Services & ESA Letters

Puerto Rico veterans can access comprehensive mental health services through the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, which serves Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. VA mental health providers licensed in Puerto Rico can issue valid ESA letters that meet federal Fair Housing Act requirements.

Key points for Puerto Rico veterans:

  • Veterans receive the same FHA protections as all residents
  • VA-connected mental health providers licensed in Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico-licensed providers for ESA evaluations
  • No 30-day relationship requirement in Puerto Rico (unlike California, Iowa, Arkansas, Montana, or Louisiana)
  • Be aware of Puerto Rico’s breed bans and import requirements when obtaining an ESA

VA Caribbean Healthcare System Facilities Offering Mental Health Evaluations:

San Juan VA Medical Center (Main Facility)

  • Address: 10 Calle Casia, San Juan, PR 00921-3201
  • Main Phone: (787) 641-7582
  • Mental Health: (787) 641-4405
  • Services: Comprehensive mental health services including individual and group therapy, PTSD treatment, psychiatric care, MST (military sexual trauma) counseling, substance abuse treatment, depression and anxiety care, and suicide prevention programs
  • Coverage: Serves veterans throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Special Programs: Same-day mental health services available for urgent needs

VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics with Mental Health Services:

  • Arecibo VA Clinic – Avenida Víctor Rojas II, Hospital Metropolitano, Zona Industrial Carrizal 9, Arecibo, PR 00616 – Mental health services available
  • Ponce VA Clinic – 1010 Paseo Del Veterano, Ponce, PR 00716-2001 – Mental health services available
  • Mayagüez VA Clinic – 345 Avenida Hostos, Mayagüez, PR 00680-1507 – Mental health services available
  • Ceiba VA Clinic – PR-3, Kilometers 54.9, Lot 3 Pueblo Ward, Ceiba, PR 00735 – Mental health and primary care services
  • Guayama VA Clinic – 850 Calle Arnaldo Bristol, FISA Building, 1st Floor, Suite 1, Guayama, PR 00784-6876 – Mental health services available

Additional Support for Puerto Rico Veterans:

  • San Juan Vet Center – Behind San Patricio Mall, Guaynabo, PR – (787) 749-4409 – Confidential counseling for PTSD, depression, MST, readjustment challenges, and substance abuse in a non-medical, community setting
  • VA Health Connect: 24/7 access to clinical and administrative services for veterans
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7 support available in English and Spanish)
  • Puerto Rico Veterans Affairs: State-level veteran services and benefit assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get an ESA letter in Puerto Rico?

Unlike states such as California, Iowa, Arkansas, Montana, and Louisiana, Puerto Rico does NOT have a mandatory 30-day waiting period. You can receive your Puerto Rico ESA letter as soon as a licensed mental health professional conducts a clinical evaluation and determines you have a disability and disability-related need for an ESA. This can potentially happen in a single consultation, though some providers may require follow-up appointments. CertaPet typically delivers ESA letters within 24-48 hours after approval.

Can my landlord charge pet rent or a pet deposit for my ESA?

No. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for ESAs in Puerto Rico. However, you’re still financially responsible for actual physical damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by your animal. Your landlord can also require proof of current vaccinations as mandated by Puerto Rico animal health regulations.

Are there breed or weight limits for ESAs in Puerto Rico housing?

Under the Fair Housing Act, breed and weight limits that apply to pets generally cannot be applied to ESAs. Housing decisions must be individualized to the specific animal, not based on breed stereotypes or blanket policies. However, Puerto Rico maintains breed-specific legislation that prohibits certain dog breeds from being on the island. Even with valid ESA documentation, landlords may deny ESAs that are prohibited breeds under Puerto Rico territorial law. Check current Puerto Rico breed restrictions before obtaining an ESA.

Can my landlord deny my ESA in Puerto Rico?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances:

  • Your documentation doesn’t meet FHA requirements or is fraudulent
  • Your documentation relies on generic registrations, online certificates, or ID cards
  • You don’t meet disability requirements under FHA
  • You refuse to provide valid documentation when legitimately requested
  • Your documentation is from an unlicensed provider or lacks clinical basis
  • The animal poses a direct threat that can’t be mitigated
  • The animal would cause substantial property damage that cannot be reduced
  • You fail to provide proof of vaccination as required by Puerto Rico law
  • The animal is a breed prohibited under Puerto Rico’s breed-specific legislation
  • Your landlord qualifies for small landlord exemption (owner-occupied, four or fewer units)
Do I have to register my ESA in Puerto Rico or get a special ID?

No. There is no official Puerto Rico ESA registry, and federal law doesn’t require ESA registration. Generic ESA registrations, online certificates, and identification cards are NOT legally recognized and hold NO legal value under the Fair Housing Act. The only required documentation is a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (ideally licensed in Puerto Rico) who has conducted a clinical evaluation of your disability and need for the animal.

Does my ESA need special training in Puerto Rico?

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

  • Be under your control at all times
  • 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
  • Meet vaccination requirements as mandated by Puerto Rico Department of Health
  • Comply with local licensing requirements when applicable
Can I have more than one ESA in Puerto Rico?

Yes. Federal HUD guidance acknowledges that some individuals may need more than one assistance animal. Each ESA should be accompanied by documentation from a licensed mental health professional explaining the disability-related need for that specific animal. Landlords can consider whether multiple ESAs would create an undue burden, pose safety concerns, or cause significant property damage, but cannot deny solely based on the number of animals.

Does my clinician need to be licensed in Puerto Rico?

While federal Fair Housing Act regulations don’t explicitly require your provider to be licensed in Puerto Rico specifically, it is strongly recommended that you work with a Puerto Rico-licensed mental health professional. This ensures your documentation is accepted by landlords without challenge and demonstrates that your provider has appropriate jurisdiction to practice in Puerto Rico. Out-of-state ESA letters may face additional scrutiny from Puerto Rico housing providers.

What are Puerto Rico's requirements for bringing an animal onto the island?

If you’re bringing an ESA to Puerto Rico from the U.S. mainland or other locations, you must comply with Puerto Rico’s import requirements:

  • Rabies vaccination: Current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months before
  • Health certificate: Official certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10-15 days of travel
  • Disease testing: May be required for certain diseases depending on origin
  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection: May be required for domestic travel
  • Breed restrictions: Certain dog breeds are prohibited in Puerto Rico
  • Other animals: Ferrets and some exotic animals may be prohibited; check current regulations
What happens if I use fraudulent ESA documentation in Puerto Rico?

Providing fraudulent ESA documentation can have serious consequences:

  • Housing denial or revocation: Landlords can deny or revoke housing accommodations
  • Potential eviction: If fraud is discovered after move-in
  • Financial liability: Liability for any fees or damages
  • Loss of credibility: Damage to future accommodation requests
  • Legal consequences: Misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal for public access is illegal
  • Territorial penalties: Violations of Puerto Rico animal laws can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months
Can I fly with my ESA to or from Puerto Rico?

No. As of January 2021, airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs under the Air Carrier Access Act. ESAs are now treated as regular pets and subject to:

  • Standard pet fees (typically $95-$150 each way)
  • Size restrictions and carrier requirements
  • Breed restrictions (varies by airline)
  • Limited availability (some flights don’t allow pets in cabin)

Only psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) that are individually trained to perform disability-related tasks qualify for in-cabin accommodations without fees.

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