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ESA Letter Wisconsin

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin provides strong housing protections under both federal and state law, ensuring residents with disabilities can live with their emotional support animals without facing discrimination.

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

⚠️ Warning: Wisconsin Service Animal Misrepresentation Penalties

Wisconsin is currently considering legislation (SB327/AB366) that would impose civil forfeitures for falsely representing an animal as a service animal in public places. Under the proposed law, first-time offenders would face fines up to $200 (or 20 hours of community service), while repeat offenders would face fines up to $500 (or 40 hours of community service). Additionally, healthcare providers who fraudulently issue ESA documentation could face fines of at least $500.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin ESA Owners

  • State housing law: Wisconsin Stat. § 106.50(2r) provides specific ESA protections alongside the federal Fair Housing Act
  • Strong housing rights: No pet deposits or fees, access to no-pet housing, protection from discrimination under both state and federal law
  • No public access rights: ESAs cannot enter restaurants, stores, hotels, or other public places (only service animals have public access under Wis. Stat. § 106.52)
  • Proposed misrepresentation penalties: Legislation pending with fines up to $200 (first offense) or $500 (subsequent offenses) for falsely claiming an animal is a service 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin:

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 (under ADA); any species under Wisconsin law
Public Access RightsNo public access rights in WisconsinFull access to public places under Wis. Stat. § 106.52
Housing RightsProtected under FHA and Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r)Protected under FHA and Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin ESA Letter (Step-by-Step) 

Step 1: Qualify for an ESA

To qualify for an emotional support animal in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin-Licensed Mental Health Professional

Only licensed mental health professionals can issue legitimate ESA letters in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin 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.
Under proposed legislation (SB327/AB366), healthcare providers would need at least a 30-day patient-provider relationship before issuing an ESA letter.

Step 3: Obtain Your Wisconsin ESA Letter

A valid ESA letter in Wisconsin 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 at least 30-day patient relationships (as proposed in Wisconsin legislation)

Warning: Using a fraudulent ESA letter to gain housing accommodations may result in eviction, denial of future accommodation requests, and potential legal consequences. If Wisconsin’s proposed legislation passes, healthcare providers who issue fraudulent ESA documentation could face fines of at least $500. Always ensure your ESA letter comes from a Wisconsin-licensed mental health professional with whom you’ve had a legitimate consultation.

Use CertaPet for Convenient Online Consultations

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

Understanding Your Wisconsin ESA Housing Rights

Fair Housing Act & State Law Protections

State Law Overview

Wisconsin has specific state laws protecting emotional support animals in housing. Under Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r), landlords and housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who need emotional support animals, even in properties with “no pet” policies.

Wisconsin’s fair housing law provides these key protections:

  • Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r)(br) Protection from discrimination: Landlords cannot deny housing, evict, or harass tenants due to an ESA
  • Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r)(bg): Landlords cannot charge pet fees or additional rent 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

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

1. Obtain a legitimate ESA letter from a Wisconsin-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?

While both federal and Wisconsin law require 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 Wisconsin, you can file a complaint with:

Wisconsin Equal Rights Division (ERD)

The Wisconsin Equal Rights Division of the Department of Workforce Development investigates housing discrimination complaints under Wisconsin’s fair housing law.

  • Phone: (608) 266-6860
  • Address: Equal Rights Division, Department of Workforce Development, Wisconsin
  • Filing Deadline: 1 year from the date of discrimination
  • Website: dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/civilrights/housing

Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council

For fair housing inquiries or complaints in Wisconsin, you can also contact the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council.

  • Phone: (414) 278-1240

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

  • Phone: (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY)
  • Filing Deadline: One year from the date of discrimination
  • Website: hud.gov/fairhousing

Both state and federal agencies will investigate your complaint, and if they find probable cause, they may pursue conciliation or hold a public hearing.

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

Contrary to service dogs, emotional support animals in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.

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 approve 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 Wisconsin 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

Wisconsin ESA Resources for Students in Campus Housing

Many Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison)

UW-Madison permits emotional support animals in University Housing through the McBurney Disability Resource Center.

Key Requirements:

  • Students must request accommodation through McBurney Disability Resource Center
  • Complete McBurney Connect application (students) or Division of Extension form (all others)
  • Must provide documentation from healthcare provider showing disability and disability-related need for ESA
  • ESAs restricted to student’s assigned room or apartment in University Housing
  • ESAs also permitted in “common areas” within assigned residence hall or apartment building (hallways, lobbies, community spaces)
  • ESAs must be leashed, crated, or caged when in common areas or outside owner’s assigned room
  • ESAs NOT permitted in other residents’ rooms/apartments, administrative offices, dining halls, or most other campus buildings
  • Must provide annual clean bill of health from veterinarian
  • Must have backup caregiver for emergencies
  • Students cannot leave ESA unattended for extended periods

Contact: McBurney Disability Resource Center – mcburney@wisc.edu

University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UW-Parkside)

UW-Parkside permits emotional support animals in University Housing through Student Accessibility Services.

Key Requirements:

  • Students must register for services through Student Accessibility Services
  • Must submit Public Accommodation Request form
  • Documentation required from physician, psychiatrist, social worker, or licensed mental health professional
  • Notify Student Accessibility Services at least 60 days prior to desired move-in date
  • Roommate must agree to ESA in shared room; if not, efforts made to find agreeable roommate
  • All requests subject to annual review
  • ESAs restricted to student’s dwelling in University Housing or outdoor areas where domesticated animals permitted
  • Housing can accommodate common household animals (dog, cat, small bird, rabbit, hamster, gerbil, fish, turtle, other small domesticated animal)
  • Tank sizes limited to 30 gallons
  • Reptiles (except turtles), barnyard animals, monkeys, kangaroos, and non-domesticated animals not considered common

Contact: Student Accessibility Services – 60 days advance notice required

ESA Resources for Wisconsin Veterans

Federal & State Housing Protections

Veterans in Wisconsin receive the same Fair Housing Act and Wisconsin fair housing law 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 Wisconsin resident with a documented mental health condition.

VA Mental Health Services & ESA Letters

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

Key points for veterans:

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

VA Facilities Offering Mental Health Evaluations:

  • William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital (Madison) – Serves 80,000+ Veterans across 19 counties in Wisconsin and Illinois
  • Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Milwaukee) – Comprehensive mental health services
  • Tomah VA Medical Center – (608) 372-3971 – Serves 26,000+ Veterans with outpatient clinics in La Crosse, Owen, Wausau, and Wisconsin Rapids

Additional Support:

  • Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs: (800) 947-8387
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7 support)

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

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my emotional support animal in Wisconsin?

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

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

No. Under both the Fair Housing Act and Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r)(bg)), landlords in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

No. Emotional support animals do not have public access rights in Wisconsin. Only service animals (animals individually trained to perform specific disability-related tasks) are allowed in public accommodations under Wis. Stat. § 106.52. Attempting to bring an ESA into public places by claiming it’s a service animal could result in penalties under proposed Wisconsin legislation.

Can I fly with my ESA in Wisconsin?

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 Wisconsin?

First, ensure your ESA letter is legitimate and from a Wisconsin-licensed mental health professional. If your documentation is valid and the landlord still denies your request without legal justification, file a complaint with the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division at (608) 266-6860 or HUD at (800) 669-9777.

Can I have more than one ESA in Wisconsin?

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 Wisconsin law.

Does my ESA need special training in Wisconsin?

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 Wisconsin?

Under proposed legislation (SB327/AB366), falsely representing an animal as a service animal would be subject to civil forfeitures up to $200 for a first offense (or 20 hours of community service) and up to $500 for subsequent offenses (or 40 hours of community service). This legislation is currently pending.

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

Yes. To receive Fair Housing Act and Wisconsin law 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.

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