Get Your Legit Emotional Support Animal Letter in California
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How to Get an ESA Letter in California Online?
The process to obtain online ESA letter in California starts with connecting with a licensed mental health professional who can determine if you qualify for an ESA and then write you an ESA letter if you do. The online process saves you the hassle of waiting in traffic or long lines for an in-person appointment. With a legitimate ESA Letter, you are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which means you can enjoy endless cuddles and make a zillion memories with your little furry friend at home without hassle. However, a new law, AB 468, requires California residents seeking an ESA letter to establish a client-provider relationship with the individual for at least 30 days before providing documentation.
Our Process: Fast, Easy, and Secure!
Schedule An Appointment
Create an account and schedule an appointment with a professional using our online form.
Build Patient Provider Relationship
Receive Your ESA Letter
Get approved and receive your ESA Letter signed by our professional in your email.
* The Health professional will firstly confirm your mental condition and if it’s suitable to have an emotional support animal. Secondly, they will monitor your mental health for the next 30 days and build a 30-day patient-provider relationship with you to finalize your need for an emotional support animal properly.
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What Our Customers Say!
Meet Our Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Dr. Stanford Purnall
Psychotherapy, LCSW
Dr. Stanford Purnall, LCSW, is a dedicated psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker with a passion for providing compassionate and culturally responsive care. With a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, Dr. Purnall specializes in working with children, young adults, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. He takes pride in his ability to understand and respect each client's unique perspective, fostering a therapeutic space where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to share their experiences openly. Dr. Purnall is committed to helping his clients achieve personal growth and emotional well-being through tailored, empathetic care.
Dr. Mary S Gaynor
Dr. Mary S. Gaynor is a compassionate clinical social worker dedicated to supporting children and their families through challenging emotional and behavioral issues. With expertise in helping children cope with nightmares, anxiety, and depression, Dr. Gaynor empowers both children and parents to address these struggles. She offers guidance to parents who may be feeling overwhelmed, fostering collaborative solutions to issues at home and school.
Dr. Robert Clendenin MD
Dr. Robert Clendenin, MD, is a board-certified physiatrist with extensive experience in internal medicine and general surgery. With over a decade of medical practice, Dr. Clendenin is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care through telemedicine. He emphasizes personalized, patient-centered care, ensuring each individual receives the attention and support they need. Known for his clear and effective communication, Dr. Clendenin is committed to addressing the unique needs of his patients, providing them with exceptional care from the convenience of their homes.
Dr. Karambir Khalsa
Dr. Karambir Khalsa is a skilled clinical psychologist who integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques to provide comprehensive care. His approach draws from client-centered psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and transpersonal psychology, allowing him to address the deeper aspects of psychological well-being. Dr. Khalsa also incorporates Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication framework to help clients effectively manage interpersonal conflict. His diverse expertise enables him to offer tailored therapeutic support that promotes emotional growth and positive relationships.
Dr. Hosam Atoom
Dr. Hosam Atoom is a highly experienced internist based in Edison, New Jersey, with affiliations at Mercy Health-Springfield Regional Medical Center and Comanche County Memorial Hospital. A graduate of Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Atoom has been practicing for 11-20 years. His dedication to providing quality healthcare is reflected in his strong clinical acumen and compassionate patient care. Dr. Atoom is committed to offering comprehensive medical services, ensuring his patients receive the best care across various healthcare settings.
What Does California Law Say About An Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides emotional support to a person diagnosed with an emotional disability. Various researches on mentally challenged individuals have indicated that a pet’s companionship can help you to deal with mental or emotional disorders. The California government also recognizes the needs of those requiring an ESA for their treatment. This is why the California state government has adopted the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), a federal law that offers special rights to ESAs and their owners.
To avoid the misrepresentation of an ESA, the Golden State has enforced a new provision. AB-468 requires patients to build a relationship with the doctor for at least one month. AB-468 not only filters out legitimate ESA owners, but ensures that individuals do not represent the ESA as a service animal.
Benefits of an Emotional Support Animal for California Residents
- Legal Protections:
In California, Emotional Support Animals and their owners are legally protected by FEHA. This law allows ESAs to share space with their owners while offering them love and companionship. - Protection against discrimination:
ESA owners hold the right to complain against any kind of discrimination in housing and employment opportunities. - Relief from stress and depression:
Depression and stress are two main difficulties that can badly impact our mental health, but an emotional support animal can help you overcome them. Many California residents claim that having an emotional support animal proved to be beneficial in mitigating the symptoms of their stress and depression. Petting an ESA also releases happy hormones in your body, uplifting your mood and enhancing your mental health. - Reduces the feeling of Isolation:
ESAs offer constant companionship, reducing feelings of isolation, especially for those who live alone or have limited social connections. Emotional Support Animals are valuable for California residents facing mental health challenges, as the consistent support of an ESA can alleviate the sense of loneliness.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act
The Golden state of California has legislated the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which is managed under the FHA. FEHA protects individuals against the policies enacted by both housing providers and employers. The Fair Employment and Housing Act sets California apart from every other state, as no other state protects individuals with mental health disabilities at work.
California ESA Laws protects the rights of people who have an emotional support animal for their emotional and mental disability and are seeking a reasonable accommodation for the same. FEHA identifies emotional support animals as a critical part of a person’s treatment, prohibiting any kind of discrimination against them and their owners.
FEHA applies to all sorts of housing, including rental apartment, leasing properties, terms and conditions, college dorms, Airbnb, etc. As per FEHA, if you are a landlord who is being asked to allow a person with a mental and emotional disability to live with their emotional support animal, the most you can do is ask for an ESA Letter as proof of their disability. To deny the request of an ESA owner, a landlord must provide suitable evidence to prove that the animal poses a threat to the other residents and animals.
The same goes for employers as well. If an employee provides proof of their disability, i.e., an ESA Letter from a licensed professional, the employers are required to make amendments to their workplace and make it pet-friendly.
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If not qualified, we offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.
AB-468 For Emotional Support Animals in California
In 2021, emotional support animals were trending, as there were no hard rules to get an ESA letter for an untrained pet. Many people claimed their ESAs to be a service animal as they were sold products for emotional support animals, stating that there is no difference between an ESA and a service animal. California became the first state to address this issue when they adopted AB-468, a law meant to halt fraudulent activities and businesses that claimed to provide emotional support animal letters quickly. AB-468 was passed on September 16, 2021, and became effective on January 1, 2022. AB-468 stated that it is essential for an individual to establish a 30-day patient-provider relationship with a professional before obtaining a written recommendation from them.
This law stated regulations for ESA certifications, ID, tag, vest, leash, or harness, providing individuals and businesses. AB-468 cleared that the certifications, ID, tags, vest, leash, or harness are for an emotional support animal and cannot provide the ESA with similar rights as a guide, signal, or service dog. Similarly, Intentional and false claims to be an owner or coach of a guard, service, or signal dog will be a violation of Section 365.7 of the Penal Code.
AB-468 also made it clear for the health professional to write recommendation while following the mandatory instructions.
- A professional should possess a valid license, and the letter should includes the effective date, license number, jurisdiction, and type of professional license.
- A professional should be licensed to provide professional services within the scope of the license in the jurisdiction.
- A professional should establish a patient-provider relationship with the individual for at least 30 days before providing the ESA Letter.
- A professional should complete clinical evaluation of the individual regarding the need for an emotional support dog.
- A professional should provide a verbal or written notice to the individual that, knowingly and fraudulently representing oneself to be the owner or trainer of any canine licensed as, to be qualified as, or identified as, a guide, signal, or service dog is a misdemeanor violation of Section 365.7 of the Penal Code.
Unruh Civil Rights Act
California Disabled Persons Act (CDPA)
California’s legislation has passed this act which indicates that the individuals with disabilities or medical conditions are free to use the streets, sidewalks, highways, or other public places.
How To Get A Psychiatric Service Dog In California?
To get a Psychiatric Service Dog in California, an individual requires a recommendation from a licensed medical health professional doctor stating they are taking therapeutic advantages of a Psychiatric Service Dog for their mental well-being.
A Psychiatric Service Dog is trained to carry out one or more tasks specifically related to its owner’s disability. These Psychiatric Service Dogs are protected under federal laws, which gives them the right to accompany their owners everywhere, including the ‘non-pet allowed’ areas.
A doctor may ask you about your mental health condition and the duties a Psychiatric Service Dog performs for you! If the therapist finds your mental illness genuine, they will write a PSD letter for you.
To obtain a Psychiatric Service Dog letter online In California, you can also apply here, and get evaluated by a licensed mental health professional and get a PSD letter from the ease of your home.
Why California ESA Parents Trust Fast ESA Letter?
Fast ESA Letter Telemedicine portal has made the process easier for you. We offer a streamlined solution to find if you are eligible for an emotional support animal. We connect you with licensed mental health professionals who carry our evaluations adhering to latest ESA Laws in California. Our telemedicine solution ensures that you don’t leave you home, spend extra on appointments, or run behind your schedules.
HIPAA Compliant
Money-back Guarantee
AB-468 Compliant
Accepted by Landlords
We Assist in Verifications
FHA Compliant
Our ESA and PSD Letter Strictly adhere to Fair Housing Policies. In case, you face any kind of trouble, you can turn to HUD with your legitimate ESA or PSD Letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For an Emotional Support Animal in California?
To qualify for an emotional support animal in California, you need to have one or more emotional or mental disabilities stated suitable for an emotional support animal assistance as per DSM-V. Under these conditions, a state-licensed health professional can qualify your application for an ESA letter.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic Attacks
- ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder
- Substance-related disorders (alcohol, drugs)
- OCD- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Phobias
- PTSD-Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Learning Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Sexual disorder
- Developmental coordination disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Autism and many more
Are ESA Registration Databases recognized in California?
Many ESA companies in California mislead patients and sell the with ESA Registries in order to maximize their profits. In reality, there is no legal registry or certification for ESAs at the federal or state level. A valid ESA letter is the only recognized documentation.
Do I Need a Vest For The Identification of My Emotional Support Animal in California?
It is a common myth among Californians that their emotional support animal needs vest for identification. While some owners choose to use vests as a visual cue, there is no legal requirement for ESAs to wear a vest.
How Many Emotional Support Animals Can I Have in California?
There is no limit on the number of emotional support animals you can adopt in California. However, each pet should help you overcome at least one disability on a daily basis. Apart from that, it is essential for you to have the resources and space to accommodate enough animals.
Who Can Prescribe an Emotional Support Animal in California?
In California, licensed mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and therapists, can prescribe an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) for you. These professionals can provide the necessary documentation (ESA letter) to individuals who qualify for an emotional support animal based on a diagnosed mental health condition
Do Schools in California Allow Emotional Support Animals?
Since schools do not fall under the term ‘dwelling,’ they don’t have any legal obligation to follow fair housing rules and allow emotional support animals on campuses. Hereby, it is advisable to check the school policies before taking your emotional support animal with you.
Do Restaurants Allow Emotional Support Animals in California?
In California, only service animals have the right to access public places alongside their owners. Emotional support animals are untrained pets, so restaurants hold the right to deny entry to them. It is advisable to check the restaurant policy before entering and request permission for your emotional support animal.
Can Hotels Reject My Emotional Support Animal in California?
Any hotel located in the State of California may or may not accept your emotional support animal since they do not possess the same rights and legal protections as service animals.
If you have an ESA Letter, you can present it to the hotel before you check in and request them to make a reasonable accommodation. Most hotels are pet-friendly and may accept your request.
Is Online ESA Letter Legal in California?
Yes, as long as the professional is licensed in the state of California and is able to build a patient-provider relationship with you for a minimum period of 30 days, it is entirely legal to obtain ESA certification online. You can apply on the Fast ESA Letter. Our ESA letters are legitimate, signed, and approved by state-licensed health professionals.
Can My ESA Letter Be From A Different State In California?
How to Get an ESA Letter in California?
In the first step, you will schedule an appointment with our doctor. After that, you will consult with a licensed professional. If the health professional finds your application suitable to have an ESA letter, you will receive an ESA letter via email.
In California, you will need to establish a patient-provider relationship with a doctor for at least 30 days before obtaining an ESA letter.
When Can a Landlord Legally Reject an ESA in California?
Can You Legally Ask for Proof of Service Dogs in California?
Can a Landlord Deny an ESA Letter in California?
No, landlords cannot deny a valid ESA letter under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). However, they may reject requests if the ESA poses a direct threat, causes significant property damage, or if the ESA letter is not from a licensed mental health professional with whom the tenant has had at least a 30-day treatment relationship. Without meeting this requirement, the landlord has the right to deny the accommodation request.
How Much Does An ESA Letter Cost In California?
The cost of an ESA letter in California typically ranges between $100 and $250, depending on the provider you choose. It is essential to select a legitimate service that connects you with a licensed mental health professional to ensure your ESA letter is valid. Fast ESA Letter offers a legitimate ESA letter for $149, providing an affordable and reliable option.
Do You Have To Pay Pet Deposit For ESA California?
No, landlords in California cannot charge pet deposits or extra fees for emotional support animals (ESAs). Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and California law, ESAs are considered assistance animals, exempt from standard pet policies. However, tenants are responsible for any damages caused by the animal.
Do You Get Your Pet Deposit Back In California?
Can An Employer Deny An Emotional Support Animal In California?
Do ESA Letters Expire In California?
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed In Stores In California?
No, ESAs do not have public access rights like service animals, meaning stores are not obligated to allow them. However, some pet-friendly businesses may choose to accommodate ESAs at their discretion. Always check the store’s policy beforehand to avoid any issues.
Do I Have To Tell My Landlord I Have An ESA In California?
Are Ferrets Legal in California?
How To Register Your Dog As An Emotional Support Animal In California?
How To Register Your Cat As An Emotional Support Animal In California?
There is no official ESA registration process, but obtaining a valid ESA letter from a licensed therapist is necessary. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require training, but your cat should be well-behaved in a housing environment. Be wary of sites that falsely claim registration is a legal requirement.
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