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Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter Sample

An ESA letter should include details such as your name, the therapist’s credentials, a confirmation of your emotional or mental disability, and the role your emotional support animal plays in your treatment. It must be signed by a licensed mental health professional.
Robert Clendenin MD
Medically Reviewed by Robert Clendenin, MD

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Finding a pet-friendly apartment can be hard enough, and for many individuals with mental health challenges, it can feel nearly impossible. Fortunately, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) can offer invaluable companionship and emotional support, making a significant difference in people’s lives. However, to ensure your companion animal is legally recognized and you can live peacefully together, a legitimate ESA letter is crucial. Fake ESA letters are a growing problem, and this guide will help you avoid scams and navigate the process smoothly.

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Free Sample ESA Letter & Guide (Therapist-Approved)

[Date]

NAME OF PROFESSIONAL (therapist, physician, psychiatrist, rehabilitation counselor)

ADDRESS

Dear [HOUSING AUTHORITY/LANDLORD]:

[Patient Full Name] is my patient and is currently under my care. I have been assessing their condition since [Date] and have become intimately familiar with their emotional disability over time. Due to this disability, [Patient Name] experiences limited functionality in day-to-day activities, which we consider significant.

I have prescribed an emotional support animal to help alleviate the symptoms of their condition. This animal’s presence and companionship are considered necessary for [Patient Name] ‘s quality of life and for improving their condition by reducing the symptoms that they experience. Upon request, I will share citations to relevant studies and would be happy to answer other questions you may have concerning my recommending [FULL NAME OF TENANT] have an emotional support animal. Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Signature

[NAME OF PROFESSIONAL]

Understanding Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

A close-up of a person gently holding and comforting a content Labrador Retriever, illustrating the emotional support provided by animals with the help of an ESA letter.

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a domesticated animal that offers therapeutic benefits such as emotional support, comfort, and companionship to people experiencing mental or emotional health conditions. An ESA does not require training. Their presence can provide relief from the signs of a disability.
Almost any domesticated animal, including cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, ferrets, and others, can qualify as an ESA.

Promotion for getting an ESA letter with a happy family and dog

Types of ESAs

While commonly thought of as dogs, a wide range of domesticated animals can qualify as ESAs, including:

  • Dogs: Probably the most common type of pets, dogs are loyal and can provide comfort in times of stress.
  • Cats: Cats are well known for their ability to make people feel relaxed and even purring can help to alleviate stress.
  • Small Animals: Small animals such as hamsters or guinea pigs can be easy pets for people with little space to live in.
  • Birds: The singing and communication with birds can be inspiring and help to fight loneliness.
  • Unconventional Choices: Despite the fact that miniature pigs or hedgehogs cannot be considered traditional pet animals, they can become ESAs if the person has the necessary documentation. 

Emotional Support Animal vs Service Animal

While both ESAs and service animals offer companionship and support, there are key distinctions:

  • Training: Emotional support animals do not have to go through the same training as service animals because they do not perform tasks that are directly related to the person’s disability. ESAs do not need any training.
  • Public Access Rights: Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted in most places where service animals are allowed such as restaurants and airplanes. In general, ESA do not have the same public access rights, the only area where an ESA letter provides legal rights is in the area of housing under the FHA.

What are the Benefits of Having an Emotional Support Animal?

Studies suggest that ESAs can offer a variety of emotional and psychological benefits, including:

  • Reduced Anxiety and Stress: The presence of an ESA can reduce anxiety and stress levels.
  • Improved Mood: Spending time with an ESA can help improve one’s mood and fight off depression.
  • Increased Socialization: ESAs can help with social interaction with other people especially for those who have social anxiety disorder.
  • Improved Physical Health: Research indicates that people who engage in petting animals have reduced blood pressure and better physical health.

Legitimate ESA Letters: What They Include & Why You Need One?

A sample Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter, demonstrating the format and details provided by Fast ESA Letter for housing accommodations.

An ESA letter is the legal document proving an individual has a mental or emotional health disability and that an ESA is part of their treatment plan. It distinguishes an ESA from a pet. With this ESA letter, support animals get legal protection under Federal laws, giving them certain rights and privileges.

A legitimate ESA letter typically includes:

  • Patient Info: Name, disability confirmation.
  • Legal Basis: Laws supporting disability qualification.
  • Treatment Plan: Role of ESA in patient’s care.
  • Therapist Credentials: Name, license type, issue date, and state.

Why You Should Get an ESA Letter?

  • Secures Housing with Your ESA: An ESA letter enables you to live with your ESA even in buildings that do not allow pets. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) landlords cannot reject your application or demand additional pet fees/deposits for your ESA.
  • Improves Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: An ESA letter recognizes your mental health condition and the role your animal plays in your treatment process. This can help in improving the living environment and the support that is offered to the individuals.
  • Peace of Mind: A valid ESA letter helps to avoid any housing issues that may arise in the future. It guarantees your right to live comfortably with your pet.
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What are the Legal Protections Provided by ESA Letters?

An ESA letter gives you the right to live with your support animal, even in buildings that have no-pet policies. With a valid ESA letter, anyone with a mental disability is protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). It states that the landlords must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This means that a landlord can not discriminate against an individual who needs to live with an emotional support animal (ESA) due to their disability. The landlords cannot deny the assistance of animals due to their size, breed, age, etc. Moreover, you can live with your ESA without paying additional pet fees or deposits. The act requires landlords to accommodate people even if a “no-pet policy” is in place.

Do I Qualify for an ESA Letter? Understanding Your Eligibility

A mental or emotional disability that is acting as a barrier to your life activities can help you to get an emotional support animal letter from a licensed mental health professional. A patient experiencing one or more of the mental or emotional disabilities listed below may qualify for an emotional support animal.

Mental Health Conditions that Qualify

  • Stress, Depression, or Anxiety,
  • Autism,
  • Bipolar Disorder,
  • Panic Attacks,
  • Phobia,
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD),
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,
  • Any other psychiatric condition that a patient may subject to but not limited to substantially limiting their ability to perform daily life activities.

How To Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter?

The first and foremost step in obtaining an emotional support animal (ESA) letter is to consult with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) in your state. The mental health professional will evaluate your mental and emotional condition thoroughly and recommend an ESA if needed for your mental well-being. Therefore, you must openly communicate your feelings and experiences so the LMHP can correctly assess your need for an ESA. If the LMHP finds the need for an ESA for your mental well-being, they will write an ESA letter.
Promotion for getting an official ESA letter with a boy hugging a happy dog.

Who Can Provide ESA Letters?

To make it legitimate and efficient in the fight for housing rights, you will need to get an ESA letter online from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). This often encompasses personnel who are capable of identifying and managing mental health disorders. LMHPs include therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and LCSWs who can assess your requirements and decide whether an ESA will be helpful for your mental health. It is more credible when a qualified professional evaluates your situation and this makes the ESA letter more effective when presented to landlords.

Risks & Consequences: Why You Need a Legitimate ESA Letter?

An ESA letter is only considered legitimate if obtained from a licensed mental health professional. If you tried to present the Fake ESA Letter to your accommodation complex, You might be rejected for reasonable accommodation. Moreover, you might get a notice to pay a fee/security fee for your emotional support pet. Under such circumstances, you won’t be able to refuse your landlord and will probably end up paying pet deposits. Also, presenting an illegitimate ESA letter is a criminal offense. You might face penalties, including spending jail time or a fine of up to $1,00,000. On the contrary, if you have a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed professional, you can avoid these problems altogether and enjoy access to any housing accommodation without paying pet deposits to your landlord.

Conclusion

We hope that the information covered in the blog will help you identify the difference between a bogus and legit ESA letter. It can help you make smart decisions while making your next ESA letter purchase. In this blog, we have attached a picture of a sample ESA letter for your reference. If you already have one, you can compare it with the reference provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a free ESA letter template online?

No, a free emotional support animal letter pdf template is just for informational purposes and holds no legal weight. Moreover, it won’t be accepted for housing. So, it is recommended to consult a licensed mental health professional and get your ESA letter that is tailored to your needs.

Can I Use An ESA Letter Sample Template For My Own Letter?

While an ESA letter sample can serve as a guide, only a licensed mental health professional can provide an official letter. Templates may help illustrate what information is needed, but using a sample alone without a professional’s signature and endorsement is not valid for official purposes.

How Long Does An ESA Letter Last?

Generally, an ESA letter is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After this period, you may need a renewal, which may require a follow-up consultation with a licensed mental health professional to confirm that the ESA is still beneficial for your well-being.

What Is The Difference Between An ESA Letter And A Service Animal Letter?

An ESA letter specifically designates an animal as an emotional support animal, meaning it provides comfort to its owner through companionship. Service animal letters, however, certify that an animal is trained to perform specific tasks to assist someone with a disability. ESA letters do not grant access to public places where only service animals are allowed.

Can I Have Multiple Emotional Support Animals With One ESA Letter?

In certain cases, a licensed mental health professional may recommend more than one ESA to support an individual’s mental health. This must be specified in the ESA letter, along with an explanation of how each animal provides unique support. Not all landlords or airlines may accept multiple ESAs, so check their policies in advance.

What Is The Difference Between An ESA Letter And A Pet Registration?

An ESA letter is a legitimate document from a licensed mental health professional that explains the need for an emotional support animal. Pet registration, often offered by some websites, simply provides a certificate or ID for an animal but does not have legal recognition or the protections granted by an ESA letter.

Can An ESA Letter Be Handwritten, Or Does It Need To Be Typed?

ESA letters should be typed on official letterhead from the mental health provider’s office and include their contact details, license number, and signature. Handwritten letters may not be accepted by landlords or airlines due to verification challenges.

How Do I Choose A Qualified Professional To Write My ESA Letter?

Select a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist, who can legally issue ESA letters in your state. Verify their credentials and avoid online providers that don’t conduct thorough mental health evaluations.

What’s the difference between a printable emotional support animal letter and a real one?

Printable free emotional support animal letter pdf can be helpful for reference purposes, but real ESA letters come from licensed therapists after a proper evaluation.

Is there a specific ESA letter template for dogs?

No, there is no specific ESA letter template for dogs. The core information of an ESA letter remains the same, the focus might be on the dog’s benefits for your condition.

Why do I need to consult before getting an ESA Letter?

Proper counseling from a professional is vital as they have years of knowledge and experience in guiding and assessing individuals. They evaluate and analyze the individual’s condition and how an ESA can contribute to their mental well-being.

Post Author

Patricia Thompson

Prince Sharma

Prince Sharma is a content manager with a passion for reading, design, and cats. When he's not working, he enjoys discovering new design trends or relaxing with a good book and his furry friends

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