What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA), also known as a support pet, is a type of assistance animal prescribed to individuals coping with emotional or mental health conditions. Their primary function is to offer emotional comfort with their presence by helping regulate stress, establish routines, and provide a stabilizing presence during times of distress.

Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks and are not granted public access protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with valid ESA documentation have the right to live with their animal in housing with no-pet regulations and cannot be charged additional fees.

To officially qualify an animal as an ESA, a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), or another qualified medical professional, must evaluate a person’s condition and determine whether the presence of an ESA is clinically beneficial as part of a patient’s treatment plan. If so, they’ll issue an ESA letter, which serves as your legal documentation.

What Are the Benefits of Emotional Support Animals?

Emotional support animals offer both therapeutic and financial benefits to their owners. ESAs can be a critical part of a mental wellness routine, providing value in daily life and emotional management. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Spending time with an ESA and engaging in activities such as petting, playing, or simply sitting together can lower cortisol levels and induce a calming effect.
  
• Improved Mood and Motivation: Establishing routines such as feeding, walking, and grooming your ESA can build a sense of purpose and consistency.
  
• Increased Social Connection: ESAs often help their owners feel less isolated, especially during periods of mental health struggles.
  
• Housing Access and Protection: With valid documentation, ESAs can legally live in most types of rental housing, including buildings with no-pet policies at no additional cost.

What Types of Animals Can Serve as an ESA?

A variety of animals can become ESAs, as long as they provide help and relief to their owners. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what animal makes the perfect emotional support companion. While dogs and cats are by far the most common choices, other domesticated animals can also fulfill the role such as:

• Dogs
  
• Cats
  
• Rabbits*
  
• Ferrets
  
• Guinea pigs
  
• Rats or mice
  
• Mini pigs
  
• Miniature horses
  
• Hedgehogs
  

*Although almost any domesticated animal may be considered, licensed mental health professionals most often recommend ESAs that are easy to manage in home settings. Emotional support dogs, cats, and rabbits are the most commonly approved animals in ESA evaluations due to practicality and housing law considerations, thus they are the most commonly approved by ESA services.

Can Any Animal Be an ESA?

Technically, yes. Any domesticated animal can serve as an emotional support animal if its presence meaningfully improves the owner’s emotional or psychological health. The key factor is the bond between the animal and the person, not the species or breed.

However, some animals may be less practical due to housing limitations, temperament, or legal considerations. For example, while exotic pets like birds, reptiles, or small mammals may offer comfort, they may not receive the same housing protections as more common ESAs such as dogs, cats, and rabbits.

What Disabilities and Conditions Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal?

A wide list of disabilities and conditions can qualify a person for an emotional support animal. A licensed mental health professional must confirm that an ESA is part of a recommended treatment plan for a diagnosed mental or emotional disability. Qualifying conditions often include:

• Anxiety disorders
  
• Depression
  
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  
• Panic disorder
  
• Bipolar disorder
  
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  
• Social phobias
  
• Autism

The diagnosis must meet criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). While ESA ownership is not a replacement for therapy or medication, it can be an important complementary treatment.

What Are the Requirements for Getting an ESA?

To legally designate an animal as an ESA, you’ll need a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional, or another qualified medical practitioner such as a primary doctor. The process typically includes:

1. Evaluation – A mental health professional assesses your symptoms and determines whether an ESA would be beneficial.
   
2. Documentation – If approved, the LMHP issues an ESA letter, printed on official letterhead, that includes their licensing details and signature.
   
3. Annual Renewal – ESA letters must be renewed each year to remain valid and compliant with housing laws.
   

This letter is the only legally recognized proof of ESA status, registration databases or certificates without professional evaluation have no legal standing.

How to Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter

The process to get an emotional support animal generally follows these steps:

1. Consult with a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) – This can be done in person or through a reputable telehealth platform. Legitimate online ESA services, such as CertaPet, typically begin the process with a pre-screening questionnaire to help determine if a person may qualify for an emotional support animal. If the candidate appears eligible, they are connected, usually within two business days, with a licensed professional in their state who then conducts a full evaluation.
   
2. Receive Your ESA Letter – If approved, you’ll receive your ESA letter in digital or physical form, which you can present to landlords or other relevant parties.
   
3. Renew Your ESA Letter Annually – ESA letters are not permanent; they must be renewed on a yearly basis. This renewal process ensures that your mental health needs are reassessed and that the animal continues to play a meaningful role in your treatment plan. Annual evaluations also keep your documentation compliant with housing and other regulations, protecting your legal rights as an ESA owner.

If you don’t already have a pet, it’s often best to decide on the species and breed after speaking with a professional, so you choose an animal that suits your lifestyle and needs.

How to Get an Emotional Support Animal Registration?

There’s no such thing as an “ESA certification.” The only valid way to qualify an emotional support animal is through an ESA letter written by a licensed mental health professional who has evaluated your needs. Any website or service selling certifications, ID cards, or registry listings is misleading, only an official letter from a qualified provider holds legal weight.

How to Get an Emotional Support Animal Certification?

“ESA certification” are not legally binding. The only valid way to get an emotional support animal is by obtaining an ESA letter written by a licensed healthcare professional who has evaluated your needs. Any website or service selling ESAs certifications and ID cards are scams and are not federally compliant, only an official letter from a qualified provider holds legal weight.

What is an ESA Letter?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is the official document that validates your need for an emotional support animal. It serves as both a prescription and a legal safeguard, written by a licensed professional after they’ve evaluated your condition and determined that the presence of an animal is a beneficial part of your treatment plan.

A legitimate ESA letter will always be printed on the provider’s professional letterhead and include key details such as their name, credentials, license number, and the state in which they are authorized to practice. It also notes the date the letter was issued and when it will expire, since ESA letters are generally renewed each year.

Importantly, the letter doesn’t need to disclose your full medical history, but it must confirm that you live with a qualifying mental or emotional health condition and that your animal plays a recognized role in managing it. This balance ensures your privacy while also giving housing providers and other parties the documentation they need to recognize your rights. With a valid ESA letter, you can request housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This means landlords must allow your ESA to live with you, even in “no pet” housing, and they cannot charge you additional pet deposits or fees. In short, the ESA letter is what transforms your pet from a personal companion into a legally protected source of emotional support.

Who Can Write an ESA Letter?

Among the professionals that can write and prescribe ESA letters there are:

• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Physicians
• Licensed Professional Counselors
• Physicians Assistants
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists

Individuals looking to get an ESA letter from an online ESA service must verify that the professional who will be writing the letter can be found on their state board and thus provide a legally binding document.

What is the Average Cost for ESA Letters?

The cost of an ESA letter typically ranges between $149 and $200, depending on the provider, the type of letter, and whether you need one for housing, travel, or both. Typically ESA services charge separately for initial consultations, renewals, or amendments.

If you already work with a licensed mental health professional, they may issue your ESA letter at no extra cost during regular treatment although this is less common.

Can You Get an ESA Letter for Free?

A legally valid ESA letter can only be issued after a formal evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. Free ESA letters found online without consultation are fraudulent and hold no legal value.

These scams often use terms like “federal,” “official,” or “instant” ESA registration to appear legitimate, but there is no federal registry for emotional support animals, and no legitimate ESA letter can be issued without direct assessment by a qualified professional. Similarly, there is no legal ESA certification, online services offering to certify your pet are scams as well. To conclude only legally issued ESA letters written by a healthcare professional are valid, no such thing as ESA registration and ESA certification exist, they are not federally compliant.

Possessing or presenting a fraudulent ESA letter can carry legal consequences, including fines or criminal charges.

Do ESA Letters Expire?

Yes, there is an expiration for ESA letters. You should renew the ESA letter annually as part of the treatment care plan. Annual renewal of an ESA letter is crucial for legal, therapeutic, and practical reasons. It ensures that the letter remains compliant with current laws, which is essential for housing and other accommodations. Regular updates also allow healthcare providers to reassess the individual’s mental health needs, ensuring that the ESA continues to be a beneficial component of their treatment plan.

Legist online ESA platforms such as CertaPet offer renewal options at discounted prices to renew ESA letters to guarantee continuity of care.

What are the major Emotional Support Animal Laws?
Two primary federal laws protect ESA owners:

1. Fair Housing Act (FHA): Requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA documentation, even in “no pets” housing. Landlords cannot charge pet fees or deposits for ESAs that have valid documentation.
   
2. Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA): Previously required airlines to accommodate ESAs in the cabin, but since 2021, airlines may classify ESAs as regular pets for domestic flights thus they are subject to the airline pet policy and fees. Some international and specialty carriers still allow ESAs in the cabin with proper documentation.

ESAs are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning they do not have public access rights in restaurants, stores, or other public spaces that don’t allow pets.

Is Getting an ESA Letter Different for Each State?

The process of getting an ESA letter by state is straightforward and very similar at a federal level: consult with a licensed mental health professional, undergo an evaluation, and, if appropriate, receive an ESA letter. However, while the general framework is similar nationwide, certain states add extra requirements to ensure that the provider–patient relationship is legitimate and not simply a one-time transaction.

Specifically, California, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana require what’s known as a 30-day therapeutic relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider before an ESA letter can be issued. This means that an individual must maintain an ongoing relationship with their LMHP for at least a month, often including multiple sessions, before receiving documentation. The rule was designed to discourage quick, same-day ESA letters from providers with no meaningful connection to the patient.

In addition to these statewide regulations, local ordinances or housing authority rules may introduce their own stipulations. For example, certain municipalities might require additional verification steps, stricter definitions of qualifying providers, or even limitations on the types of animals that can reasonably be accommodated. These rules can vary widely, and they often evolve as policymakers respond to misuse of ESA protections.Because of this patchwork of state and local laws, it’s essential to work with a reputable provider—whether an in-person clinician or a trusted telehealth platform—that stays current on regulations. A credible service will inform you upfront if your state requires additional waiting periods, documentation, or other compliance steps, helping you avoid delays or legal issues later.

Is There a Limit to the Number of ESAs a Person Can Have?

There’s no federal limit on the number of ESAs a person can have. However:

• Each ESA must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional.
  
• Housing providers may request justification for multiple animals and can deny approval if they believe it’s unreasonable based on the property’s size or capacity.
  

Do Landlords Have Rights with a Tenant That Has an ESA?

While the Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects individuals with Emotional Support Animals, landlords also retain certain rights. They are entitled to request verification of documentation to ensure it comes from a licensed mental health professional, complete with the provider’s credentials and license information. Landlords can also deny an ESA if the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others, is dangerously disruptive, or causes significant property damage. In addition, landlords may enforce reasonable standards of cleanliness and noise, holding ESA owners to the same behavioral expectations as other tenants.

What landlords cannot do is equally important: they may not refuse housing simply because an ESA is present when valid documentation is provided, nor can they charge extra pet deposits or monthly pet rent. This balance ensures that tenants with legitimate mental health needs receive accommodation while landlords maintain their right to a safe and habitable property.

Can You Travel with an Emotional Support Animal?

Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal has changed significantly in recent years. As of January 2021, due to an amendment of the Air Carrier Access Act, most U.S. airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals for domestic flights. Instead, they are treated as pets, meaning owners may face pet fees, size and weight restrictions, and limits on how the animal can travel in the cabin. That said, some international airlines and certain Canadian carriers continue to recognize ESA letters and will allow these animals to fly in the cabin without additional costs.

If you plan to travel with your ESA, preparation is key. Always review the airline’s current policies well in advance, since rules can vary widely. Be ready to provide vaccination records and any required documents, and notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight. A sturdy, airline-approved carrier is often required, along with comfort items to help your ESA feel safe during travel.

What Are the Best Care Practices for Emotional Support Animals?

The best care practices for emotional support animals are listed below.

• Regular Veterinary Care: Keep up with veterinary visits for ESAs, especially if pet owners are used to traveling with them. Most airlines require up-to-date documentation when it comes to vaccinations and other treatments for dogs and cats.
  
• Proper Nutrition: Feeding your ESA healthy and balanced food (protein, mineral,vitamins, and carbohydrates) is extremely important to guarantee a longer lifespan, less medical issues, and an overall happier pet. It is also crucial to keep ESAs well hydrated.
  
• Exercise and Playtime: Ensure the ESA (specifically dogs and cats) get plenty of exercise and playtime. If you have a dog try to take them on regular walks, teach them agility tricks. Provide adequate toys for your pets that will keep them entertained and busy.
  
• Training and Socialization: Training an ESA is fundamental to ensure that they will help you in social situations. ESAs are supposed to be well-behaved and not cause issues, so a certain level of basic training is required. Commands like “stay”, “recall”, or “leave it” can be extremely useful.
  
• Safe Environment:
  Providing a safe environment for your pets is of utmost importance not only for their physical wellbeing but also for their mental wellness. Make sure to remove any harmful object or material from around the house, anything that could be chewed on or injected by pets.
  
• Routine and Consistency: Establishing a routine in which pets perform specific activities such as eating, going on walks, etc. around similar times can help animals feel secure and happy.
  
• Mental Stimulation: Engage an ESAs with mental stimuli such as teaching them a variety of different commands.
  
• Quality Time: Make sure to allocate specific time to dedicate to your ESAs, which include not leaving them alone for extended periods of time, which could negatively impact pets’ mental wellbeing.
  

Ethical Considerations for ESA Ownership

Owning an Emotional Support Animal comes with responsibilities that go beyond personal benefit. First, there should be a genuine therapeutic need for an ESA. Seeking ESA status solely to avoid pet fees or housing restrictions is unethical and undermines the system designed to protect those with legitimate conditions. Owners must also prioritize animal welfare. ESAs require time, attention, and resources, just like any pet, and their well-being should never be sacrificed for convenience. Respect for others is another consideration; ESAs should be well-trained enough to avoid creating nuisances in shared spaces. Equally important is honesty in documentation. Fraudulent ESA claims not only put the owner at risk but also damage the credibility of all ESA owners. Responsible ownership, built on transparency and care, ensures the system remains strong for those who truly need it.

What are the Most Common Misconceptions About ESAs

Perhaps the biggest misconception is that Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals are the same thing. They are not. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities and have broad public access rights under the ADA. ESAs, on the other hand, provide comfort through companionship and are protected primarily in housing situations, not in public spaces like restaurants or stores. Another common myth is that ESAs must be “registered” in a federal database. In reality, no such registry exists. The only legally recognized documentation is an ESA letter issued by a licensed mental health professional. Similarly, many people mistakenly believe ESAs can automatically fly in the cabin of U.S. planes free of charge. This was once true, but regulations changed in 2021 and today, only certain airlines, mainly international, allow cabin access with an ESA. Finally, some assume that any pet can be considered an ESA without professional input. In fact, an evaluation and letter from an LMHP are essential for legal protections.

What Challenges Do ESA Owners Face?

While ESAs provide tremendous emotional benefits, ownership also comes with challenges. Housing disputes are common, as landlords may be unaware of their legal obligations or reluctant to make accommodations. Owners may also encounter misunderstandings from the public, who may confuse ESAs with service animals or question the legitimacy of ESA documentation.

Travel has become more complicated as well, with most U.S. airlines treating ESAs as regular pets. This shift can mean additional costs and restrictions, limiting owners’ flexibility. On a personal level, ESA owners must also ensure their animals are well-trained and not disruptive. Without good behavior, an ESA can cause stress rather than alleviate it. Finally, navigating the landscape of fraudulent ESA services adds another layer of difficulty, as illegitimate providers continue to exploit those seeking support. For owners, awareness and education are key to overcoming these obstacles.

How Do Emotional Support Animals Differ From Service Animals?

While Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals both provide important support to individuals with disabilities, they differ significantly in terms of training, legal recognition, and the rights afforded to them under federal law.

Service Animals:

• Service animals can only be dogs and in certain cases miniature horses. They’re defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as dogs that are specifically and individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. In certain cases, miniature horses may also be recognized as service animals if they are appropriately trained and manageable in public spaces.
  
• Examples of tasks that service dogs carry out include guiding individuals who are blind, alerting a person with hearing loss, pulling a wheelchair, detecting seizures, or reminding a person with mental illness to take medication.
  
• Service animals have broad legal protections: they are permitted in nearly all public places (restaurants, stores, hotels, schools, workplaces, and more). This public access is a direct result of their task-specific training and the ADA’s mandate to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
  

Emotional Support Animals:

• ESAs provide comfort, companionship, and emotional regulation through their presence, but they are not required to undergo specialized training to perform disability-related tasks. A variety of animals can be ESAs, not just dogs.
  
• They are not covered under the ADA, meaning they do not have public access rights to places like restaurants or stores.
  
• ESAs are primarily protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations, allowing individuals with valid ESA documentation to live with their animals in facilities that typically do not allow pets without extra pet fees.
  
• Until recently, ESAs also had protections under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), but regulatory changes in 2021 removed that recognition for U.S. airlines. Some international carriers, however, still allow ESAs to travel in-cabin with proper documentation.

What is an Emotional Support Dog?

An emotional support dog is a type of companion animal that offers comfort, emotional stability, and therapeutic benefits to individuals experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

While service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks, emotional support dogs provide value simply through their presence. Studies show that interaction with these dogs can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), raise oxytocin (the bonding hormone), and help regulate mood and emotional state.Emotional support dogs often become an integral part of their owner’s daily mental wellness. They help mitigate isolation, provide structure through caregiving routines, and offer non-judgmental companionship during periods of emotional difficulty.