Wyoming ESA Letter: How to Get It and ESA Laws in Wyoming

An ESA letter in Wyoming is a legal document protecting ESAs’ rights and officializing their ESA status. An emotional support animal (ESA) in WY is any animal whose physical presence benefits the owner’s mental or emotional health. Federal laws, primarily the Fair Housing Act (FHA), protect ESAs. The FHA states that landlords must provide reasonable accommodations to ESAs, regardless of pet policies and pet fees. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) cover service but not emotional support animals. Wyoming Emotional support animal directives allow airlines, public places, and employers to decide their ESA policies. 

What are the Specific Emotional Support Animal Laws in Wyoming?

Wyoming emotional support animal laws provide housing protections under federal Fair Housing Act reinforced by Wyoming state statute (Wyo. Stat. § 35-13-201(c)). ESAs have no rights in public places, on flights, or in most workplaces. Wyoming is one of the states with a specific law against misrepresenting service animals—W.S. § 35-13-203 (House Bill 114, effective July 1, 2017) makes service animal misrepresentation a misdemeanor punishable by up to $750 fine. However, Wyoming has no housing-specific ESA fraud statute with statutory damages like Oklahoma or Wisconsin.

Wyoming residents with emotional support animals are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). This law requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for ESAs, even in properties with strict “no pets” policies.

Wyoming State Law: Wyoming Statutes § 35-13-201(c)

Wyoming reinforces federal protections through state law. Wyo. Stat. § 35-13-201(c) requires landlords and property managers to permit people with disabilities to have assistance animals in leased or rented residential property. The state law also requires landlords to comply with the federal Fair Housing Act.

Wyoming law treats emotional support animals as assistance animals that may need to be accommodated in rental housing, even though ESAs don’t have public access rights under Wyoming or federal law.

Your Rights Under Federal and Wyoming Law:

If you have a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional, your landlord must allow your emotional support animal to live with you. Landlords cannot charge pet fees, pet deposits, or monthly pet rent for ESAs. They cannot enforce breed restrictions, weight limits, or size requirements that normally apply to pets. Your ESA is considered a disability accommodation, not a pet under fair housing law.

You must be allowed full and equal access to all housing facilities, and you’re entitled to the same housing opportunities as tenants without animals, as long as your ESA doesn’t pose safety risks or cause substantial damage.

What Documentation You Need:

Under the Fair Housing Act and Wyoming law, landlords can request supporting documentation if you request an ESA accommodation. Your documentation must:

1. Come from a licensed healthcare professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, or other credentialed mental health provider)
2. Confirm your disability
3. Explain the relationship between your disability and your need for the ESA
4. Be on professional letterhead with the provider’s credentials and contact information

Important: Your provider should be licensed to practice in Wyoming or another state. Wyoming follows federal Fair Housing Act standards for “reliable documentation” from qualified healthcare professionals.

Wyoming Does NOT Require a 30-Day Relationship

What Your Landlord Can (and Can’t) Do:

Your landlord CAN:

• Request documentation from a qualified professional as defined in RSMo § 209.204(3)
• Verify the legitimacy of your documentation
• Contact your healthcare professional to confirm the letter’s authenticity
• Hold you financially responsible for any damage your ESA causes
• Establish reasonable restrictions (leash requirements, vaccination requirements, waste cleanup requirements)

Your landlord CANNOT:

• Ask for your detailed medical records or diagnosis
• Require ESA registration or certification
• Charge you pet fees, deposits, or rent for your ESA
• Enforce breed, size, or weight restrictions on your ESA
• Require your healthcare provider to fill out specific forms
• Deny housing based solely on your need for an ESA (when you have proper documentation)
• Ask what specific tasks your ESA performs (ESAs don’t need task training)

Your Responsibilities as an ESA Owner:

• Obtain proper documentation from a licensed healthcare professional
• Keep your ESA well-behaved and under control
• Ensure your ESA is housebroken
• Clean up after your ESA
• You’re liable for any property damage your ESA causes
• You remain responsible for disruptive or dangerous behavior by your ESA
• Comply with state and local vaccination and licensing requirements

When Can Your Landlord Legally Deny Your ESA?

A landlord can refuse your ESA in these situations:

• Your ESA poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety
• Your ESA would cause substantial physical damage to the property
• Accommodating your ESA would create an undue financial or administrative burden
• The accommodation would fundamentally alter the essential nature of the housing provider’s services
• You don’t provide adequate documentation from a qualified professional
• Your documentation appears fraudulent or doesn’t meet Fair Housing Act requirements
• The landlord qualifies for FHA exemptions (owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units, single-family homes sold/rented by owner without broker/agent, private clubs, religious organizations)

Fair Housing Resources in Wyoming:

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

• Website: hud.gov
• Complaint Deadline: Within one year from the date of alleged discrimination
• HUD accepts complaints online, by email, by phone, and by mail

ESA Laws in Public Places in Wyoming

Emotional support animals have NO public access rights in Wyoming. ESAs are not service dogs, and they cannot accompany you into public places where pets aren’t normally allowed.

Under both Wyoming’s disability rights law (Wyo. Stat. § 35-13-201) and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, only service animals have public access rights.

Wyoming Statutes § 35-13-205(viii) defines service animals using the same definition as the ADA: A dog (or miniature horse in some cases) that’s individually trained to perform disability-related tasks or work for the benefit of a person with a disability.

ESAs provide emotional support and companionship but aren’t trained to perform specific disability-related tasks, so they don’t qualify as service animals under Wyoming or federal law. Wyoming does not recognize emotional support animals for public access rights as it does service animals.

Where Your ESA Cannot Go:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Grocery stores
• Shopping malls
• Hotels and resorts unless they’re pet-friendly
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Government buildings (Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, courthouses, DMV offices)
• Schools and universities (except in your dorm room with proper housing accommodation)
• Movie theaters
• Sports venues
• Museums and attractions
• State parks and recreational areas (unless they have pet-friendly policies)
• Any other business or facility where pets aren’t normally allowed

ESA Laws in the Workplace in Wyoming

Wyoming has no state laws requiring employers to accommodate emotional support animals in the workplace. Workplace accommodations are governed by federal law, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act for federal employers.

The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, but this generally does NOT include allowing emotional support animals in the workplace. Employers have much more discretion to deny ESAs in work settings than landlords do in housing situations.

Since the Americans with Disability Act does not protect an ESA, a Wyoming employer can reject your request. However, employers can request medical documentation when an employee requests accommodation. Considering your disability in mind, employers have discretion to permit your ESA in the workplace, but it’s not legally required.

Employers can deny your request to bring your ESA to work without violating disability discrimination laws, even if you have a qualifying disability and a legitimate ESA letter for housing purposes.

Why Employers Can Say No:

Workplace environments are fundamentally different from housing:

• Coworker allergies and fears – Employers must consider the needs of all employees, including those allergic to or afraid of animals
• Safety concerns – Manufacturing, healthcare, food service, and laboratory environments may have legitimate safety reasons to exclude animals
• Space limitations – Cubicles, shared offices, and small workspaces may not accommodate animals
• Client interactions – Customer-facing roles may be incompatible with having animals present
• Disruption to operations – Barking, bathroom needs, or distraction caused by animals can be legitimate concerns

Could Your Employer Allow It?

Some employers may voluntarily allow ESAs as a workplace accommodation, especially in:

• Private offices with minimal coworker interaction
• Remote work situations where you work from home
• Pet-friendly workplaces that already allow animals
• Small businesses with flexible policies

Wyoming law doesn’t require employers to accommodate ESAs, but you can request an accommodation.

Wyoming ESA Travel Laws

Since January 11, 2021, airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals for air travel under Department of Transportation regulations.

If you’re flying from Casper-Natrona County International Airport, Jackson Hole Airport, Cheyenne Regional Airport, or other Wyoming airports, your ESA will need to fly as a pet meaning:

• You’ll pay pet fees (typically $95-$125 each way)
• Your ESA must fit in an airline-approved carrier under the seat
• Size and breed restrictions apply
• You must follow all standard pet travel rules
• Not all airlines accept pets in cabin

Only psychiatric service dogs trained to perform specific disability-related tasks retain cabin access protections under the Air Carrier Access Act.

Service Animal Misrepresentation Law in Wyoming

Wyoming’s Misdemeanor Law: W.S. § 35-13-203 (House Bill 114, Effective July 1, 2017)

Important: This law applies to PUBLIC PLACES ONLY, not housing. Wyoming has no separate housing-specific ESA fraud statute with statutory damages like Oklahoma ($1,000), Wisconsin ($500), or North Dakota ($1,000).

The statute addresses two types of violations:

§ 35-13-203(a) – Interfering with Rights: “Any person denying or interfering with admittance to or enjoyment of any place or facility referenced in W.S. 35-13-201(a) through (c) or otherwise interfering with the rights of the blind, partially blind, deaf, hearing impaired person or other person with a disability is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00).”

§ 35-13-203(b) – Misrepresentation of Service/Assistance Animal: “Any person who knowingly and intentionally misrepresents that an animal is a service animal or an assistance animal for the purpose of obtaining any of the rights or privileges set forth in this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00).”

Penalties:

Criminal Misdemeanor:

• Fine: Up to $750
• No jail time specified in the statute
• This is a misdemeanor, not a civil infraction
• “Knowingly and intentionally” standard—must prove intent

Does Wyoming Have Housing-Specific ESA Fraud Laws?

NO. Wyoming has no separate statute addressing ESA fraud in housing with specific statutory damages like:

• Oklahoma: Eviction + court costs + up to $1,000 damages (HB 3282)
• Wisconsin: $500 minimum forfeiture for housing fraud (Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r)(brc)5)
• South Dakota: Eviction + up to $1,000 damages
• North Dakota: Eviction + up to $1,000 damages

In Wyoming, ESA fraud in housing is handled through:

• Federal Fair Housing Act provisions
• Standard landlord-tenant eviction procedures
• Civil liability for fraudulent documentation
• Loss of fair housing protections

Civil Consequences for Housing Fraud in Wyoming:

While Wyoming has no housing-specific ESA fraud statute with statutory damages, using fraudulent ESA documentation can still result in serious civil consequences:

For Housing:

• Housing denial – Landlords can refuse to approve your ESA request if documentation is fraudulent or inadequate
• Lease violations – Using fake ESA documentation violates your rental agreement
• Eviction – Landlords can terminate your tenancy for providing fraudulent ESA documentation
• Loss of fair housing protections – Once fraud is discovered, you lose all ESA protections and the animal becomes a regular pet subject to all fees, deposits, and restrictions
• Civil liability – Landlords can sue you for unpaid pet fees, deposits, damages, and legal costs
• Rental history damage – Evictions make it extremely difficult to rent in Wyoming again

Is there an Official Registration for ESAs in Wyoming?

No, there is no official registration for ESAs in Wyoming. National ESA registries and certificates do not exist. ESA registration and certification do not hold legal value and are not required. 

The sole legally binding document for having an ESA in Wyoming is the ESA letter. Companies and websites offering emotional support animal registration are likely to be scams. 

Is Getting an ESA Letter Online Legal in Wyoming?

Yes, getting an ESA letter online is legal in Wyoming. The state allows residents to choose how they apply for ESA letters, in person or online. 

Online ESA applications are popular because of their practicality. Online ESA providers have user-friendly telehealth platforms and complete the entire application process virtually via phone and video calls. 

Always verify the online ESA service before applying for an ESA letter. Many ESA providers are scams, selling fraudulent documents that do not guarantee compliance with the FHA. 

Can you have Multiple Emotional Support Animals in Wyoming?

Yes, you can have multiple emotional support animals in Wyoming. The state does restrict the number of ESAs per person. 

Wyoming residents are allowed to have as many emotional support animals as their healthcare providers prescribe. Multiple ESAs are usually recommended for people with multiple mental or emotional disabilities. Each emotional support animal needs its ESA letter. 

Beware that multiple ESAs present undue financial or administrative strains for some landlords, giving them the right to deny housing legally. Always consider both the pros and cons of having multiple ESAs before making a decision. 

How to Get an ESA Letter in Wyoming?

The indicative instructions on how to get an ESA letter in Wyoming are given below. If a person is already seeing a therapist, they can talk to them about requesting an ESA letter. Physicians and physician assistants can also issue an ESA letter.

1. Acknowledge the ESA Letter’s Value. Before starting the process, it is critical to know that the ESA letter is a document confirming the ESA need and protecting its rights.
2. Consult LMHPs or Clinicians. Qualified professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists, are allowed to issue valid ESA letters in Wyoming. 
3. Receive the ESA Letter. Obtain the printable PDF version of the ESA letter via email immediately after approval or request a printed hard copy to be mailed. 
4. Understand the ESA Rights. An ESA letter in Wyoming guarantees protection under the Fair Housing Act, including living in no-pet properties and free from pet fees. 
5. Renew the Letter Annually. Ensure ongoing legal protection by renewing the ESA letter every 12 months, either in person or via online ESA services. 

Get an ESA letter through legit online platforms like CertaPet.

What are the Advantages of Getting an ESA Letter in Wyoming through CertaPet?

The advantages of getting an ESA letter in Wyoming through CertaPet are listed below. 

• Carefree Application: Getting an ESA letter through CertaPet is simple and completed in only three steps: pre-screening, LMHP consultation, and receiving the letter. 
• Fast Turnaround Time: CertaPet’s licensed doctors contact ESA applicants within two to three business days to schedule appointments, making the process quick and easy. 
• Law-Compliant Documents: All ESA letters obtained via CertaPet are legit, issued by licensed mental health professionals in Wyoming, and in sync with regulations. 
• Affordable Pricelist: CertaPet’s ESA letters are priced affordably. The price is carefully crafted to cover the costs of issuance, yet to remain accessible for applicants.  
• Guaranteed Benefits: Get an ESA letter online and enjoy FHA-compliant benefits, such as living in properties with no-pet policies and without paying pet-related expenses. 

Do ESA Letters in Wyoming need to be Renewed Annually?

Yes, ESA letters in Wyoming need to be renewed annually. ESA letters are outdated and invalid if older than 12 months. 

Landlords, airlines, and employers have the right to request valid ESA letters for revision. ESA owners must keep their ESA letters up to date to ensure legal compliance. 

ESA letter renewals are straightforward. Online ESA providers offer hassle-free renewals via their telehealth platforms. ESA owners are permitted to apply for renewals up to one month prior to the letter’s expiration date. 

What are the Requirements for Getting an ESA Letter in Wyoming?

The requirements for getting an ESA letter in Wyoming are suffering from mental or emotional disabilities and having a licensed mental health professional prescribe an ESA. 

Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, autism, age-related cognitive decline, bipolar disorders, and various phobias are among the disabilities qualifying for ESAs in Wyoming. 

A Wyoming-licensed mental health professional talks to the ESA candidate to evaluate their mental health and determine whether an ESA is beneficial. The LMHP writes and signs an ESA letter if the answer is yes. 

Are ESA Letters Valid in Wyoming only if Issued by a Licensed Professional within the State?

Yes, ESA letters are valid in Wyoming only if issued by a licensed professional within the state. Consulting a mental health professional or physician with an active license in Wyoming is a key condition for obtaining an ESA. 

People who have just moved to Wyoming are allowed to keep their old ESA letters until they are valid. The ESA letters from other states, once expired, must be renewed in Wyoming. 

Are there Online Wyoming ESA Letters Scams?

Yes, there are scams in ESA letters in Wyoming. Fake ESA websites are increasingly common, posing real threats to legitimate businesses and ESA owners.  

Collaborate with legit and reliable online ESA providers to avoid ESA fraud.

The instructions on how to avoid scams in ESA letters in Wyoming are given below. 

1. Investigate the Online Provider. Conduct thorough research to check the authenticity and law compliance of the online ESA provider. Start by reading other clients’ reviews. 
2. Have Realistic Expectations. Obtaining an ESA letter requires a consult, takes time, and is valid for 12 months. Services claiming otherwise are likely to be scams. 
3. Read the ESA Letter Carefully. The ESA letter is written on the LMHP’s letterhead, features contact and credential information, and omits the patient’s diagnosis. 
4. Compare ESA Letter Prices. Valid ESA letters are neither unreasonably expensive nor super cheap. Websites marketing free ESA letters are fake. 
5. Refuse Gifts and Free Offers. Gifts and free services, such as ESA vests, ID tags, ESA certifications, and ESA registrations are standard business models of scam providers.