Home Page › Blog › How to Get an Emotional Support Dog Letter
Latest Posts
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Yes, dogs can safely eat fresh pineapple in moderation. This comprehensive guide combines scientific research with practical advice to help you safely share this tropical fruit with your canine. ⚡🍍 Quick Facts 🍍⚡ ✅ Fresh pineapple is safe in moderation ❌ Avoid canned, dried, and juice forms 🥣 2-3 small chunks per […]
Read More
How to Train Your Service Dog for Grounding Tasks
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack or severe anxiety, you know how overwhelming the symptoms can feel — racing thoughts, pounding heart, that disconnected sensation that makes the world seem far away. Maybe you’ve tried various coping strategies: meditation apps, breathing exercises, and therapy. While these tools can be incredibly helpful, there’s another powerful […]
Read More
The Air Carrier Access Act and Service Dogs
If you rely on a service dog, you need to know about the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The ACAA is a U.S. federal law that gives you the right to bring your service dog in the plane cabin on all flights to, from, and within the United States. The ACAA, along with HUD’s housing […]
Read More
I have a cat who’s fixed ,licensed,and has all his vaccines. I want a letter to allow my cat in a apt .complex in PHX.
You can get an ESA letter for a cat. Talk to your doctor or therapist or talk to someone online.
Do you have to have any training , with the animal? Obedience training
I have my letter for my dog and license but my manager said some one was complaining that my dog barks a lot and he told me I would have to get rid of him is there anything I could do about this matter or do I have to get rid of him I have him for for about eight years he was 3 weeks old
I see this all the time. “Talk to someone online.” Could you direct me to someone. I’m scared I’ll find a scammer.
There are different services online that connect you with a therapist online. When choosing one, what you want to make sure that you will be connected with an actual therapist or doctor that is licensed to practice in your state of residence, and that will issue a letter with their license number on it. If a service says you’ll get the letter instantly it’s probably a scam. I know esadoctors.com is legitimate, and you might find their article on fake online letters interesting https://esadoctors.com/dont-be-scammed-fake-esa-letters/
I have an American Pitbull terrier that is very supportive.i need a letter to allow my pet into my Apt
My doctor doesn’t know how to give me an esa letter for my cat, but said if i help her look up how she will give me one. How do my doctor and I go about doing this?
my dr wrote it as a script..lili.is allowed everywhere with me as per ADA rules
ESAs do not have public access rights. They can’t go everywhere with you. The ADA is for service dogs, NOT emotional support animals…
I have a 3 month puppy and my apartment doesn’t allow dogs unless they’re 9 months. I would like an ESA for him since I’m pregnant and my husband and I are not stationed together, but my apartment complex doesn’t allow online ones. I can’t find any near me that do it in person. What should I do?
How and where do I find a doctor to give me a note for my dog do to I have Anxiety
My family Dr says he will write me the letter, is this fine? Is there anything else Ill need to give to my landlord?
Hi, Yes you need an actual prescription. It has to include your drs license #, and information. It has to include yout info and your animals. You also have to have your animal always caught up on vaccines and your vet will print for free if you ask a certified copy of your animals info and proof of shots etc. If you search online you will find examples and can tell which are legitimate.
Good luck to you!
I have have two cat they are my Support when my husband died I don’t know how I would live without them I need a letter so I can keep them in my home
I’ve recently moved into a dorm and I have a cat at home who comforts me during panic attacks. I’ve started experiencing the attacks more frequently and intensely due to the new surroundings and isolated feeling. I already take 100mg of Zoloft but my symptoms are still present.
My name is Elijah blades I have anxiety depression intellectual disorder night, terrors insomnia I have a dog that helps me sleep & calm down when my anxiety levels are extremely high what can I do to keep my dog with me at all times I am in college away from home. I really feel alone. I travel a lot on airplanes as well can you share with what I can do
Talk to your licensed therapist to help you assess if an emotional support dog is the best treatment option for you. As your ESA your dog could stay with you on college campus and accompany you on your travels. You may find this article on ESAs in college helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-school/
I already have a letter from my doctor for a dog
My doctor told me to bring her the ESA paper and she will fill it out , where would one get this paper ? I am currently being treated for anxiety and depression and would like to be pointed in right direction to obtain this paper before my next appt.
I am in the same boat. I do not know where to obtain the esa letter. If you do find a way please let me know. And i will do the same if I find a esa letter.
Thank you and God bless
Did you find support Animal letter? I have been try to get the paper work for this.
I was looking into getting a puppy (I love puppies) will i be able to get an esa letter for a puppy for my stress panic attacks and anxiety??
Can one get a letter before actually having the pet. I really want to get my mom and small dog for her anxiety but her apartments say she has to have a note before they allow it.
Did you ever figure this out? I am also looking into getting a puppy as an emotional support dog as well but I am wondering if I can get my letter before having my dog because of housing.
My PCP has asked me to print the online form for him to complete. Please could you provide me with the link or information as where to obtain this form or letter?
I also need a letter for my doctor to fill out. How do i obtain one?
ESADoctors.com (https://esadoctors.com) is a great resource and only works with real licensed mental health professionals.
I used them too and worked perfectly. There are a lot of scams out there and I’m glad we found a reputable source.
I think what a few of us are looking for is more of a template. What should it say or what does it need to say if you are requesting one from our therapist? They may not have completed this before. It’s an option to get one from them without paying the extra fee online to get a letter.
My landlord says he won’t accept an ESA letter from my Primary Care Provider, because he is a PAC. Says he will only accept a letter from “a licensed mental health practitioner” as the the Fair Housing Act states. My PCP is the one who treats my anxiety and depression, along with my chronic physical conditions, not a psychiatrist, LISW, therapist, etc. Why do I have to wait to go see someone else, pay the copays, etc when my PCP is the one who treats me???
My landlord didn’t except it at all. My landlord told me if I wanted a dog I had to find a new house. I would would need to move out if I wanted a dog. I have PTSD and I gave him my letter from my doctor. They didn’t care.
thats against the law. consult a lawyer.
That’s illegal if you have a ESA letter they legally have to exempt the no pet policy but it’s does depend on how big your pet is
Contact the Human Rights dept. in your state
Ask your doctor. Normally you would obtain one from a mental health specialist, as the therapist mentioned too, but they strongly recommend a psychiatrist since they handle the prescriptions. An ESA letter is technically a doctor prescribing you with a dog by a mental health specialist, or the doctor specializing in whatever you need help with. You only get ESA letters from your doctor, and YOUR DOCTOR/PSYCHIATRIST is responsible for filling out the ESA letter/animal prescription letter. Not you.
I’ve had to deal with doctors, especially regarding ESA animals and service animals, so I know from experience, you cannot prescribe yourself a medication, the animal is the medicine basically. I feel it’s better to train the ESA animal to be a service animal, not keep it an ESA animal since they are starting to do away with them in certain public settings. Just thought I’d drop that by.
I suffer from depression and anxiety and on medication for it I have a hard time leaving my home by myself I have a pug what do I need to do
I need a esa letter stating that my dog is an service animal due to my stress and anxiety I have
Good afternoon, I am suffering from anxiety and my dog has been an incredible help but I want to make him an ESA dog how can obtain the letter online, anyone know any good and legal websites?
Esas and service animals are two very different things i would suggest doing some research before getting either or and see which is a correct fit for you!
I have a yorkie as my ESA I got my paperwork from my Psychologist she typed it up in the office
Remember, your dog is NOT a “service animal”. This is a legal definition and ESA’s don’t legally qualify as that.
does a licensed mental health counselor qualify to provide an ESA letter?
Yes, they do!
There is a difference between a Service animal and a Companion animal. With a Service animal they provide a service to the owner where as a Companion animal works more at calming an individual. I have, as a medical provider, started deferring companion animal letters to Mental Health.
Just curious on how long this will take? Does it cost? How Much
I need to get my doctor to do me esa letter to say my dog is my service dog for myself for my disabilities and my anxiety and depression and also my daughter mental health problems how to I go about getting a esa letter printed of for my doctor to fill out .also r puppy is a great comfort to us and help wiv dally life activites
My sons doctor or psychologist will not write a letter because supposedly it’s a liability on there company( facility). How is that. I need senders and ideas on how to get this to happen. Casper, Wyoming
I used ESADoctors.com and they were a godsend. My doctor didn’t know how to help me, so we used their service and they matched me with a therapist in my state. Works perfectly and they helped me when my landlord tried to raise a stink.
How do I get my dog to become a service dog . duties are making sure meds are taking on schedule and keeping me awake during the day
If I already have the letter from our doctor for an emotional support dog who do I send it to and how do I register it
You don’t have to register your emotional support dog. All you need is your letter, but it might help if you have your letter with you at all times. I got a digital copy of mine on my phone at all times.
I have 2 dogs and I got one ESA letter for both of them. But the landlord said that I can only have one ESA animal and when she called my therapist she challenged her on why I need two ESA animals. She then told my therapist that she (my therapist) does not know the rules and that they would only except one. Is this legal?
Where do you find a emotional support dog. My 13 year old daughter could real use one.
I dont havw a pup yet but need a lwtter so I can get one. How do I get a letter without the dog I formation? So I can go look for the right dog without my landlord having a cow about me bringing in a dog without the letter?
You may consider speaking to your doctor or therapist to see if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal. Once you are approved, you can adopt an animal that suits your needs best. You may find this article on how to qualify for an ESA interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
i have an esa cat with paperwork since july i have tried to take to the office and they pass the buck and tell me i have to talk to head manger Patty after many phone call and going in person never met her and she never got back to me tried to give paperwork to office but they refuse and now we have a 60 day notice this is a pet freindly place and most pets are esa pets
I have a grand dog that bring me much joy in my life- she doesn’t live with me but comes and visits me . Can I still qualify for her to be tagged as an emotional support dog?
Here is a list of what information an ESA letter sample must include:
An official letterhead
The name of the licensed mental health professional (LMHP)
The name of the practice
Phone number of the practice
The type of medical license
Date the medical license was issued
The state of the therapist’s jurisdiction
The type of animal
That they are your therapist and are currently treating you for a disability recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
The date the letter was issued
Most airlines require the therapist to include the following additional information:
That you require the animal to travel
The breed of the animal (mostly only dogs and cats are accepted on flights)
The weight of the animal
I received a letter from a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and wanted to know if I needed anything else beside the physical letter for my pet. I have seen others that have had identification type of tags that accompany the pet and some had photos of their pet on it etc. I wasn’t sure if I needed anything like that to have everything be official or if I just simply needed the letter. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I already have a letter from my doctor. Is there a way to get a certificate or is the letter all I need?
The ESA letter is all you need to qualify for an emotional support animal. It’s possible that once you rent an apartment or you go travel on a plane with your ESA that the landlord resp. the airline will ask you to fill out additional paperwork. But as a guiding document the ESA letter is all you need. You may find this article with general information on the ESA letter interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-doctor-prescription-guide/
If I pay for this service am I guaranteed a esa letter for my apartment management?
It is up to the therapist to assess if you qualify for the ESA letter. The service mentioned in the article connects you with a real licensed health professional who will make a thorough diagnosis. So you’re not 100% guaranteed to get an ESA letter, however, their policy states that should you not qualify for an ESA you will get your money back.
I finally got my dogs ID card for an emotional support animal am I good to go as far as housing or any other need where animals may not be able to go?
If you have a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed medical professional, who is licensed in your state of residence, then you’re all set to own an emotional support animal. Note that some landlords still require additional paperwork completed, and access rights for an ESA is still limited to housing and select airlines. Other establishments may be tolerant of ESAs, but it’s always best to call ahead and inquire about their policies. You may find this article on the emotional support animals laws interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-laws/
Emotional support animal letter is the only document you require, if you want to have emotional support animal letter.
I am a Registered Nurse in the state of Michigan. Can I write an ESA letter for my son who has depression/anxiety and where do I get the letter to write one for him? My son recently got an American Bully from a relative and the association is giving us a hard time. He is only 8 weeks old and is a great emotional dog for my son and myself. I need help and advise with this, best course of actions, and training courses in my area.
Thank You
Nurses are allowed to write ESA letters under HUD guidelines.
I registered my dog on this website, my apartment complex is saying the letter I recieved is not legitimate. What steps do I take next
Did you get an ESA letter from a medical professional licensed in your state of residence? If the letter is legitimate and the landlord can verify the information given (i.e., can call your doctor/therapist with the contact info given on the letter), there should be no issues. You may find this article on what to do if your landlord doesn’t accept your ESA interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/landlord-does-not-accept-emotional-support-animal/
How about CATS. MY CAT HELPS ME WITH MY EMOTIONAL CONDITION. I LOVE DOGS TOO, BUT IT’S HARD FOR ME TO TAKE CARE OF THEM.
Yes, cats can be emotional support animals! Any domesticated animal can potentially be an ESA. You may find this article on emotional support cats interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-cat/
I have depression and anxiety and mental health problems I would like my dog ruby to be my emotional support as she makes me happy and want her with me all the time
We don’t offer services for ESA letters in order to qualify for an ESA, but we recommend visiting this company: https://esadoctors.com/
They can connect you to a licensed healthcare professional that can help you with your ESA needs.
Thank you so much. My landlord claims they will only allow letters from my local therapist/doctor… not any from online services. But clearly that is not within the law… if the letter is from someone qualified then it doesn’t matter if they are local or not… thank you for this article it encourages me to push on landlord and stand up for my rights.
We’re glad this article was helpful for you!
Can I Register My cat as an Emotional Support Animal?
Cats can make wonderful emotional support animals. You do not need to register an ESA – you would need an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional.
Can a landlord legally evict you for having an emotional support animal if you have a letter saying you need one?
Landlords can only evict an ESA in limited circumstances, such as if the ESA engaged in actions that threatened the health or safety of others.
In the last 3 years I loss both of my sons. They are all the children I had. I’ve been a wreck. I got a rescue lap dog that has been so much therapy that I need her him me most of the time. I would love to register to get a certificate to make Izzie my therapy dog.
We’re so sorry to hear about your loss. We’re glad to hear your rescue dog is making a difference in your life. Therapy dogs are used to console other people while emotional support animals provide support for their owners. It sounds like your dog may be serving as your emotional support animal. Please see this link for more details: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
Is it free to have a ESA ?
To qualify for an ESA you must have a letter from a licensed healthcare professional. The cost you incur would be for the visit or visits you need with your doctor or therapist for an evaluation. There are also online services where a licensed professional can help you for a flat fee: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
I would like to register my pomsky as a emotional support dog for other people. I have been taking her with me to my doctor appointment and she does wonderful things with the other patients. They ask to hold her and you can see the stress just leave thease people. And for ever long they hold her they forget about there problems and pain. They always thank me for bringing her in.she is well behaved and has all shots.how do I register as a support animal for other people?
It seems what you are asking about is actually qualifying your pet as a therapy dog. An emotional support animal requires a letter from a licensed healthcare professional and is personal to the owner. Please see this link for more info on therapy animals: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-certify-a-therapy-dog/
I have a dog I have self-trained that I want to be certified as an assistance animal.
I have Severe carpal tunnel syndrome and can barely use my hands he assist me with this,
I also have this animal as a companion for post-traumatic stress, my animal is very special he would literally jump out of a plane for me please direct me in how this can be done I know it is difficult but I know he will pass.
We think you will find reading this article helpful: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-certify-a-service-dog/
In Michigan does the paper work for the Emotional support animal need to be renewed after a year?
ESA letters are typically valid for no more than a year. After that point most LMHPs will not validate them without a more current assessment on file.
What if your pets are esa cats or dog . Does landlord still have right to charge a pet fee?
No, landlords cannot charge a pet fee if your animals are valid emotional support animals.
do you have to have a letter to register your dog as a ESA
Registration of ESAs is not mandatory, but many ESA owners do so. You can read more about ESA registration here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-id/
Is there any way to get this paperwork without paying 150+? My current life situation and mental health issues do no afford me that kind of money.
If you have insurance that will fully cover the visit to a doctor or therapist, you may be able to get an ESA letter that way. Otherwise you have to pay for healthcare professional’s time. Using an online service though will ensure you pay a flat rate and work with a professional that understands ESA accommodations.
Sometimes you can get free or very cheap therapy through your county, college, or community mental health-oriented agencies. At community colleges that offer free therapy to students, in my experience *any* student usually qualifies, even someone taking a single art class or using a free GED program (which of course requires that you have not previously graduated high school). If you pursue the college route, look on the school’s website for something about mental health services (often will be called a “wellness center” or something along those lines), and call or email them and ask if they can provide the services you are looking for.
I’m so glad I saw this article because I have a dog & I’m on disability for many reasons including ptsd & anxiety & panic attacks & I have been trying to find a place to live but my dog has held me back as far as getting a apartment through section eight or hud I am in therapy & will talk with my therapist about this. Thank you for the advice & information
Thank you for the nice words, we’re glad we could help!
I have a pup who has helped my mood greatly keeps me busy and also makes me happy. I wanna make her my emotional support animal. How do I do so I don’t have a car to get to a Dr.
Getting an ESA letter through an online provider is a great option for someone like you. If you’re looking for a provider, check out the links in this article.
I need one of these for my cat
ESA letters can also be obtained for cats! The procedure to get an ESA letter outlined in this article would be the same whether you have a dog or a cat.
How so you apply to get one I have Epilespy.
Click the “Get Started” article at the bottom of this letter to get started on qualifying for an ESA letter.
I have 2 emotional support animals A dog and cat, they are bonded to me and each other is it possible to cover both or do i need my mental health provider to write a seperate letter for each one,,, for me the thought of letting either go for housing is a source of anxiety and depression to me
You can have both animals covered in a single ESA letter.
I have a letter from my mental health care provider how do i submit it for registration?
If you have an ESA letter from your healthcare provider, you can submit it directly to your landlord. You can also choose to register your emotional support animal for personal convenience.
Where in Charleston WV is a non profit organization I can get a service dog who is not a Vet. I am a normal person who has depression anxiety asthma heart problems, migraines.
Unfortunately we do not provide referrals for service dog adoptions, but you might find this guide on psychiatric service dogs helpful: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/psychiatric-service-dog/
How do go about getting a emotional dog for my anxiety and for my asthma and sleep apnea
You can click on the “Get Started” button on the bottom of this article to get started on qualifying for an ESA letter.
My counselor can write the ESD letter, for my dog. We’re can I send it so I can get the card and collar?
Once you have an ESA letter you should submit it to your landlord for approval. You can find more information about ID cards here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-id/
So I have a esa dog and I called a lady about housing and she informed me there was a no pet policy and I told her he was a esa dog and she informed me she did not have to fallow the rule bc she was a private landlord
That is false, ESA rules apply to all private landlords unless they have a valid exemption. The following landlords are exempt: 1. owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, 2. single-family houses sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent, 3. housing operated by religious organizations, and 4. private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
My clinic that I go to does not write letters for an emotional support dog , where else can I go ?
Please click on this link if you would like help getting an ESA letter.
How much does it cost?
Please see this link for more details: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/esa-letter/
Is this support dog recognized in my state? I live in Spruce Pine, North Carolina.
Emotional support animals are recognized in every state, including North Carolina. They are protected under federal Fair Housing rules. You can read more about ESA laws here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-laws/
I’m currently not on my meds and I recently lost my husband and I suffer from severe depression and I am bipolar do I qualify for a ESA in my state and county is Wyoming County Wv
To qualify for an ESA, the condition must substantially limit one or more major life activities. It is up to a licensed healthcare professional to assess you and make that determination. If you need help qualifying for an ESA letter, please click on this link: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/esa-letter/
I have a letter from my doctor stating my shitzu is my emotional support dog. I would like to get the tag and the vest to I don’t know where to just get those 2 things.
Please see this link for purchase info on ESA vests: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-vests/emotional-support-cape-style-vest/
Looking to do this have had diagnosed with anxiety disorder & depression most of life now multiple myeloma cancer can see that anxiety disorder is spinning into more n not wanting to leave house and crowds in stores throw me into panic attacks enough with hospital and dr appt
We’re sorry to hear about all the health issues your facing. An emotional support animal could be a great addition to your life. We strongly recommend speaking with your mental health provider or doctor about your needs.
I need help to obtain certification and letter. I’m already approved
The most important thing you need to qualify for an emotional support animal is an ESA letter. Once you have an ESA letter, you can get a certificate as an optional accessory. You can request an ESA letter at this link: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/esa-letter/
can i bring my ESA dog or cat in stores?
Unfortunately emotional support animals don’t have legal access rights to places like stores that prohibit pets. Only service dogs have that right under the ADA.
I need to know because I’m not rich
I have a legal doctor’s letter from my primary doctor stating I could benefit from having a emotional support pet. That IAM under my doctor’s care .
Do I have to still pay for esa service or is my letter f on my doctor good enough ty
The only document you need to qualify for an emotional support animal is an ESA letter from your doctor or therapist. You do not need to pay for any additional ESA “service” – the ESA letter is all you need.