If you have an emotional support animal (ESA) who brings you emotional support and comfort, you have likely considered getting an official ESA letter from a licensed mental health practitioner in your state. Official letters must be written by licensed mental health therapists within the person's state. So, if you live in California, the therapist must be permitted to practice there.
Let's explore everything you need to know about ESA letters, their many benefits, and the professionals who can write them.
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
Emotional support animals refer to any domestic breed of animal that provides support and comfort to its owner. Their physical presence alleviates mental health symptoms and helps their owner cope with day-to-day functioning. Popular ESA species include dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats and even reptiles. However, any legal breed of domestic animal can be an ESA.
Legally, ESAs are protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which stipulates that landlords cannot unfairly discriminate against a person living with their ESA, even if the rental complex doesn't allow pets. Under the law, ESAs are perceived as medical aids rather than conventional pets. Certain pet tariffs and rental fees are often waived when a tenant has an ESA letter. Moreover, when presented with an ESA letter, landlords cannot discriminate against specific breeds or sizes.
ESAs may also be allowed to travel with their owners on certain flights. However, this is at the discretion of the specific airline, and they should always be contacted in advance to find out if animals are allowed onboard.
What is an ESA Letter?
An ESA letter is an official letter by a licensed medical practitioner. Much like a medical prescription, it verifies that the animal is needed to support its owner through their mental health condition. The letter can be presented to landlords to mitigate instances of unfair discrimination when it comes to renting a home.
Can a Therapist Write an ESA Letter?
Yes, any licensed mental health professional (LMHP) located within the person's state can write an ESA letter. Licensed health professionals include therapists, psychiatrists, physicians and social workers. The therapist must be in the same state as the patient, and the letter must include several important pieces of information:
- An official letterhead.
- The therapist's details and medical qualifications.
- The name of the patient and their date of birth.
- It must clearly state that an ESA is necessary to alleviate the patient's mental health symptoms.
- The state where the ESA letter has been written and thus where the animal is allowed.
Who Can Write an ESA Letter?
Any licensed mental health professional can write an ESA letter. They must verify that the mental health condition qualifies for an ESA. Qualifying conditions include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic stress.
Remember, the therapist must always be in the state in which you and your ESA live.
Who Qualifies for an ESA?
Anyone with a diagnosed mental health condition can qualify for an emotional support animal. A licensed mental health practitioner can diagnose patients.
ESAs help owners by reducing the severity of symptoms, offering comfort and companionship, reducing stress levels, providing routine and enhancing well-being. Many studies have highlighted the therapeutic and healing effects of living with animals.
How to Get an ESA Letter Online with Pettable
Happily, Pettable can take the stress and hassle out of getting an ESA letter in a few quick and simple steps.
Take Our Assessment
Take a quick assessment so we can determine your exact needs and connect you with a licensed mental health practitioner in your state.
Attend a Brief Consultation
Once we have paired you up with a licensed therapist, attend a consultation with them and share why you need your ESA. Once successful, you will get your letter within 24-48 hours. If, for some reason, you aren't, Pettable guarantees 100 % money back.
Working with Pettable is the stress-free and risk-free way to get an official ESA letter.
Present the ESA Letter to Your Landlord
Present your official ESA letter to your landlord, and they must honor the 'reasonable accommodations' stipulated in the Fair Housing Act. When you present them with your letter, they cannot discriminate or exclude your ESA.
For more information on ESA letters or our online psychiatric service dog training course, get in touch with our team, and we will gladly be of assistance.
