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What Are The Costs Associated With an Emotional Support Animal?
The main emotional support animal cost you will incur is the price of acquiring an ESA letter, which can cost up to $200+. Outside of that, you need to consider adoption costs for your ESA, as well as the cost of caring for your animal. These costs include food, enrichment, and vet bills.
ESA Letter Costs - An initial ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional typically costs $150 to $200 and includes a clinical assessment, housing-compliant documentation, and landlord verification support, with renewal costs ranging from $100 to $200 annually.
Annual Care Expenses - Dogs typically cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more per year while cats range from $600 to $1,500 annually, covering food, preventive care, veterinary visits, and supplies, with emergency care potentially adding $800 to $2,500 or more.
Housing Cost Savings - ESAs protected under the Fair Housing Act are exempt from pet rent ($25 to $100+ monthly), pet deposits, and pet fees, which can offset the cost of an ESA letter within just a few months of renting.
Unnecessary ESA Products - Vests, registrations, and ID cards are not legally required for ESAs and do not make your animal official—only a legitimate letter from a licensed mental health professional provides legal documentation.
Get Started Today - If you're struggling with mental health challenges and believe an ESA could provide support, consult with a licensed mental health professional to determine your eligibility and obtain your official ESA letter.
When you're considering an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), the question isn't just whether you qualify—it's whether you can afford the ongoing commitment that comes with providing a loving home for an animal that will support your mental health journey. While ESAs offer invaluable comfort and companionship to individuals facing mental health challenges, the financial reality extends far beyond the initial ESA letter, encompassing everything from adoption fees and veterinary care to monthly food costs and unexpected medical expenses.
Understanding the complete cost breakdown is essential for making an informed decision about welcoming an ESA into your life. From securing the ESA letter to the cost of additional paperwork and the renewal of an ESA letter, these are all factors you need to consider when assessing the financial responsibility of having an ESA. There are also animal adoption costs, veterinarian costs, and costs associated with the general care of your ESA—but the good news is that legitimate ESAs can also provide significant savings through housing protections that eliminate pet rent, fees, and deposits that traditional pet owners face.
How Much Does an Emotional Support Animal Cost?
There are several costs to think about for an emotional support animal. Most notably, getting an ESAÂ letter can cost anywhere from $150 - $200+ but is vital for documenting your need for an ESA. Other costs to think about are animal adoption costs, and the cost of caring for your emotional support animal. How much you end up paying will vary greatly depending on what type of animal you have.
Costs Associated with an Emotional Support Animal
From securing the ESA letter to the cost of additional paperwork and the renewal of an ESA letter, these are all factors you need to consider when assessing the financial responsibility of having an ESA. There are also animal adoption costs, veterinarian costs, and costs associated with the general care of your ESA.
Adoption fees: $50 to $200 at many shelters, often including vaccines, spay or neuter, and a microchip
Initial supplies: $100 to $300 for a bed, bowls, leash, litter box, carrier, and toys
Spay or neuter if not included: $50 to $300
Microchip if not included: $25 to $60
Local licensing where required: $10 to $50
Recurring Monthly Costs
Food: dogs $30 to $100 or more per month, cats $15 to $50 or more per month
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention: $10 to $30 per month
Pet insurance optional: dogs $20 to $70 or more per month, cats $10 to $40 or more per month
Toys, enrichment, and treats: $10 to $30 or more per month
Annual or Periodic Costs
Wellness exam and core vaccines: $150 to $400 per year depending on species and region
Dental cleaning as needed: $300 to $800
Grooming where applicable: $40 to $100 or more per session depending on breed and coat
Optional or As-Needed Services
Training or behavior support: $50 to $200 or more per session
Dog walking: $20 to $30 or more per walk
Daycare: $30 to $50 or more per day
Boarding: $50 to $100 or more per night
Cost by Animal Type
Emotional Support Dog Cost
Dogs typically have higher food, grooming, and service costs. A practical annual baseline is often $1,000 to $3,000 or more depending on size, breed, and location, not including emergency care.
Emotional Support Cat Cost
Cats generally cost less to feed and groom. A practical annual baseline is often $600 to $1,500 or more, with variation based on diet, preventive care, and unexpected needs.
Small Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles
Food costs are often lower, but enclosure and habitat setup can range from $100 to $500 or more. Ongoing costs depend on species, habitat maintenance, and veterinary availability.
Regional Price Differences
Urban and large metro areas tend to have higher veterinary, grooming, boarding, and training prices compared to suburban or rural regions. Local demand, cost of living, and specialist availability all influence what you will pay.
Cost of an Initial Emotional Support Animal Letter
The cost of an ESA Letter primarily comprises the fee for the Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) consultation and ranges from $150 to $200 or more. This consultation involves a thorough assessment of your mental health condition and determines your need for an emotional support animal.
What’s Included in the ESA Letter Cost
Clinical assessment by a licensed mental health professional to evaluate eligibility
A housing-compliant ESA letter that aligns with applicable federal and state rules
Landlord verification support if a housing provider requests confirmation
Optional expedited processing where available for an additional fee
Multiple Animals
Some cases may justify more than one ESA. Additional animals typically require separate clinical justification and may involve added fees to reflect the extra evaluation and documentation work.
Cost of Additional Paperwork for your Emotional Support Animal
In addition to the ESA Letter, your landlord may request further paperwork to verify your emotional support animal's status. These additional documents typically come with an expense, ranging from $30 to $50, and serve to fulfill your landlord's requirements, ensuring that your ESA is permitted within their property and cannot charge you additional fees. It's important to note that the specific paperwork may vary among landlords, so it's advisable to communicate with them to understand their expectations.
Common Landlord Requests
Letter verification or confirmation that the clinician wrote the ESA letter
Clinician contact information for limited follow up if needed
Simple forms or reasonable accommodation confirmations tied to the housing request
ESA Letter Renewal Costs
While ESA letters are not legally required to be renewed annually, landlords may request a fresh letter each year, and this can range from $100 to $200. Some states, like Arkansas, have even mandated yearly renewals.
State-Specific Requirements
Rules vary by state. Arkansas requires annual updates. California’s AB 468 includes disclosure rules for ESA-related sales and clinician advertising. Some states also have penalties for misrepresentation of assistance animals. Always review the latest guidance where you live.
When Renewals Are Useful
Annual updates can help when landlords request recent documentation, when your treatment plan evolves, or when you move to a new property and want to avoid delays during the application process.
Emotional Support Animal Adoption Costs
The cost of adopting an animal from a shelter can vary depending on several factors such as the type of animal (e.g., dog, cat, rabbit), the age of the animal, the shelter's location, and any additional services or fees included in the adoption process. However, on average, adoption fees for animals from shelters typically range from $50 to $200.
These adoption fees often cover the cost of basic veterinary care, such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Some shelters may also include other services like initial grooming, a starter kit with food and supplies, or a trial pet insurance plan.
It's worth noting that while the initial adoption fee covers many essential services, there will be additional costs associated with pet ownership, such as ongoing veterinary care, food, grooming, and supplies. However, adopting from a shelter is often more affordable than purchasing from a breeder or pet store, and it provides a loving home to an animal in need.
Shelter vs. Breeder
Purchasing from a breeder can range from hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on breed and pedigree. This is not required for ESA eligibility. Shelters typically offer far lower upfront costs and often include initial veterinary care, which helps reduce one-time expenses.
Costs of Caring for Your Emotional Support Animal
In addition to adoption fees, you also have to consider veterinarian visits, vaccinations, and initial supplies such as food and grooming equipment. It’s important to choose an animal that suits your lifestyle and your needs, as these costs can total hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
Hidden or Unexpected Costs
Emergency veterinary care can range from $800 to $2,500 or more depending on the issue
Pet-related fees for short-term rentals and travel are typically not covered by housing protections
Replacement supplies, wear and tear, and deposits unrelated to pet status may still apply
Ways to Save
Use low-cost vaccine and spay or neuter clinics and keep up with preventive care
Buy food and essentials in bulk and look for subscription discounts
Invest in basic training to reduce property damage and incidental costs
Consider pet insurance to offset large unexpected medical bills
Things You Don't Need to Purchase for Your Emotional Support Animal
Many items are not legally required for your ESA, but many businesses sell them as they are looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of ESAs. Some of these items include vests, registrations, and ID cards. It is okay to purchase these products if you have already gotten written documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you need an emotional support animal, but these products alone do not make your ESA official.
Emotional Support Animal Savings on Pet Rent, Fees, Deposits
One of the benefits of having an ESA is potential savings on pet-related costs. Many landlords who recognize ESAs are not allowed to charge pet rent, fees, or deposits. This can result in substantial financial relief compared to having a traditional pet.
As long as you have a legitimate ESA letter, your ESA is protected by the Fair Housing Act, allowing you to live with your emotional support animal without incurring additional pet-related expenses. Learn more about the obligations of house providers here and the steps required in assessing a person’s request to have an animal as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.
For many renters, pet rent alone can be $25 to $100 or more per month, plus separate pet fees at move-in. When legally recognized under housing rules, those charges do not apply to ESAs, which means the savings can often offset the cost of an ESA letter within a few months.
What is an Emotional Support Animal Letter (ESA Letter)?
An ESA letter is the gateway to obtaining and maintaining an emotional support animal. It serves as the legal foundation for your rights and responsibilities as an ESA owner and is issued by a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist. This letter verifies that an individual has a mental health condition that necessitates an emotional support animal. The letter is crucial when it comes to ensuring your ESA's legitimacy and your rights as an ESA owner.
An example of what a legitimate ESA letter should look like.
Do I Need to Renew my ESA Letter Yearly?
While it's not technically required to renew your ESA letter yearly, it is often recommended for peace of mind. Some landlords may insist on annual renewals, and in certain states, it is mandated by law. ESA letter renewals provide an opportunity to assess whether your emotional support animal continues to be necessary for your mental health.
Can I Get an Emotional Support Animal for Free/Cheap?
The cost associated with ESA letters is primarily attributed to the thorough evaluation conducted by LMHPs. While some may claim to offer free or cheap ESA letters, it's essential to be cautious. Legitimate ESA letters require a genuine assessment, which cannot be offered for free.
Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, as they may not meet the legal and ethical standards required for emotional support animals. A legitimate ESA letter is an investment in your mental well-being and your ESA's place in your life.
ESA vs. Service Dog: Cost & Rights at a Glance
Service dogs often cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more because of specialized training and ongoing support. They have broad public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. ESAs support mental health through companionship and are protected under the Fair Housing Act for housing accommodations but do not have general public access rights.
Airline Travel Rules in 2024 to 2025
Under current U.S. airline policies, most carriers no longer recognize ESAs as service animals. ESAs typically travel as pets and are subject to airline pet fees and carrier size limits. Always check your airline’s policy before booking.
Sample Annual Budgets
ESA Cat in an Apartment
One-time: about $200 for adoption and setup
Monthly: $50 to $120 for food, litter, preventives, and optional insurance
Annual veterinary care: $150 to $300
Potential savings: $25 to $75 per month in pet rent where applicable
Medium ESA Dog in a City
One-time: $250 to $500 for adoption and setup
Monthly: $120 to $250 or more for food, preventives, insurance, and occasional grooming
Annual veterinary care: $200 to $500
As-needed: boarding or daycare for travel and long workdays
Potential savings: $30 to $100 per month in pet rent where applicable
The Takeaway
An ESA letter is not just a piece of paper; it represents the recognition of the positive impact your ESA can have on your mental health, offering invaluable emotional support and companionship in your life. The costs associated with an ESA may initially seem daunting, but they are essential for ensuring the well-being of both the ESA owner and the animal itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emotional Support Animal Costs
How much does an ESA letter cost?
An ESA letter typically costs between $150 to $200 for the initial consultation and assessment with a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP). This fee covers the thorough evaluation of your mental health condition and determination of your need for an emotional support animal. The letter serves as the legal foundation for your rights as an ESA owner and is essential for housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act.
Do I have to pay pet deposits or pet rent with an ESA?
No, you don't have to pay pet deposits, pet fees, or pet rent for your emotional support animal if you have a valid ESA letter. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits landlords from charging these additional pet-related costs for ESAs. This protection can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars annually compared to having a traditional pet. However, landlords can still charge you for any actual property damage caused by your ESA.
What is the total cost of owning an emotional support animal?
The total cost of owning an ESA includes several components: the ESA letter ($150-$200), adoption fees ($50-$200 from shelters), and ongoing care costs. Annual expenses for food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the type of animal and its specific needs. Despite these costs, ESA owners save money by avoiding pet deposits and monthly pet rent fees.
Do I need to renew my ESA letter every year?
While ESA letters are not legally required to be renewed annually at the federal level, some landlords may request a fresh letter each year, and certain states like Arkansas mandate yearly renewals. Renewal costs typically range from $100 to $200. Annual renewals also provide an opportunity to reassess whether your emotional support animal continues to be necessary for your mental health needs.
Can I get a free or cheap ESA letter?
Be cautious of offers for free or extremely cheap ESA letters, as legitimate ESA letters require a genuine mental health assessment by a licensed professional, which cannot be offered for free. These suspiciously low-cost options often don't meet legal and ethical standards required for emotional support animals. A legitimate ESA letter is an investment in your mental well-being and typically costs $150-$200 for proper evaluation and documentation.
What additional paperwork costs might I face for my ESA?
Beyond the initial ESA letter, your landlord may request additional documentation to verify your emotional support animal's status. These supplementary documents typically cost between $30 to $50 and help fulfill specific landlord requirements. The exact paperwork needed can vary among landlords, so it's important to communicate with them directly to understand their specific expectations and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Do I need to buy special vests, ID cards, or registrations for my ESA?
No, you don't need to purchase vests, registrations, ID cards, or any special equipment for your ESA. These items are not legally required and don't make your ESA official. Many businesses sell these products to capitalize on ESA popularity, but the only document you need is a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. While you can purchase these items for convenience, they alone do not grant any legal status to your animal.
How much can I save on housing costs with an ESA letter?
An ESA letter can save you substantial amounts on housing costs. Without an ESA letter, pet deposits typically range from $200-$500, and monthly pet rent can be $25-$100 or more. Over a year, this could mean savings of $300-$1,200 in pet rent alone, plus the initial deposit. These savings often offset the cost of obtaining an ESA letter within just a few months, making it a financially beneficial investment for those who qualify.
What are the ongoing care costs for an emotional support animal?
Ongoing care costs for an ESA include food, routine veterinary visits, vaccinations, grooming, toys, and supplies. For dogs, expect to spend $25-$150 annually on toys, $30-$500 monthly on grooming depending on breed, plus regular vet visits and food costs. The total annual cost can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the animal type, size, and specific needs. It's important to choose an animal that fits both your lifestyle and budget.
Are ESA letter costs covered by insurance?
ESA letter costs are typically not covered by standard health insurance plans, as the evaluation is considered a specialized assessment. However, if you're already seeing a therapist or psychiatrist for mental health treatment, they may be able to provide an ESA letter as part of your ongoing care, which could be covered under your mental health benefits. It's best to check with your insurance provider and mental health professional about coverage options.
Meet the author:
Kristi Carignan
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Kristi Carignan is a seasoned freelance writer with over 20 years of experience crafting copy for global agencies and brands. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her furry companions, Sugar the PomChi and Rudy the Shiba Inu, and indulging in hobbies like crafting and home renovation.
