Learning how to get an emotional support animal is straightforward once you know the rules. This guide explains who qualifies, how to get a legitimate ESA letter online or in person, what your housing rights are, timelines by state, and how Pettable can help you get approved quickly and legally in 2025.

How To Get an Emotional Support Animal in 5 Steps

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

To qualify for an ESA, you must have a mental or emotional health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and your animal helps alleviate symptoms through companionship and routine. Common qualifying conditions include anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, phobias, and other mental health challenges. If you are unsure, start by speaking with a licensed professional or take Pettable's brief pre-screening to understand whether you may qualify. You can also review our quick quiz here: emotional support animal qualification quiz.

Step 2: Decide If Your Current Pet Can Be Your ESA or Adopt

You do not need special training for an ESA. Your current pet can be your ESA if they provide comfort that helps with your symptoms. Many people choose a dog or cat, but any commonly kept domesticated pet can qualify. If you do not have a pet, consider adopting from a reputable shelter or rescue and choose a species and temperament that fits your lifestyle, space, and schedule.

Step 3: Consult With a Licensed Professional in Your State

Telehealth consultations are valid, but your provider must be licensed in the state where you live. In some states, the provider must establish a minimum 30-day client relationship before issuing an ESA letter. As of 2025, these include California (AB-468), Montana (HB-703), Arkansas (HB-1420), Iowa (SF-2268), and Louisiana (HB-407). Pettable follows all state timelines and will guide you through any required waiting periods.

Step 4: Receive Your ESA Letter

After your consultation, your licensed clinician can write an official ESA letter if appropriate. A legitimate letter is written on the provider's letterhead, includes their license details and contact information, is signed and dated, and confirms that you have a mental or emotional disability and that an ESA is recommended as part of your care. Your diagnosis details are private and are not required in the letter. Pettable delivers letters as a secure PDF, and physical copies are available upon request.

Step 5: Provide Your Letter to Your Housing Provider

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers must promptly engage in an interactive process after receiving your documentation. HUD guidance expects a timely response, often within about 10 days. With a valid letter, landlords must waive pet fees, breed or weight restrictions, and no-pet policies unless your request would create an undue hardship, the animal poses a direct threat, or the animal would cause significant property damage. If your landlord pushes back, Pettable will support you through the process and offers a money-back guarantee if you are not approved.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal is a companion that helps relieve symptoms of a diagnosed mental or emotional disability. ESAs differ from service animals. ESAs do not need to be trained to perform specific tasks, they help through comfort, companionship, and routine. ESA status is recognized for housing when a licensed professional writes a letter stating that the ESA is part of your care. To get an emotional support animal legally recognized for housing, you need a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

Hear from a Pettable client about how having an emotional support animal helps them:

Do You Qualify for an ESA? Signs You May Benefit

Many people qualify without realizing it. You might benefit from an ESA if you experience:

• Persistent anxiety, panic, excessive worry, or trouble relaxing at home
• Depression, low motivation, or difficulty maintaining a daily routine
• PTSD symptoms and you find comfort or grounding from an animal's presence
• Loneliness or isolation that improves when caring for a pet
• Phobias where a companion animal helps you feel safer and more stable

If you need task-trained help such as panic interruption, deep pressure therapy on command, or crowd control, consider a psychiatric service dog. Learn more here: psychiatric service dog guide.

Readiness Check: Can You Care for an Animal?

Before you adopt or designate a pet as your ESA, make sure you are ready for the responsibility.

• Time and routine: daily feeding, exercise, cleaning, and attention
• Financial commitment: food, supplies, vet visits, vaccinations, and emergencies
• Home setup: safe space, pet-proofing, and a plan for damage or noise
• Lifestyle fit: species and energy level that match your schedule and mobility
• Allergies and household rules: roommates or family considerations
• Backup plan: pet sitter, friend, or family member when you are away or unwell

If now is not the right time, consider alternatives such as volunteering with animals, fostering, or focusing on therapy first.

ESA vs Service Animals vs Psychiatric Service Dogs

Although ESAs and service animals can both help with mental health conditions, they have different legal rights and requirements.

ESA Laws and Your Rights in 2025

Federal Rights (Fair Housing Act)

The federal Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to reasonably accommodate tenants with ESAs. Your rights include:

• The right to live with your ESA even in no-pet housing
• No pet fees, pet rent, or pet deposits
• Exemption from breed, weight, or size restrictions

Landlords can ask for legitimate documentation, such as an ESA letter from a licensed clinician, but they cannot request your diagnosis or medical records. HUD guidance expects a timely response and an interactive process, often within about 10 days. Providers can deny an ESA request only if the animal poses a direct threat, would cause substantial property damage, or the accommodation would create an undue hardship. College dorms and on-campus housing are covered by the FHA.

For housing guidance, see our resource for ESA letters for housing.

Where ESAs Can and Cannot Go

• Housing: ESAs are protected under the FHA.
• Public places: ESAs do not have the same access rights as service animals. Restaurants and stores may allow them voluntarily but are not required to do so.
• Air travel: Airlines are not required to allow ESAs in-cabin under current DOT rules. Some carriers may allow ESAs as pets or in cargo with fees. For guaranteed travel rights, consider a psychiatric service dog. Learn more here: psychiatric service dog guide. You can also check which airlines currently allow ESAs here: which airlines allow ESAs.

State Variations to Know

Some states require a minimum relationship period before a provider can issue your ESA letter. California (AB-468), Montana (HB-703), Arkansas (HB-1420), Iowa (SF-2268), and Louisiana (HB-407) each require at least 30 days. Laws can change, so check locally and work with a provider that follows your state rules. Pettable keeps you compliant and on track.

What Makes an ESA Letter Legitimate?

Requirements Your Letter Must Include

• Licensed provider who is licensed in your state
• Clinician letterhead, signature, and date
• Provider's license type, number or identifier, and contact information
• A statement that you have a mental or emotional disability and that an ESA is recommended as part of your care
• Confirmation of a legitimate provider and client relationship consistent with state law

Your letter does not need to include your diagnosis, specific medical history, or details about your symptoms.

Red Flags and How to Avoid Scams

• Instant approvals with no live consultation
• "Registries," "certificates," or "ID cards" sold as legal proof
• Providers not licensed in your state
• Promises of public access or air travel rights for ESAs
• Unusually cheap letters or upsells for meaningless add-ons

Renewals, Timelines, and Costs

Do ESA Letters Expire?

There is no federal rule that sets an expiration date for ESA letters. However, many housing providers request current documentation. Best practice is to refresh your letter annually or whenever your housing provider asks for updated documentation. Pettable makes renewals simple.

How Long Does It Take?

With Pettable, most clients receive their letter within 24 to 48 hours after their consultation in states without 30-day requirements. In states with 30-day rules, the letter can only be issued after the minimum relationship period is complete. We will let you know the exact timeline for your state.

How Much Does an ESA Letter Cost?

Pricing varies by package and state requirements. You can see current pricing during checkout, and all services come with a money-back guarantee if you are not approved. Depending on your plan, HSA or FSA funds may be eligible.

How Pettable Works (And Why People Choose Us)

1. Brief online assessment to understand your needs and pre-screen eligibility.
2. Consultation with a licensed provider in your state by phone or video.
3. Letter delivery and support. Receive your ESA letter quickly and get help if a landlord pushes back.

Thousands of customers trust Pettable for compliant ESA letters, fast turnaround, and our money-back guarantee.

What To Do If Your Landlord Pushes Back

Common Reasons for Denial and How To Respond

• Extra fees or pet rent: The FHA does not allow pet fees for ESAs.
• Breed or weight restrictions: These do not apply to ESAs.
• No-pet policy: The FHA requires reasonable accommodation for ESAs.
• Requests for diagnosis details: Landlords can request verification but not your diagnosis or medical records.

If you receive a denial, ask for the reason in writing. Provide your ESA letter again if needed and remind the housing provider that ESAs are assistance animals under the FHA. You can also reference our housing resource here: ESA letter for housing.

How Pettable Supports You

• We review denial reasons and advise you on next steps
• We provide documentation tips and clarification for landlords
• We offer a full refund if you are not approved

Sample email you can use:

"Hello [Landlord Name], I am requesting a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act for my emotional support animal. I have attached a letter from a licensed provider that verifies my need for an ESA. The FHA requires housing providers to waive pet fees and restrictions for assistance animals unless there is a direct threat or undue hardship. Please let me know if you need anything else to process my request. Thank you."

What Are The Benefits of Having An Emotional Support Animal?

ESAs can provide:

• Daily comfort and grounding that helps reduce anxiety and stress
• A healthy routine that supports motivation and stability
• Less loneliness and more connection
• Encouragement for movement and outdoor time
• Improved sleep for many owners

Who Can Write Me an ESA Letter?

An ESA letter is a legal document written by a qualified professional who is licensed to provide services in your state. Several types of licensed providers can write an ESA letter, including:

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
• Family doctors with mental health experience
• Licensed Professional Counselors
• Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors
• Licensed Clinical Psychologists

How Are ESAs Different From Service Animals?

Both emotional support animals and service animals can be invaluable for someone with a disability, but they have distinct differences in allowed species, training, and legal rights. ESAs can be any commonly kept domesticated pet and do not need special training, and their legal protections center on housing. Service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, must be trained to perform disability-related tasks and have public access and air travel rights under federal law.

How to Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter?

With Pettable, you can qualify for and receive an ESA letter in as little as 24 hours in most states (California, Montana, Iowa, Louisiana, and Arkansas require a 30-day process). Simply follow the instructions below and we will connect you with a licensed mental health professional in your state who can assess your eligibility and write you an ESA letter.

1. Take Our Brief Online Assessment

To get a legitimate ESA letter with Pettable, take our short questionnaire. The assessment will have you answer some questions to help us better understand your needs and pre-screen your eligibility for an emotional support animal.

At the end of the quiz, you can choose the ESA letter package that suits you best and book a consultation with a licensed mental health professional in your state.

2. Consult with a Licensed Mental Health Professional

During your consultation, you will meet with a mental health professional who will determine your need for an emotional support animal. They will need to verify your mental health condition and that your ESA supports your mental health. If satisfied, the LMHP will prescribe you an ESA letter on official letterhead with all the legally required information.

3. Present Your ESA Letter To Your Landlord

The final step after receiving your ESA letter from your LMHP is to present the letter to your landlord. The landlord must accommodate your ESA even with a no-pet policy. A landlord can only deny unreasonable accommodation requests that may cause undue hardship or if the animal poses a direct threat or would cause substantial property damage. If your landlord denies accommodation illegally we will support you through the process, or offer a full refund. For more detail, see our guide for ESA housing requests.

Emotional Support Animal Laws You Should Know

ESAs are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. Under this law, landlords should reasonably accommodate tenants with ESAs. Under the FHA, ESA owners have the following rights:

• The right to have their ESA in their home, even if pets are prohibited in the housing complex
• Exemption from weight, breed, or size restrictions
• Exemption from paying pet-related fees, since ESAs are assistance animals

Landlords need to consider ESA requests in a timely manner and are allowed to ask the prospective tenant for an ESA letter from a licensed mental health therapist.

Airlines are not mandated to allow ESAs onto flights. Certain airlines do still allow ESAs voluntarily. Each airline will have a unique policy and should be contacted directly for clarification. See the current landscape here: which airlines allow ESAs.

State-Specific ESA Laws

Several states have specific rules for issuing an ESA letter. The following states require a 30-day client and provider relationship before an ESA letter can be written legally:

• California (AB-468)
• Montana (HB-703)
• Arkansas (HB-1420)
• Iowa (SF-2268)
• Louisiana (HB-407)

How Do I Know My ESA Letter is Legitimate?

Legitimate ESA services must follow steps that keep you compliant with federal guidance and your state's rules. That process includes:

• Connecting you with a professional who is legally qualified to certify your eligibility
• Ensuring that you have a one-on-one consultation by phone or video
• Having the provider include all necessary information on letterhead, and only what is necessary
• Delivering the ESA letter to you promptly
• Providing support if you run into any difficulty exercising your housing rights

Frequently Asked Questions About Emotional Support Animals

What is an ESA letter and why do I need one?

An ESA letter is an official document written by a licensed mental health professional that certifies your need for an emotional support animal due to a mental health condition. It serves a similar purpose to a medical prescription and is the only legitimate way to qualify your pet as an ESA. Without a valid ESA letter, your rights to live with your emotional support animal in housing that normally prohibits pets aren't guaranteed. The letter must include the professional's license information, business and contact information, and be written on official letterhead.

Do I need to register my emotional support animal?

No, you do not need to register your emotional support animal with any organization or database. There is no official emotional support animal registry recognized by law. Any website or company claiming to offer ESA registration, certification numbers, or registry services is misleading you. The only legitimate documentation you need is an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional in your state. Beware of online services offering instant registration or certification without a proper mental health evaluation.

How do I get an emotional support animal?

To get an emotional support animal, first identify an animal that helps alleviate symptoms of your mental health condition - this can be any commonly kept domestic pet, most often a dog or cat. Then, consult with a licensed mental health professional (such as a therapist, psychologist, or social worker) who is licensed in your state. They will evaluate whether you have a qualifying mental health condition and if an ESA would benefit you. If you qualify, they will write you an ESA letter that officially designates your pet as an emotional support animal.

What's the difference between an emotional support animal and a service animal?

The main differences are training requirements and legal access rights. Service animals must be trained to perform specific tasks related to a person's disability and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing them access to all public places, transportation, and air travel. Emotional support animals don't require special training - they provide comfort through companionship alone. ESAs are only legally protected for housing under the Fair Housing Act and do not have public access rights. Service animals are limited to dogs and sometimes miniature horses, while ESAs can be any commonly kept domestic animal.

What mental health conditions qualify for an emotional support animal?

You may qualify for an ESA if you have a diagnosed mental or emotional disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Common qualifying conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, panic disorder, and other mental health conditions. A licensed mental health professional must evaluate your specific situation and confirm that having an ESA helps alleviate at least one symptom of your condition. The decision is based on your individual needs and how the animal provides therapeutic benefit.

Can landlords deny emotional support animals?

Generally, no. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters, even in properties with "no pets" policies. Landlords cannot charge pet fees, deposits, or rent for ESAs, and breed or weight restrictions typically don't apply. However, a landlord may deny an ESA only in specific circumstances: if the animal poses a direct threat to other tenants' safety, causes substantial property damage, or creates an undue financial or administrative burden. Once you submit your ESA letter, landlords cannot ask for additional medical details about your condition.

Can I fly with my emotional support animal?

As of January 2021, emotional support animals are no longer protected under the Air Carrier Access Act. Airlines are not required to accommodate ESAs, and most major carriers now treat them as regular pets, subject to standard pet fees and cargo requirements. Some airlines may still allow ESAs in the cabin on a case-by-case basis, but policies vary widely. Only trained service animals and psychiatric service dogs are guaranteed air travel rights. Always check with your specific airline before booking to understand their current ESA policy.

What animals can be emotional support animals?

Any animal commonly kept as a domestic pet can potentially be an emotional support animal, as long as it provides comfort and alleviates symptoms of your mental health condition. The most common ESAs are dogs and cats, but other animals like rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and even reptiles can qualify. The key requirement is that the animal must be manageable in a home environment and provide therapeutic benefit to you. Unlike service animals, which are limited to dogs and sometimes miniature horses, ESAs have no species restrictions.

Do emotional support animals need special training?

No, emotional support animals do not require any specialized training. Unlike service animals that must be trained to perform specific disability-related tasks, ESAs provide therapeutic benefit through their companionship and presence alone. However, basic obedience training and good behavior are recommended, especially since your ESA will be living in rental housing. Your animal should be house-trained, non-aggressive, and not cause disturbances to neighbors. Poor behavior could potentially lead to removal from housing despite having an ESA letter.

Can I have more than one emotional support animal?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple emotional support animals if a licensed mental health professional determines that more than one animal is necessary for your mental health treatment. Each animal must provide a unique therapeutic benefit, and your mental health professional must document the need for multiple ESAs in your letter(s). Keep in mind that landlords may scrutinize requests for multiple ESAs more carefully, and you may need to provide additional justification for why multiple animals are necessary for your condition.

How long is an ESA letter valid?

ESA letters are typically valid for one year from the date they are issued, though this can vary by state and specific circumstances. For housing purposes, landlords may request an updated letter annually to confirm your continued need for an emotional support animal. Some states have specific requirements - for example, California, Iowa, and Louisiana require a 30-day minimum client-provider relationship before an ESA letter can be issued. It's important to maintain a relationship with your mental health provider and renew your letter as needed.

What should be included in a legitimate ESA letter?

A legitimate ESA letter must be written by a licensed mental health professional and include specific elements: the professional's license number and licensing state, their business contact information, the letter must be on official letterhead, dated and signed by the professional. It should state that you have a mental health condition that qualifies under the DSM-5, that the ESA is necessary for your mental health treatment, and that the professional is currently treating you. The letter should not include specific diagnosis details to protect your privacy.

Can emotional support animals go anywhere with me?

No, emotional support animals do not have the same public access rights as service animals. ESAs are only legally protected in housing situations under the Fair Housing Act. They are not allowed in restaurants, stores, hotels, or other public accommodations where pets are typically prohibited. Business owners can legally refuse entry to emotional support animals. If you need an animal that can accompany you in public places, you would need a trained service animal or psychiatric service dog, which have different requirements and protections under the ADA.

Are there breed restrictions for emotional support animals?

Generally, no. The Fair Housing Act protects emotional support animals from breed and weight restrictions that typically apply to pets. This means breeds often banned in rental properties, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, or German Shepherds, can still qualify as ESAs with proper documentation. Similarly, size restrictions don't usually apply to ESAs. However, the animal must still be under control and not pose a direct threat to others. If an individual animal (regardless of breed) shows aggressive behavior or causes damage, it could be grounds for denial.

Do I need to tell my landlord about my ESA before signing a lease?

You are not required to disclose your need for an emotional support animal before signing a lease or during the application process. You can request reasonable accommodation for your ESA at any time, even after moving in. However, being upfront about your ESA (after being approved as a tenant) can help avoid misunderstandings. Once you make the request and provide your ESA letter, your landlord has a legal obligation to accommodate your ESA unless they can demonstrate undue hardship or direct threat.