What to Look Out For When Choosing An Online ESA Letter Provider
When comparing ESA letter service providers, two key factors to consider are: compliance with legal requirements and the absence of red flags.
Meets Legal Requirements
One of the most essential qualities you should look for in an ESA letter service provider is legal compliance. If you purchase an ESA letter from a site that doesn't follow the laws, you may lose money or, worse, face fines.
One of the legal requirements under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) is that the ESA letter must be written by an LMHP. The LMHP must professionally evaluate you to determine if you need an ESA to help you. Another requirement is that you must have a qualifying mental health condition that's found in the DSM-5.
There are also a handful of states that have additional laws regarding ESAs, such as establishing a 30-day client-provider relationship before the ESA letter can be written. So, you want to keep an eye out for websites that mention these laws, ensuring the company is following the legal requirements.
Red Flags
There are a few red flags to look for. Inaccurate information on their website is a big red flag. Some websites have misleading wording or incorrect information, making it difficult for ESA owners to navigate the various options. For individuals unfamiliar with the ESA letter process, misinformation can result in falling victim to scams.
Another example is websites that sell unnecessary products, such as certificates, vests, and ID cards, which are not legally required.
Next, if a website sells an ESA letter without an actual consultation with an LMHP, then you know it is not a legitimate ESA letter. According to the FHA, the LMHP in your state must evaluate your need for an ESA. If they mention that an LMHP writes the letter but doesn't offer a consultation, then it will not be a legitimate ESA letter.
Be leery of any website promising instant ESA letters. The ESA letter consultation process often takes at least 24 hours, so instant letters are not valid.
Another potential red flag is if websites claim that an ESA letter will allow you to take your ESA anywhere you want or fly with it on all airlines. According to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), only service animals are allowed to fly in the cabin.
Pettable VS. ESA Pet - At A Glance
Pettable
Pettable offers a variety of services for fellow animal lovers. They offer ESA letters, psychiatric dog training, an online vet service, and additional legal support. Their ESA letter process is easy. You fill out some questions and get connected to an LMHP in your state.
After your consultation and formal evaluation, if you qualify for an ESA, you can expect to receive your ESA letter within about 48 hours. There is a 24-hour option available for those in a time-sensitive situation. Pettable works with LMHPs in all 50 states and adheres to state and federal laws. They also offer free annual letter renewal.
Pettable has a thorough vetting process for the LMHPs that they choose to work with. They ensure that the LMHPs that work with them are not only licensed in their state but also have compassion and empathy so that ESA owners feel seen and safe to discuss their mental health issues.
Pettable also offers one of the most comprehensive refund policies. You can receive a 100% refund if your landlord denies your ESA letter or if you don't qualify for an ESA. There's really no risk involved with Pettable. Pettable also offers a customer service team that is ready to help you 7 days a week!
ESA Pet
ESA Pet offers ESA letters and PSD letters. They offer three different prices for their ESA and PSD letters. They also provide additional ESA documentation services, including medical necessity letters and public access letters. Their process is straightforward.
You can choose either an ESA letter for housing, a combination letter for housing and travel, or a travel letter, which is also known as a psychiatric service dog letter. Then, they will contact you with an LMHP licensed in your state, and if you qualify, you can receive your ESA letter digitally within 24 to 48 hours. There is no mention of their vetting process for their LMHPs.
Although ESA Pet offers legitimate PSD letters for travel, it is important to note that additional steps are required to have your dog become a service dog, which must be completed before you can travel, even with a PSD letter.
Pettable VS. ESA Pet - Digging Deeper
Both Pettable and ESA Pet are well-known ESA letter providers and follow a similar ESA letter process. So, let's dig a little deeper into the differences between them now.
Service Legitimacy & Compliance
Pettable
Obtaining an ESA letter is a straightforward process with Pettable. They meet legal requirements by providing live consultations with LMHPs.They work with LMHPs in each state to ensure legal compliance with state laws.
First, you complete a brief survey, and then you are scheduled for a consultation. After the consultation, you can expect to get your ESA letter within 48 hours in most cases. However, Pettable clarifies that in states like California and others where a 30-day provider-client relationship is required, you will need to wait 30 days before receiving your letter.
The front page of the website clearly states that individuals residing in Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana will require two sessions and must wait 30 days before receiving their ESA letter. Therefore, if you reside in one of these states, your letter will be considered legal and verifiable by your landlord.
Pettable lists a “Contact Us” button, a live chat feature, and buttons for their social media. Their website has a vast collection of information about ESA, service animals, and federal and state laws.
ESA Pet
ESA Pet provides ESA letters and psychiatric service dog letters for travel. They offer a relatively straightforward ESA letter process, which begins with a 2-minute screening, followed by a telehealth consultation with an LMHP, and, if approved, results in receiving your ESA letter within 24-48 hours.
ESA Pet states that they are federally compliant with the FHA and the ACAA. There is no mention of some of the recent state-specific laws on the website. When filling out the questionnaire, it asks if you and your pet live in any of the five states with additional ESA laws, which require a 30-day client-provider relationship in those states.
They provide a notable amount of information for individuals learning about emotional support animals and offer multiple contact options, including email, phone, contact form, and social media buttons.
Pricing & Packages
Pettable
Pettable doesn't list their pricing directly, but you can find out how much an ESA letter costs once you complete your assessment. Pettable states that you will receive your ESA letter within one to three days. They also offer an expedited ESA letter within 24 hours, which costs an additional $50. You do pay for your ESA letter upfront, but you can receive a full refund if you are not qualified for an ESA or if your landlord denies your ESA letter.
Pettable's ESA letter is good for two pets. You don't have to pay for two separate ESA letters as long as the LMHP determines that you need both animals.
They demonstrate transparency by allowing you to learn more about some of their LMHPs, as well as providing pictures and information about team members, so you can gain a better understanding of the company before deciding to work with them.
ESA Pet
ESA Pet lists their pricing, and they do have a few different options. They offer an ESA letter or PSD letter for $139, as well as a housing and travel package for $154 that includes both services. ESA Pet does mention that if you have more than one ESA, you will pay an extra fee, but it doesn't specify the amount.
On the ESA letter page, under the Services tab, the website outlines the benefits of obtaining an ESA letter. However, they also say the benefit of "having your pet's support wherever you go." The wording is somewhat misleading for those seeking an ESA letter, as it implies that having an ESA letter allows you to take your animal with you anywhere. But that is not true. Unlike service dogs, ESAs do not have public access rights.
ESA Pet does share some information and pictures of their team, but not any information about the LMHPs they work with.
Customer Reviews & Experiences
Pettable
Users reported that the therapists at Pettable were compassionate and professional, which helped them feel at ease during the process. Other users mentioned that they received their ESA letters within 48 hours. Many Pettable clients reported that when they needed to contact Pettable's customer service, they received a prompt response and were assisted by knowledgeable staff. Overall, customers found Pettable to be a quick and responsive experience and would recommend their services.
ESA Pet
Many customers mentioned that working with ESA Pet was quick and straightforward. Many users also state that therapists were supportive and understanding. However, some customers on Trustpilot do point out issues with ESA Pet failing to contact them in a timely manner.
One user mentioned that the renewal process was complicated because no one would contact her back, but she still received renewal emails even after she had paid for it. Another user noted that after receiving the ESA letter, she attempted to contact ESA Pet to follow up, but was unable to get a response.
Refund & Guarantee Policy
Pettable
Pettable is the only ESA letter site that offers a 100% money-back guarantee for two reasons: if you don't qualify, and if your landlord denies your request for accommodation. There is a clear "Contact Us" button for dissatisfied customers, as well as a customer chat where individuals can reach out to request a refund or ask questions.
ESA Pet
ESA Pet has a limited refund policy. According to their refund policy, you would be eligible to receive a partial refund based on the purchase fee. So, if you do not qualify for an ESA or a PSD letter, then you do not get a full refund, only partial, and it doesn't specify how much of a percentage is "partial."
They also mention that if you request a refund after you complete a consultation with their therapists, you can qualify for a refund minus a $45 fee. They do provide a full refund if you are not contacted within two business days by either an associate or the LMHP.
Verdict: Why Choose Pettable?
Pettable is clearly the best ESA letter service provider if you want full legal compliance and a responsive customer care team that is available seven days a week. Pettable strictly adheres to both federal and state regulations on ESAs, has LMHPs qualified to serve in every state, and doesn't have any misleading information on its site. Not to mention, if you are not approved for an ESA or your landlord denies it, you are entitled to a full refund.
However, ESA Pet is a great choice for those seeking a fast ESA letter, albeit with a few trade-offs. According to some customer complaints, ESA Pet may not have the quickest response time, however. Additionally, their limited refund policy doesn't provide a full refund, but a partial one.
Pettable
| Pros |
Cons |
- Clinicians licensed in all 50 states, D.C. & Puerto Rico
- Transparency and compliance with federal and state laws
- Responsive customer service and legal support team
- Mentions state-specific guidelines and adherence
- 100% money-back guarantee
|
- Price isn't listed on the website
|
ESA Pet
| Pros |
Cons |
- Can get your ESA letter within 48 hours
- Pricing is listed on the website
|
- If you have multiple ESAs, you will have to pay extra
- You can't get a full refund if your letter is denied or if you don't qualify
- Reviews mention poor responsiveness
|
How to Get an ESA Letter Online with Pettable
Let's break down the simple process of obtaining an ESA letter from Pettable.
Step One: Take the Online Assessment & Book Your Consultation
The first step is to take Pettable's online screening to determine if you qualify for an ESA. After completing your form, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your telehealth consultation with a licensed mental health professional in your state.
Step Two: Connect With a Licensed Mental Health Professional
The second step is meeting with the LMHP. The LMHP will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation to determine if you qualify for an ESA. They will also ask you questions about how your ESA helps alleviate any of your symptoms. If, after your assessment, the LMHP determines that you need an ESA, they will write a legitimate ESA letter.
Step Three: Receive Your Letter!
The third step is to receive your letter! In most cases, you can expect to get your letter within 48 hours. However, in states where a 30-day provider-client relationship is required, you will need to meet with your therapist a couple of times and wait 30 days before they can write your ESA letter.
Your valid ESA letter will contain all the legally required information, such as:
- The letter will be on professional letterhead
- The LMHP's full name, signature, and licensing number
- Your full name and a statement about your mental health diagnosis, and that you would benefit from an ESA
- The type and breed of your ESA
- A legal reference to the Fair Housing Act (FHA)
- An issue and expiration date
FAQ Section
Can I trust online ESA providers?
You can trust online ESA providers if they meet specific criteria. A legitimate online ESA letter service provider will mention an actual consultation with a licensed mental health professional. If you purchase an ESA letter without having an evaluation by a mental health professional or an LMHP doesn't write it, then the letter will not be legal.
How do I know my ESA letter is legitimate?
To determine if your ESA letter is legitimate, verify the licensing number for the LMHP. A legitimate ESA letter should also include the following information:
- The LMHP's name, licensing number, state, signature, and date
- Your name and contact information, as well as a statement that mentions you have a mental health disorder that benefits from an ESA
- A brief mention of the Fair Housing Act (FHA)
What are some obvious red flags that an ESA provider is a scam?
Some obvious red flags to look for in an ESA provider include:
- Instant ESA letters
- ESA letters that are too generic and don't contain pertinent information about the LMHP
- Offering ESA letters that last a lifetime and do not need to be renewed
- No mention of a consultation with an LMHP
- Selling unnecessary items and services like certifications
- Low-cost ESA letters
What states have specific ESA laws?
At the time of writing this article, the following states have specific ESA laws:
- California
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Iowa
- Montana
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