Why Comparing ESA Letter Services Matters

Emotional support animals (ESAs) bring relief to their owners who are dealing with mental health conditions. People living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, or other mental health issues find joy in their animal's presence. To live comfortably with your ESA, you must have a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health provider.

Online ESA letter service providers are often the best choice for individuals seeking a quick, professional, and legally compliant ESA letter. But with so many ESA letter providers and ESA letter scams out there, how do you know which service provider to choose?

During your online search, you find two companies offering ESA letters: Pettable and FastESALetter. Let's compare these two brands and determine which ESA letter provider is the best choice for you.

What to Look Out For When Choosing An Online ESA Letter Provider

There are a couple of key details that you should check for when you are comparing ESA letter services. First, you want to make sure that the ESA letter provider adheres to all federal and state ESA letter requirements. Second, look for potential red flags. 

Meets Legal Requirements 

The first thing to look for with any ESA letter service provider is whether they are legally compliant. You want an ESA letter to be valid. You don’t want to end up wasting your money or even paying fines for submitting an invalid ESA letter..

According to the  Fair Housing Act (FHA), a legitimate ESA letter must be written by a licensed mental health provider (LMHP). The LMHP must assess your need for an ESA through either an in-person consultation or a telehealth visit. You’ll also need to have a qualifying mental health disorder to be prescribed an ESA.

Currently, five states have additional requirements for ESA letters. In these states, you will need to establish a client-provider relationship with your LMHP for at least 30 days before they can write your ESA letter. You want to check if the website mentions anything about these states, because if you live in one of these locations and receive a letter in 48 hours, it will not be legal.

Red Flags 

There are some obvious red flags to look out for that may indicate a fraudulent ESA letter provider. First, any website that sells unnecessary services or accessories such as registrations, certifications, ID tags, or vests is often a scam. None of these items are necessary. All you need is an ESA letter. 

Next, any website that offers ESA letters without a consultation with an LMHP in your state is likely a scam. The FHA clearly states that you must have an LMHP licensed in your state write your ESA letter. 

Websites that have obvious misinformation about ESAs should be avoided. For example, if a website claims that an ESA letter permits you to fly with your ESA, that is incorrect. According to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), only service animals are allowed to fly in the cabin. Websites that contain misinformation are not legitimate, and often, they serve to confuse or manipulate ESA owners. 

Finally, any website that offers a fast, instant ESA letter is going to be a scam. These quick-fix letters, created without consultations or adherence to laws, are not legal and should be avoided.  

Pettable VS. FastESALetter - At A Glance

Digital ESA Letter
Money-back guarantee
Real clinicians
Live consultations
Transparent team
Phone customer support available
Optional 24 hour turnaround
Option for clinician to sign dditional documents/forms
Reviews	Trust Pilot 4.7/5	Trust Pilot 4.3/5

Pettable

Pettable offers a variety of services for pet parents. They provide ESA letters, psychiatric service dog training, an online vet service, and even legal support. Pettable's website describes a simple three-step process for obtaining legitimate ESA letters.

First, you'll take a three-minute assessment to determine if you qualify. Then, you'll have a telehealth consultation with a therapist in your state, and finally, you'll receive your ESA letter within 24 to 48 hours if approved. Their ESA letter will cover up to two pets per letter with no extra costs.

Pettable has a thorough vetting process for its LMHPs to ensure that you feel seen, heard, and treated with the utmost compassion and empathy during your consultation.

They offer a no-risk 100% money-back guarantee that clearly states two ways to get a full refund. First, if you do not qualify for an ESA, then they will issue you a full refund. Secondly, if your landlord happens to illegally deny your legitimate ESA letter, they will also provide you with a full refund.

Their customer service team is available seven days a week during traditional business hours. They offer a live chat feature, list a phone number, and provide a “Contact Us” request for any questions you may have.

FastESALetter

FastESALetter offers ESA and psychiatric service dog (PSD) letters. To get started, you must first make an account and then schedule an appointment with their LMHP. There is no pre-screening assessment to see if you qualify for an ESA, which is odd. Next, you have a consultation either over the phone or on video, where you'll be assessed for an ESA. Lastly, if you qualify, your ESA letter will be emailed to you.

They mention a fast turnaround but don't say exactly how long the process will take. FastESALetter does list a few LMHPs on their website. But there is no mention of their vetting process.

FastESALetter’s website claims that you can get 100% of your money back at every step. The refund policy indicates that you are eligible for a refund only under the following conditions: if the LMHP determines that you do not need an ESA, if you have not received services within 24 to 48 business hours, or if your landlord denies your ESA and you submit a formal claim to HUD.

FastESALetter features a chat option, lists a phone number, and offers email support for any questions you may have. 

Pettable VS. FastESALetter - Digging Deeper

Let's dig a bit deeper to see how these two ESA letter service providers differ in some key aspects. For one, you want to see how they handle legal ESA requirements. What does their consultation process look like? Are they compliant with some of the more recent state-specific laws?

Service Legitimacy & Compliance

Pettable 

Pettable states that they ensure their ESA letters are legally compliant with federal and state housing laws and HIPAA. They work with LMHPs in every state to ensure their ESA letters are valid.

If a landlord denies your ESA letter, your LMHP can contact your landlord to verify or provide additional documentation. Their consultations are live via telehealth.

Pettable also notes that they are compliant with states that require an additional 30-day client-provider relationship. According to their website, residents of Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana will need to undergo more than one consultation and wait 30 days before receiving their ESA letter.

Pettable's “About Us” section lets you get to know some of the people on the Pettable team. They also introduce you to some of their LMHPs. 

Not only does Pettable have a responsive customer service team, but their website also features buttons for Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media accounts, allowing you to further connect with them. Pettable also offers an email newsletter to stay up-to-date with their latest news.

FastESALetter 

FastESALetter mentions the Fair Housing Act and states that you will receive your consultation from an LMHP in your state. The LMHP will conduct the evaluation over the phone or via video.  

Their "About Page" talks about their mission to help people who need to be able to live with their emotional support animals. However, it doesn't describe any actual person within the company. 

The front page of FastESALetter's website features a selection of the LMHPs they work with, providing more information about each. There is a brief mention of the five states that currently require an additional 30-day relationship with the provider.

They also have a "Contact Us" section with a phone number, an email address, along with social media buttons at the bottom to connect further, such as Facebook and YouTube. 

Pricing & Packages

Pettable

Pettable's pricing structure is actually not listed on their website. You can find out what the price is after you complete your assessment. You are required to pay for your ESA letter upfront; however, if the LMHP determines that you don't qualify for an ESA, you can receive a full refund.

Pettable's ESA letter is good for two pets for the same price, so there are no additional fees for a second animal. Most people can receive their ESA letter within 48 hours. Alternatively, you can request an expedited ESA letter, which can be obtained within 24 hours for a fee of $50.

FastESALetter

According to FastESALetter's pricing, they offer two ESA letter plans: a $149 per-pet ESA letter and a $199 per-pet ESA letter with an ID card. It's important to note that ID cards are unnecessary accessories. When ESA letter service websites sell unnecessary items, such as ID cards or registrations, it's important to conduct thorough research.

If you have multiple ESAs, you must pay for one ESA letter per pet. They do state that each additional pet letter would be an extra $60 per pet. They do require payment up front for either option. But if you do not qualify for an ESA, you can request a refund. The annual renewal price is $129 per ESA letter.

Customer Reviews & Experiences

Pettable

Most Pettable users rave over the customer care team. They mention how supportive, helpful, and responsive the team is. Many other users praise the professionalism and compassion of the LMHPs.

Pettable users on ConsumerAffairs discuss how easy and professional the process was, and they consistently return year after year to obtain their ESA letters. Other users mentioned that they received their ESA letters within 48 hours. Overall, Pettable has high ratings, including 4.9 and 4.7 stars, on review sites such as Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and Verified Reviews.

Pettable is a BBB-accredited business, having held this accreditation since 2023, so you can trust that they hold themselves to the highest standards.

FastESALetter

Most of the reviews on their website are positive, although the majority date back to 2022, with the latest review from 2024. These customers mentioned they really appreciated the fast service. There are also a few video customer reviews that speak well about the easy process.

On Trustpilot some recent customers mention that the experience felt professional and everything went smoothly. However, a couple of customers said that they were unable to receive their refund until they posted negative reviews. Another customer mentioned that FastESALetter sent them a letter before their actual appointment, and they had a bad experience with their customer support. Overall, customers seemed happy with the speed of receiving the letter, but they had some issues with communication and refunds afterward. 

The main web page for FastESALetter features a button labeled "BBB Accredited Business."  However, according to the BBB website, FastESALetter is not a BBB-accredited business.  In fact, according to the BBB website, FastESALetter has also had multiple complaints filed with the BBB against them.

This type of misleading information is a significant red flag, making the website appear very suspicious. They even state in the FAQ on the main page that the BBB accredits them, but the BBB's website seems to differ. According to the complaints filed on the BBB website, both individuals were requesting refunds and couldn't get responses or their money back in a timely manner.

Refund & Guarantee Policy

Pettable

Pettable's website mentions a 100% money-back guarantee. Their website clearly says, "full refund if your letter doesn't work." They also give you a full refund if the LMHP determines that you don't qualify for an ESA. There is an easily accessible "Contact Us" button and a live chat feature in case you need to request a refund.

FastESALetter 

FastESALetter claims to offer a 100% money-back guarantee on all its services. But does go on to list when you can apply for a 100% refund and when you cannot. Essentially, if your mental health provider determines that you do not qualify for an ESA letter, you may be eligible for a refund. You can also receive a 100% refund if they fail to provide the service within 24-48 hours.

The only way to obtain a refund for your landlord's denial of the letter is to first file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It also mentions that if you decide to cancel before your consultation, you will pay 30$ fee to process the refund. To request a refund, only an email address is listed. 

According to some reviews from past customers, obtaining a refund from FastESALetter was quite difficult, and customer service was not always responsive.

Verdict: Why Choose Pettable?

Pettable is clearly the way to go if you want to ensure that your ESA letter is legally compliant. By offering pre-screening questionnaires, state and federal compliance, a responsive customer care team, and a clear refund policy, you can trust Pettable with your next ESA letter.

FastESALetter may be a good choice for folks looking for a quick ESA letter but with some tradeoffs. For one, you will have to pay more for a second animal. The refund policy can be confusing. If your ESA letter is denied, you must file a complaint with HUD before requesting a refund.

Many customers have reported that getting a refund from them is challenging. Lastly, they claim to be BBB-accredited, but the BBB website indicates that they are not accredited with them. 

Pettable's ESA letter covers two animals for the same price, does not sell unnecessary ID cards, and has a responsive customer care team. Obtaining a refund is easy, and Pettable is a BBB-accredited business.

Pettable 

FastESALetter

How to Get an ESA Letter Online with Pettable

There are three easy steps to obtaining an ESA letter through 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. This is an important step, as it saves you from having to consult with an LMHP if you don't qualify. But if you do qualify, you'll be able to schedule your telehealth consultation with a licensed mental health professional in your state.

Step Two: Connect With a Licensed Mental Health Professional

Next, you'll connect with the LMHP in your state. They will ask you some questions about your mental health and how an ESA might help to relieve your symptoms. If the LMHP determines that you need an ESA, they will write a valid ESA letter. If you have two ESAs and it's reasonable for you to have both, they will include both at no extra charge!

Step Three: Receive Your Letter!

Lastly, you receive your ESA letter within 24-48 hours in most cases. However, remember that in states where a 30-day provider-client relationship is required, you will need to undergo two consultations and wait a period of 30 days before receiving your letter. 

Your ESA letter will contain all the legally required information, such as:

• The letter will be written on a professional letterhead
• The LMHP's full name, signature, and licensing number
• Your full name and a statement about your mental health diagnosis, and how your mental health will 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

Here are a few common questions about online ESA service providers.

Can I trust online ESA providers?

You can trust ESA letter providers when they adhere to all of the legal requirements. A trustworthy ESA letter service provider will require a live consultation with an LMHP licensed in your state. ESA letter providers who charge for unnecessary registrations and accessories, offer instant ESA letters, or rely on one or two licensed mental health professionals to write their letters should not be trusted.

How do I know my ESA letter is legitimate?

To determine if your ESA letter is legitimate, your landlord can verify the licensing number of the LMHP.  A valid ESA letter should also include the following:

• The LMHP's name, licensing number, state, signature, and date
• Your name and contact information
• A brief statement that mentions you have a mental health disability, and an ESA is prescribed as part of the treatment plan.
• A legal reference to 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
• No consultation with an LMHP
• Generic-looking ESA letters 
• LMHP or letterhead is not from your state
• Offering ESA letters that do not need to be renewed
• Selling unnecessary items and services like registrations and ID cards
• Low-cost ESA letters

What states have specific ESA laws?

As of June 2025, the following states have specific ESA laws requiring a 30-day client-provider relationship:

• California
• Arkansas
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Montana