If you live in Tennessee and rely on an emotional support animal (ESA), federal and state law give you the right to request reasonable housing accommodations, even in buildings with no-pet policies. This guide covers what Tennessee’s ESA laws protect, where they stop, and how to get a legitimate ESA letter.

Emotional Support Animal Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee makes accommodations for service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that public establishments – like restaurants, shopping malls, and department stores – must allow service dogs to accompany their handlers.

Tennessee law also makes a specific provision for ESAs in public places, as it excluded them from indoor dining areas. On March 15, 2024, Governor Bill Lee signed a bill that bans ESAs from indoor areas of "food service establishments".

Only trained service animals who are trained or are being trained to perform tasks are allowed, and animals whose sole purpose is to provide emotional support are not. Senate Bill 1595 amends Tenn. Code Ann. §6-54-135 to include restaurants and some hotels as food service establishments. You can always call ahead and ask about pet-friendly retail or non-dining establishments to see about their stance on animals.

Nonetheless, ESAs are recognized in Tennessee regarding housing as per federal law.

Go Deeper

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters for Tennessee Residents

To qualify for an ESA letter in the state of Tennessee a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) must determine that you have a qualifying mental health condition.

Tennessee ESA Housing Laws

All states, including Tennessee, are subject to the federal housing law known as the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Under this law, housing providers may not discriminate against potential tenants for their disability. Moreover, landlords must make reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals living with disabilities can access fair and equal living opportunities. Under this law, emotional support animals are recognized.

As such, housing providers in Tennessee cannot – for the most part – deny owners with ESAs or charge pet rent since emotional support animals are seen as assistance animals rather than traditional pets.

There are, however, a few situations where housing providers can prohibit ESAs. The FHA does not protect certain dwellings, including single-family homes that the owner rents out. Furthermore, housing providers can deny an ESA if they pose a safety threat to other residents (for example, a dog who is aggressive towards other people).

Tenants can obtain an official ESA letter from a licensed mental health practitioner – which is much like a medical prescription – and present this to their landlords. Pettable can help you with this process in a few simple steps.

Tennessee ESA Laws for Employment

The ADA makes provisions for those with disabilities to bring their service animal to their place of work, and Tennessee recognizes this law. People living with disabilities who have a service dog can thus bring them to their place of employment in Tennessee.

Unfortunately, ESAs are not given the same provisions under Tennessee law, and it will be up to the individual employer to determine whether you can bring your ESA to work. Some offices and work environments may be pet-friendly and welcome your pet. If they are, ensure your ESA is well-behaved and toilet-trained to make it a better experience for everyone.

Tennessee ESA Laws for Travel

Federal law, known as The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), protects service animals and stipulates that airlines cannot discriminate against people with disabilities. Service animals must thus be allowed to fly with their handler inside the cabin at no additional charge.

Until recently, emotional support animals were also included in this law and regarded as assistance animals. Unfortunately, this stipulation was changed, and it only protects service animals.

Some airlines may, however, choose to accept ESAs and allow them to travel freely, but it is at their discretion. Some airlines will charge additional fees, so it's best to inquire with the airline to determine their individual policy.

Tennessee ESA Public Access Laws

Since ESAs are not recognized under Tennessee law, they are only allowed in pet-friendly spaces and establishments. This differs from their stance on service dogs, who are permitted to accompany their handlers in any area that is open to the public following the ADA.

When visiting shops, restaurants, and public areas, check with the establishment before visiting if you can bring your ESA along.

How to Get a Legitimate ESA Letter in Tennessee

An ESA letter is still the key document for requesting reasonable housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act in Tennessee. If you want to live with your animal regardless of your building’s pet policy, Pettable connects you with a licensed mental health professional in Tennessee who can evaluate whether an ESA is right for you.

1. Complete the Assessment
Start with a short online assessment about your situation and how your animal supports you. It helps you see whether an ESA might be a fit before you meet with a clinician.

2. Meet With a Licensed Mental Health Professional
You’ll have a consultation with a licensed mental health professional in Tennessee. They’ll talk through your mental health needs and decide whether an ESA letter is appropriate.

3. Receive Your ESA Letter
If your clinician decides an ESA is appropriate, most clients receive their letter within 24–48 hours. Pettable also offers a money-back guarantee if your ESA letter is denied by a landlord.

When you’re ready, start your ESA assessment to see whether an emotional support animal letter is right for you.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Tennessee If Your ESA Is Denied

To file a fair housing complaint in Tennessee if your ESA is denied, you would need to submit a formal complaint through the Tennessee State Enforcement Division (CRED), or you can file a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  You can take the following steps to file a Fair Housing complaint in Tennessee:

• Step 1: Gather all of your evidence: Collect documentation including your written request for accommodation, a legitimate ESA letter, your landlord's written denial, and copies of your lease agreement.
• Step 2: File with CRED: You can submit your claim through the online portal or call (615) 741-5825 to request a paper form. You have 180 days to file the complaint from the day of the refusal or discrimination.
• Step 3: File at the federal level (optional): You can file with HUD online or call 1-800-669-9777, and you have 1 year to file with HUD after the discrimination.

The state of Tennessee directly enforces the Tennessee Human Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act, and works with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) to protect ESA owners in housing. CRED should review your complaint form within 10 days. Many disputes go to mediation within 3 months, but some cases can take up to a year to resolve.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An ESA is a companion animal that provides comfort, loyalty, and love. Their presence has many therapeutic benefits and can help owners to mitigate mental health symptoms such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression.

What is a Service Animal?

The ADA recognizes a service animal as an animal that is required because of a disability and can perform a specific function related to that disability. For example, a dog who helps its blind handler to navigate the world or a dog who reminds its owner to take their anxiety medication.

Under current law, a service animal can be a dog or, in some instances, a miniature horse. ESAs, on the other hand, can be any domestic animal.

Difference Between an Emotional Support Animal and a Service Animal

While both ESAs and service animals are medical aids and offer huge therapeutic support, service animals are trained to perform a specific disability-related function.

The Bottom Line

ESAs may not be allowed in restaurants in Tennessee; however, you still have the right to live with your ESA in housing thanks to Tennessee state laws like TN Code § 66-7-111 and TN Code § 66-28-406, as well as the federal FHA. To live with your ESA in housing, you will need a legitimate ESA letter written by a licensed clinician in your state. Start your ESA assessment today with Pettable and see if you qualify for a formal evaluation.