ESA Letters for California Residents

Legally valid ESA letters compliant with California state law. Speak to a licensed therapist today.

This is some text inside of a div block.
  • Licensed California professionals
  • AB 468 Law Compliant
  • Fast Digital Delivery
Full refund if your letter doesn’t work.
4.9 stars
Trusted by 300,000+ customers
FREE PRE-SCREENING
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters for California Residents
An ESA letter guarantees your pet will always be welcome in your home
Get Your Official Letter
4.9 stars
Trusted by 300,000+ customers
mb
I am in California so the law here is a little different with a 30 day period and 2 therapy sessions but it was extremely worth it
January 23, 2025
mb
I am in California so the law here is a little different with a 30 day period and 2 therapy sessions but it was extremely worth it
January 23, 2025
DL
As California becomes less ESA friendly, this really helped me keep my EAS pets.
January 23, 2025
GC
Thank you Pettable I appreciate the smooth process and quick response. You guys are awesome.
January 23, 2025
FREE PRE-SCREENING
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters for Texas Residents
An ESA letter guarantees your pet will always be welcome in your home
Get Your Official Letter
4.9 stars
Trusted by 300,000+ customers
Very easy thorough process. Kya Miller, LICSW, LCSW was very helpful. I would recommend the services of Pettable to anyone!
May 19, 2025 - Texas
The process was very simple and the people are very kind and understanding
May 16, 2025 - Texas
Received my call on time, had a forthright conversation with a licensed clinician and received my ESA letter within 24 hours. Straightforward process.
May 06, 2025 - Texas

Pettable is Fully Compliant with California Law.

Our licensed California clinicians adhere strictly to both State & Federal law, ensuring your ESA letter is valid and recognized statewide.

Learn more about California ESA law AB 468
Pettable remains compliant with California ESA law AB 468 by establishing a 30-day client-provider relationship with a healthcare provider before an ESA letter is written. Our ESA letters are 100% legitimate in the state of California.
Cassy,
Cat Parent
Verified Pettable Customer
An image of 5 stars

"I would give my experience 10000/5 stars! I have already recommended your company to another friend. It was a straightforward no gimmicks service, and the doctor was genuinely concerned.

My new rescue cat Marston really appreciates that he is able to live with me now!

Cruz,
Dog Parent
Verified Pettable Customer
An image of 5 stars

"I would definitely say a 5/5 star rating! It was the best service I have ever received. They were quick, and knew what was needed for the time being!"

Aaron,
Cat Parent
Verified Pettable Customer
An image of 5 stars

"They are five stars all the way! The site helped set me up with a professional therapist, who is licensed in my state. It was very easy to setup calls or opportunities to communicate with them that worked for both of us.

Most of all they allowed me to keep my cats Mew and Espurr. “

Kaitlin
Pasadena, CA
Verified Pettable Customer
An image of 5 stars

"Pettable really made the process very simple and it was new to me. The therapist that I've been working with on the last few times was responsive. She was very helpful and she did a nice job at laying out in the letters the reasoning for needing my ESA pets. At first, it seemed like it might have been a little intimidating and I felt like it just took all of that away. If you're looking for a way to get an ESA letter, Pettable is reliable and affordable. A lot of times when you are going through these companies, you always wonder if it's legit. And so, having had now almost two years experience with it, I could and would only recommend Pettable to someone."

Andrea
Irvine, CA
Verified Pettable Customer
An image of 5 stars

"I had a wonderful experience with Pettable. The counselor explained and discussed the process in a clear manner that made the process easier to follow. I was concerned that my mental health would be brushed aside, but they came from a place of listening and understanding."

Daniel
Vista, CA
Verified Pettable Customer
An image of 5 stars

"Pettable made getting my ESA letter effortless and stress-free. Their team was friendly, professional, and truly supportive throughout the process. I was impressed by how quickly they worked—my letter arrived in under 24 hours. Highly recommend for their speed, care, and reliability!"

Read More Reviews →

How to obtain your ESA letter in California.

Take our 3-minute assessment
Answer a few questions about your ESA needs.
Consult with a California-Licensed Therapist.
We’ll match you with a professional in your area.
Receive your ESA Letter
Get your letter within 24-48 hours after approval.
Take our 3-minute assessment
Answer a few questions about your ESA needs.
Consult with a California-Licensed Therapist.
We’ll match you with a professional in your area.
Have a second consultation after 30 days.
Receive your ESA Letter
If approved, get your ESA letter within 24-48 hours after your second consultation.
Choose your city
Don’t see your city! No worries! We’re able to serve all cities in California.

Why choose an ESA in California?

California law supports the use of Emotional Support Animals for individuals with mental or emotional disablities. With a valid ESA letter you can.

  • Live in housing with “no pets” policies without additional fees.
  • Have your ESA recognized as part of your mental health treatment.
  • Benefit from protections under the Fair Housing Act.

How To Get An Emotional Support Animal Letter In California Online

When it comes to securing your right to live with your emotional support animal (ESA), California residents choose Pettable because we make the process easy, trustworthy, and fully compliant with the law.

We're proud to be one of the only ESA providers that strictly follows California AB-468, which requires a 30-day clinician-client relationship before issuing ESA letters for dogs. With Pettable, you get the peace of mind that your ESA letter is not only effective—but also fully legitimate.

  • California-licensed clinicians only – Your ESA letter is written and signed by a mental health professional licensed in California.
  • AB-468 compliant – We ensure you meet the 30-day provider relationship requirement, so your letter holds up legally.
  • Fast, easy, and secure – Our online process is HIPAA-compliant and built with your convenience in mind.‍
  • Guaranteed acceptance or your money back – If your letter isn’t accepted, you get a full refund. Simple as that.

‍

How Pettable Ensures Your ESA Letter is Fully California-Compliant

Navigating ESA laws in California can be tricky—we make it simple and secure.

Only California-licensed providers – Your letter will always come from a clinician licensed to practice in your state.

30-day relationship requirement – We initiate a provider relationship that complies with California’s AB-468 from day one.

Thorough, compassionate evaluations – Our licensed providers conduct meaningful assessments to understand your needs.‍

Full transparency – You’ll know who your provider is, including their credentials and licensing info.

‍

California ESA Laws & Your Rights Explained

California takes emotional support animals seriously—and so do we. Here’s what every pet parent should know:

  • AB-468: California law protects residents from ESA scams by requiring a minimum 30-day relationship with a licensed provider before a letter is issued for dogs.
  • What qualifies as an ESA: An emotional support animal provides comfort to ease symptoms of mental health conditions—determined by a licensed mental health professional.
  • Housing protections: Thanks to the Fair Housing Act and California laws, your ESA can live with you—even in no-pet housing, and regardless of breed or size.
  • Public access: ESAs are not service animals. They don't have access to public places like restaurants or airports, and do not have special rights for air travel.

‍

Avoiding Common ESA Myths in California

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

  • ESAs are not service animals – They’re not trained for specific tasks and don’t have access to public spaces like airports or restaurants.
  • ESA registration isn’t real – California does not recognize any form of ESA registry or ID cards. A letter from a licensed provider is what matters.
  • Online letters must follow California law – Even if the service is digital, the 30-day relationship rule still applies.
  • ESAs don't have public or air travel access – ESAs only have housing rights, unlike service animals.

‍

Why an ESA Letter Makes Life Easier in California

Having a valid ESA letter does more than provide housing protection—it supports your mental wellness and simplifies your life.

1. Live with your ESA—no pet fees or deposits

2. Bypass breed or weight restrictions in housing

3. Provide landlords with proper documentation

4. Reduce housing conflicts or denials

5. Access the emotional support your ESA provides every day

‍

An image of a woman and her dog

‍How Do You Qualify For An ESA In California?

To get an ESA in California, you must be diagnosed with a qualifying mental health disorder or emotional disability that requires the companionship of a domesticated support animal in your home. First, you must establish a relationship with an LMHP and get diagnosed with your specific affliction(s), then they can write your official ESA letter. Qualifying conditions include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety or panic disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Severe phobias

One of the ways you can do this is through a telehealth marketplace like Pettable, which can connect you to professionals in your state with experience conducting mental health evaluations for support animals. After filling out the quiz you will be matched with an LMHP and have an over-the-phone consultation with them. The clinician will conduct a mental health evaluation to determine if you qualify for an ESA. 

Once a Pettable LMHP determines whether an ESA is essential to your care and well-being, they will write you a legitimate ESA letter. You will then receive an ESA letter within 24-48 hours of your consultation.

‍

Get your official ESA Letter
An image of an arrow

ESAs vs. Psychiatric Service Dogs in California

Not sure which kind of support animal is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability and are protected under the ADA. They can accompany you in public.

ESAs don’t require specialized training and are only protected in housing settings.

If a PSD might better fit your needs, we can help guide you through that process too.

‍

How to Get a Psychiatric Service Dog in California

If you think a psychiatric service dog might serve you better than an ESA, Pettable can show you the way. Get started by taking our easy online PSD qualification questionnaire so that we can determine your specific needs. The most important part of this process is to train your dog to assist you with your mental health condition. By enrolling in Pettable’s online PSD training program you'll learn how to teach your dog how to care for your specific mental health needs by performing helpful tasks, such as fetching medication or responding to an emergency.

An image of a woman and her dog
Get your official ESA Letter
An image of an arrow

Why Pettable Is The Best Online ESA Provider?

Pettable is the best provider because we're committed to making sure the process works for you. That means working with the best and most experienced mental health professionals in the psychiatric service dog letter space, as well as providing a guarantee that your letter will work for you. We back all of this up with outstanding customer support, a renowned legal team, and a commitment to making sure you have an incredible experience.

We broke down the different services offered by every ESA service. And we looked for unbiased reviews from 3rd party sites.

‍

Money Back
Guarantee*
Live
Consultations
Transparent
Team
Reviews

How To Get An Emotional Support Animal Letter In California Online

When it comes to securing your right to live with your emotional support animal (ESA), California residents choose Pettable because we make the process easy, trustworthy, and fully compliant with the law.

We're proud to be one of the only ESA providers that strictly follows California AB-468, which requires a 30-day clinician-client relationship before issuing ESA letters for dogs. With Pettable, you get the peace of mind that your ESA letter is not only effective—but also fully legitimate.

  • California-licensed clinicians only – Your ESA letter is written and signed by a mental health professional licensed in California.
  • AB-468 compliant – We ensure you meet the 30-day provider relationship requirement, so your letter holds up legally.
  • Fast, easy, and secure – Our online process is HIPAA-compliant and built with your convenience in mind.‍
  • Guaranteed acceptance or your money back – If your letter isn’t accepted, you get a full refund. Simple as that.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Emotional Support Animal Overview
What would count as an emotional support animal?
How do I know if I qualify for an Emotional Support Animal?
What does the ESA process look like at Pettable?
How do I know my letter will work?
Can you confirm that this is legal?
What makes your ESA Letters legitimate?
What happens if my landlord wants to validate that my letter is legitimate?
How long does the process take from start to finish and how quickly will I get my ESA letter?
If I qualify, how would I go about getting an emotional support animal?
Are there benefits to having an Emotional Support Animal?
What is on your ESA letter?
I'm not familiar with the Fair Housing Act – what is it?
Do I need to renew my ESA letter?
How do your consultations work?
To get an ESA Letter, do I have to talk with a mental health professional?
Would an existing pet qualify as an Emotional Support Animal?
Can I qualify multiple pets with the same ESA letter?
My landlord says I can't keep my pet despite having a legitimate ESA letter. What do I do?
What does an ESA Letter let me do?
How does the Money Back Guarantee work?
Are there scams out there I need to be aware of?
What does the new law AB 468 mean for obtaining an ESA letter in CA?
What is an emotional support animal?
How do I get an ESA letter in California?
Who can write an ESA letter in California?
How to get an emotional support animal in California?
What’s the difference between an ESA and a service animal?
How many emotional support animals can I have in California?
Are online consultations for ESA letters legal in California?
Are emotional support animals allowed in hotels in California?
Can a landlord deny an emotional support animal in California?
How can I get an emotional support animal letter in California?
How does the Money Back Guarantee work for California residents?
How do you qualify for an emotional support animal in California? 
Are emotional support animals allowed in restaurants in California?
Does anxiety qualify for an emotional support animal in California?
Can a therapist prescribe an emotional support animal in California?
How to register a dog as an emotional support animal in California?Â