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ESA Letter in California

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

  • Licensed California professionals
  • AB 468 Compliant
  • Fast Digital Delivery
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Fully Compliant with California AB 468 Law.

Our licensed California therapist adhere strictly to AB 468, ensuring your ESA letter is valid and recognized statewide.

Learn more aboyt AB 488
Cassy,
Cat Parent
Verified Pettable Customer

"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

"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

"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. “

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.
Start Free Assessment
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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.
Start Free Assessment
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Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters for California Residents
An ESA letter guarantees your pet will always be welcome in your home
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Full refund if your letter doesn’t work.
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Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters for Texas Residents
An ESA letter guarantees your pet will always be welcome in your home
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4.9 stars
Trusted by 300,000+ customers
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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
For Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana residents, new laws requires those seeking an ESA letter to establish a client-provider relationship with the individual for at least 30 days prior to providing documentation, which will result in having two consultations before qualifying.

Pettable across California

We Work with clinicians in almost every district of California.

No matter where you are in California, we got you covered.
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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.

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Get your official ESA Letter
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Our fast and simple process:

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3-minute assessment

Answer a few questions about your ESA needs

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Consult with a therapist

We'll match you to a professional in your state

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Get your ESA letter

Receive it within 24 hours of getting approved *

Get your official ESA Letter
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We'll help with any extra forms you need signed and our therapists are available to talk to your landlord anytime, for an additional fee.

* For Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana residents, new laws requires those seeking an ESA letter to establish a client-provider relationship with the individual for at least 30 days prior to providing documentation, which will result in having two consultations before qualifying.

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Money Back Guarantee
If your ESA Letter is not approved, we will refund 100% of your payment.

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.

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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.

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Get your official ESA Letter
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Easy 3-Step Process to Obtain Your ESA Letter in California

Getting your ESA letter through Pettable is straightforward, secure, and designed to meet California requirements:

Step 1: Take our short online assessment to check if you may qualify for an ESA.

Step 2: Book your consultation with a California-licensed mental health professional. This begins your required 30-day relationship.

Step 3: Once the 30 days are complete and you're approved, you'll receive your ESA letter by email in 24–48 hours.

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Get your official ESA Letter
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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.

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Get your official ESA Letter
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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

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Get your official ESA Letter
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‍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.

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Get your official ESA Letter
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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.

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Get your official ESA Letter
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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.

Go Deeper
Psychiatric Service Dog California - Training & Certification

In California, individuals facing psychiatric challenges can find invaluable support through Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs).

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Get your official ESA Letter
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Your Top Questions - Answered

How do I qualify for an ESA letter in California? You’ll need to have a qualifying mental or emotional health condition, determined by a licensed California clinician. Pettable makes it easy to get started.

What animals qualify as emotional support animals? Most commonly dogs and cats, but other animals may qualify depending on your needs.

Can landlords in California deny ESAs? No. With a valid ESA letter, housing providers must accommodate your support animal under the Fair Housing Act.

How do I know Pettable ESA letters are legitimate? Every letter is written by a licensed mental health professional who meets all state and federal requirements.

Does Pettable offer a guarantee? Yes. If your ESA letter is not accepted, we’ll refund your full payment.

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Why Pettable?


1. We Guarantee Our Letters Will Work For You
We believe you should not have to worry about your letter working or not. That's why at Pettable we offer a satisfaction guarantee - meaning your letter works or you get your money back.

2. World Class Mental Health Professionals
We have built a team of world class mental health professionals who can write you a PSD Letter prescription guaranteed to work anywhere you go.
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3. Unparalleled Customer Support
We know getting your animal approved to travel or live with you can be stressful, which is why we invest so much in our team of dedicated support specialists to make sure you are always taken care of and have the support you need!

4. Licensed in all 50 states
Our network of mental health professionals is deep and spans across the entire country. Additionally, we have a deep team of mental health professionals to make sure we can meet any timeline.

5. Best In Class Legal Support
We are here to make sure your housing and travel needs are taken care of so you don't worry. Our legal team is dedicated to having your back should you need it!
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6. Human Connection & Legitimate Evaluations
In order for your letter to work you need to have a live consultation with a mental health professional. At Pettable we make sure our clinicians adhered to HUD standards and conduct consultations over the phone to get to know you and your mental health situation well.

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.

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Money Back
Guarantee*
Live
Consultations
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Team
Reviews
TrustPilot:
4.7/5
TrustPilot:
2.2/5
BBB:
4.6/5
TrustPilot:
4/5
Consumer Affairs:
1.5/5

What our pet parents are saying

Verified customers. Real reviews.
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I had an incredible experience with Pettable. I had just moved and was looking for a new therapist, but knew an ESA would really help me with the transition, so I came to Pettable to get documentation so I didn’t have to wait months to get approval from my landlord to bring a pet home. The process was straightforward, timely, and made me feel so valid in my journey. Now I am raising a puppy and never been happier and healthier! I can’t recommend Pettable enough! 
“The process was straightforward, timely, and made me feel so valid in my journey.
Maddee W. Dog parent
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5.0
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My pup provides relief in stressful situations, particularly when I'm away on necessary travel. Pettable was an amazing resource, connecting me with a therapist who listened to my situation and provided advice above and beyond. I could hear Rhiana's compassion over our call and appreciated her patience. Grateful for this service!"
“I could hear Rhiana's compassion over our call and appreciated her patience.
Austin K. Dog parent
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5.0
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You were very attentive and I’m very satisfied with the provider I was assigned with, thank you again for helping relieve the stress of not being able to take my furry baby to our new home."
“Thank you again for helping relieve the stress.
Lauren M. Cat parent
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5.0
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Meet Our Mental Health Experts

Jennifer Bronsnick

MSW, LCSW

AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO
Test University
Area of Expertise
Gut Health
Weight Management
Functional medicine

Jennifer Bronsnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Anxiety Treatment Specialist, & Heartmath Certified Trainer. She provides customized workshops and trainings to working professionals and teams to help build resilience and reduce stress with practical strategies.

Book your consultation
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Emilie Kay

MSW, LCSW

Area of Expertise

I graduated with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before obtaining my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2021. I have eight years of experience in the mental health field working in and with various populations, including case management, intake coordination, and residential, inpatient, and outpatient programs. I am certified in Brainspotting to help individuals deeply process negative emotions and trauma/significant life events. Additionally, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and safety planning in sessions/groups.

Book your consultation
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Marvy Beckman

LCSW

Area of Expertise

As a clinical social worker, I have been able to work within multiple types of settings, such as hospitals, community centers, and family welfare. I enjoy having the clinical and administrative experience to holistically serve those I work with.

Book your consultation
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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 is an emotional support animal?
What’s the difference between an ESA and a service animal?
Who can write an ESA letter in California?
Can a landlord deny an emotional support animal in California?
How can I get an emotional support animal letter in California?
Does anxiety qualify for an emotional support animal in California?
How many emotional support animals can I have in California?
How do you qualify for an emotional support animal in California? 
How do I get an ESA letter in California?
How to register a dog as an emotional support animal in California? 
How to get an emotional support animal in California?
Are online consultations for ESA letters legal in California?
Are emotional support animals allowed in hotels in California?
Are emotional support animals allowed in restaurants in California?
Can a therapist prescribe an emotional support animal in California?
How does the Money Back Guarantee work for California residents?
What does the new law AB 468 mean for obtaining an ESA letter in CA?

Life feels so much better with an emotional support animal.

At Pettable, we understand at a personal level the positive impact an animal can have on your life.

meet the team
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Schedule your ESA Letter consultation today.

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Get Your ESA Letter
Emotional Support Animals
How To Get an emotional Support AnimalESA CertificationESA Letter for HousingEmotional Support CatsSee all ESA Content
Psychiatric Service Dogs
How to Get A Psychiatric Service DogTraining a Psychiatric Service DogService Dog RegistrationWhat Is A PSD LetterSee All Service Dog Content
ESA Letters By State
California ESA LettersFlorida ESA LettersNew York ESA LettersTexas ESA LettersSee All 50 States, DC & PR
State Laws
California Law AB 468Florida ESA LawsNew York ESA LawsTexas ESA LawsSee All State Laws
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