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ESA Letter in District of Columbia

Legally valid ESA letters compliant with District of Columbia state law. Speak to a licensed therapist today.

  • Licensed District of Columbia professionals
  • AB 468 Compliant
  • Fast Digital Delivery
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Fully Compliant with District of Columbia AB 468 Law.

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

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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!

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"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,
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"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 District of Columbia.

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 District of Columbia?

District of Columbia 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 DC Residents
An ESA letter guarantees your pet will always be welcome in your home
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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
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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
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 DC Online

If you live in DC and have an emotional support animal (ESA), you’ve probably wondered about the process of getting an official ESA letter. Happily, it can be quick and hassle-free when you work with a reputable provider like Pettable.

Getting an ESA letter online from a licensed practitioner is the most effective way to secure a legitimate letter. ESA letters are written by licensed mental health professionals (LMHP), including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and counselors. It is imperative that the LMHP is licensed to practice within your home state. When you work with us the process is simple. Simply follow these steps:

  • Answer a few questions so we can fine-tune the process to your needs 
  • We’ll connect you to an LMHP in your state 
  • Attend an online consultation and share your ESA experience with the consultant 
  • Get your official ESA letter 24-48 hours later

If for some reason you’re not successful, Pettable guarantees 100% money back.

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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 *

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

Emotional Support Animals In DC

If you're in the Washington, D.C. area and considering an emotional support animal (ESA), you're in the right place. Emotional support animals offer vital companionship and comfort to individuals with emotional or psychological disabilities. Here's what you need to know about ESAs in DC:

1. Legal Protections: In Washington, D.C., ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. This means they can live with you in no-pet housing and accompany you on flights.

2. Qualification: To get an ESA, you need a qualifying mental or emotional condition diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional.

3. Registration: While registration isn't required, having a recommendation letter from a mental health professional is crucial. It verifies your need for an ESA.

4. Housing: Make sure to notify your landlord in advance about your ESA. They may require documentation.

5. ESA Training: Unlike service animals, ESAs aren't required to undergo special training. However, basic obedience training is recommended for good behavior in public spaces.

ESA Laws In DC

ESAs do not have specific legally binding laws in DC. As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are not seen as ‘service animals’ as they are generally not individually trained to perform specific disability-related functions. However, ESAs are gaining more widespread recognition around the world, and they are protected in terms of housing laws. 

While they were once protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) these rights have since been revoked and allowing ESAs onto planes is at the discretion of the specific airline. Service dogs are always allowed to fly with owners as per the ADA.

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DC ESA Housing Laws

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) offers protections in terms of accessing fair housing rights. It aims to: 

“Protect the right of people with disabilities to keep emotional support animals, even when a landlord's policy explicitly prohibits pets.”

Under this law, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for those with ESAs. Tenants can present their legitimate ESA letter to the landlord to legitimize their ESA claim.

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How Do You Qualify For An ESA In DC?

To qualify for an ESA, you must get an official letter from an LMHP. This verifies that you have an emotional or mental health disability that benefits from your ESA. The letter must include all details about your condition and the ESA, the practice and licensing details of the therapist, and their specific qualifications. 

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Benefits of Emotional Support Animals for DC Residents:

ESAs have a huge range of incredible benefits. Their presence can significantly enhance their owners' well-being and mitigate symptoms of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and isolation. Let’s delve into some of these benefits below. 

Help Relieve Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions

Studies have shown that spending time with animals can significantly lower stress levels and enhance happy hormones. This promotes well-being and reduces symptoms like loneliness and depression. 

Provide Companionship and Reduce Loneliness

Animals are social creatures and their physical presence in our lives can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness. ESAs are incredible companions, providing emotional and tactile comfort and support. Whether it’s a dog curling up on the couch next to us, a cat sitting on our lap, or a bird perching on our shoulder, animals provide incredible social connections. 

Exempt from Pet Housing Fees

Official ESAs are protected under federal housing law. Present your ESA letter to your housing provider and as per the FHA, you will be exempt from paying pet housing fees. Under this law, ESAs are seen as assistance animals and therefore conventional pet fees are waived. 

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How To Get a Psychiatric Service Dog in DC

Psychiatric service dogs (PSD) are regarded as service animals under the ADA. They perform specific disability-related tasks that help their handlers to manage their mental health disabilities. For example, they may remind an owner with OCD to take their medication or wake a handler with PTSD from a nightmare. You can get a PSD from a reputable shelter or breeder, or train your existing dog with our online PSD training program.

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Why Pettable is the Best Online ESA Provider for DC

Pettable has a network of experienced licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) who can aid you in every state, including DC. They can provide an ESA letter that is recognized throughout the United States under federal law. Whether it be by answering questions from a landlord that may require additional documentation, your Pettable mental health specialist will be on your side.

1. We Guarantee Our Letters Will Work For You
We believe you should not have to worry about whether your ESA letter will work for you or not. That's why at Pettable we offer a satisfaction guarantee - meaning your letter works or you get 100% of your money back.

2. World-Class Mental Health Professionals
We have built a team of world-class mental health professionals who can write you an ESA Letter prescription guaranteed to work in any state.

3. Unparalleled Customer Support
We know getting your animal approved to 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 have availability to help you on any timeline.

5. Human Connection & Legitimate Evaluations
For your letter to work, you need to have a live consultation with a mental health professional. At Pettable we make sure our clinicians adhere to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards and conduct consultations over the phone to get to know you and your mental health situation.

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 Is Pettable The Best Online ESA Provider?

We have a wide network of brilliant LMHPs in specific states, meaning that we can connect you with someone who believes in the importance of ESAs and has the medical grounding to write a legitimate letter. 

Our service is professional, compassionate, and risk-free. We offer a quick and reliable service where you can get your ESA letter within 24-48 hours of meeting the practitioner. If for some other reason, you do not qualify, we guarantee all your money back.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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.

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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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