Over
Of Americans experience some form of mental illness.
NIMH mental-illness statisticsLegitimate ESA Letters
From Licensed Therapists
Trusted by 10,000+ pet owners all across the USFull refund if your letter doesn't workRated4.9 stars
Research in context
Did You Know?
Around
Claimed that having an ESA helped improve their mental health.
Pettable ESA surveyMore Than
Of pet owners with mental health conditions don’t know they qualify for an ESA.
Pettable ESA surveyESA education
A Clearer Look at ESA Letters
Three common questions, answered in plain language so you can understand the document, your animal and the professional behind the process.
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter?
An ESA letter is documentation from a licensed health care professional. It explains a disability-related need for an assistance animal so a housing provider can consider a reasonable-accommodation request.
- Written and signed by a licensed professional with knowledge of your situation
- Includes useful professional and license information
- Connects your need for the animal to your housing accommodation request
- Does not need to disclose your complete medical history or diagnosis
An ESA letter is supporting documentation. It does not guarantee that a housing request will be approved.
What Pets Can Be Emotional Support Animals?
Assistance animals in housing are not limited to one species. What matters is the disability-related support the animal provides and the circumstances of the accommodation request.
- Dogs and cats are common emotional support animals
- Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and birds may also provide support
- The animal does not need service-animal task training
- The animal still needs to be safe and manageable in the home
Housing providers may ask for additional information about less commonly kept animals or specific accommodation needs.
How to Know if an ESA Letter Provider is Legit?
A trustworthy provider is transparent about who evaluates you, how the process works and what the resulting documentation can — and cannot — do.
- A real licensed professional is involved in your evaluation
- The process includes an individual conversation, not only a checkout form
- Pricing, communication and next steps are explained clearly
- There are no promises of instant approval or lifetime certification
Paid registries and certificates do not replace reliable documentation from a health care professional.
Housing support
What Are the Benefits of an ESA Letter?
An ESA letter can support a reasonable-accommodation request. Approval and applicable exceptions still depend on the individual housing situation.
| Without an ESA letter | With an ESA letter |
|---|---|
Harder to find housing options | Live Anywhere With Your Pet |
Limited to “pet friendly” homes | All Homes Are ESA Friendly By Law |
Pay monthly pet rent fees | $0 In Monthly Pet Rent Fees |
Pay a pet deposit | $0 In Pet Deposit |
Subject to pet/breed restrictions | No Pet/Breed Restrictions |
Subject to pet size restrictions | Exempt From Size Restrictions |
Do I qualify?
Do You Qualify for an ESA Letter?
If you live with any of these — and your pet helps you cope — you may qualify. A licensed clinician makes the final call, and most people find out within a day.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Panic disorder
- Chronic stress
- Other conditions
What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An ESA is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit for a mental or emotional condition. Unlike service animals, ESAs need no special training — and with a valid letter, they're protected in housing under the Fair Housing Act.
Read the full ESA guide →Check If You Qualify
Free to start · refund if you don't qualify
How it works
A Clear Next Step
The process doesn’t have to feel complicated. Follow three simple steps with professional guidance along the way.
Quick Assessment
Step 1Answer a few questions to help us understand your current situation.
See a Therapist
Step 2Attend a 1 on 1 consultation with a licensed mental health professional to see if you qualify.
You Receive Your Letter!
Step 3Receive your ESA letter within 24-48 hours of approval.