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How to Get an Emotional Support Dog Letter
An emotional support animal (ESA) can be any type of small, domesticated animal customarily kept in the home. All kinds of animal companions serve as ESAs, but dogs are perhaps the most popular type of emotional support animal. Dogs and other ESAs can provide therapeutic comfort for those suffering from various mental and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Federal and state laws have requirements for how an owner proves that their dog is an emotional support animal. Under these ESA laws, the owner of an ESA needs a recommendation letter from a licensed mental health professional. In this article, we explore how you can qualify for an emotional support dog.
Ask Your Therapist for an ESA Letter
Ask a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). If you’re interested in qualifying for an emotional support dog, the first place to turn for help is your existing therapist. That can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, social worker, registered nurse, physician’s assistant, or other licensed professional that is familiar with your mental and emotional health. Physicians are also capable of writing ESA letters but may not be familiar with ESAs or your mental health history. If your current therapist or doctor agrees you have a condition that qualifies for an emotional support animal, they may write you an ESA letter. The ESA letter will be signed and dated on the professional’s letterhead and contain a “prescription” (more accurately, a recommendation) for an emotional support animal.
Valid letter, official ESA status. Once you are in possession of an ESA letter, your dog is an official ESA. You can present this letter to your housing provider to prove your dog is a proper emotional support animal. Discussing your mental and emotional health with someone can be challenging, and you may also feel apprehensive about asking whether an emotional support dog is right for you. It’s always best, however, to be open and transparent about the issues you are dealing with when talking to a health care professional and also to suggest solutions that you think may help you.
Emotional support dogs are used by countless people suffering from mental and emotional disorders. Emotional support dogs can be an essential part of feeling better and can work in conjunction with other modes of treatment, such as therapy and medication. Having an emotional support dog by your side can help you face your issues head-on and navigate more comfortably through challenging situations that arise in life. Many therapists understand the benefits of emotional support animals and will write ESA letters for qualifying clients.
If your existing healthcare setup is not enough, there are other options for you.
- Some therapists are not familiar with ESA rules or do not feel capable of writing ESA letters, and they might refer clients to other professionals.
- Some people with mental health conditions don’t have a therapist or can’t afford one. Many also find it difficult to do in-person visits or to fit sessions into a busy schedule.
If you’re having trouble finding a qualified therapist to recommend an ESA, there are fortunately valuable online resources that can help guide you in the right direction.
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Get Your ESA Letter Online
More people than ever are turning to the convenience of using online therapists. With online technology, it has never been easier to find help from a licensed professional without ever having to leave your home. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an even greater appreciation for these services, which offer a cost-effective way for people to find the help they need. If the idea of seeing a therapist in person makes you anxious or scared, that’s another great reason to explore using an online service. ESA letters issued online are just as valid as those issued in person.
How to find the right online source for an ESA letter
Here are several things to look out for when you start looking for an ESA letter provider:
- They have a documented and verifiable reputation
- They follow the proper procedures
- They pair you with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) in your state
- The LMHP is able and qualified to write ESA letters
- The provider and LMHP are aware of the relevant regulations (Fair Housing Act) and follow them
When you submit information about your need for an ESA, you divulge sensitive, confidential information. You want to make sure that you’re in trusted hands when you share this information online. Be sure the platform you are using is secure and respects client confidentiality.
One of the oldest and leading providers of ESA services is ESA Doctors. They have helped thousands of people find licensed professionals who have helped them qualify for an emotional support dog. If you think an emotional support dog could improve your mental health, don’t hesitate to get the help you deserve.
Click Here to Get Your ESA Letter
Training your Emotional Support Animal
A popular misconception about emotional support dogs is that they need specialized training. This misunderstanding likely stems from confusing emotional support dogs with service dogs, which are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not need any specific training. While ESAs provide therapeutic support to their owners through companionship and affection, Service dogs undergo highly specialized training to assist with a disability. One such example is a dog that is trained to protect its handler’s head during a seizure. Nonetheless, all emotional support dogs should undergo basic obedience and behavioral training so they can coexist peacefully with other animals and tenants without being a nuisance or danger to anyone.
Know Your Rights as an ESA Owner
Owners of emotional support dogs have special rights under federal and state laws.
Under the Fair Housing Act:
- Tenants are allowed to live with their emotional support animals, even in buildings that prohibit pets.
- Landlords are prohibited from imposing fees and deposits for emotional support dogs, even though such fees and deposits may be applicable for regular pets.
- Emotional support animals are exempt from restrictions on a dog breed or weight.
To take advantage of these benefits, you need to present your landlord with a valid ESA letter. If you’re interested in seeing if you qualify for an ESA letter, ESA Doctors can help connect you to an understanding professional who will treat you with respect and kindness.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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There is a difference between a Service animal and a Companion animal. With a Service animal they provide a service to the owner where as a Companion animal works more at calming an individual. I have, as a medical provider, started deferring companion animal letters to Mental Health.
does a licensed mental health counselor qualify to provide an ESA letter?
Yes, they do!
I need a esa letter stating that my dog is an service animal due to my stress and anxiety I have
Good afternoon, I am suffering from anxiety and my dog has been an incredible help but I want to make him an ESA dog how can obtain the letter online, anyone know any good and legal websites?
Esas and service animals are two very different things i would suggest doing some research before getting either or and see which is a correct fit for you!
I have a yorkie as my ESA I got my paperwork from my Psychologist she typed it up in the office
Remember, your dog is NOT a “service animal”. This is a legal definition and ESA’s don’t legally qualify as that.
My doctor told me to bring her the ESA paper and she will fill it out , where would one get this paper ? I am currently being treated for anxiety and depression and would like to be pointed in right direction to obtain this paper before my next appt.
I am in the same boat. I do not know where to obtain the esa letter. If you do find a way please let me know. And i will do the same if I find a esa letter.
Thank you and God bless
Did you find support Animal letter? I have been try to get the paper work for this.
I was looking into getting a puppy (I love puppies) will i be able to get an esa letter for a puppy for my stress panic attacks and anxiety??
Can one get a letter before actually having the pet. I really want to get my mom and small dog for her anxiety but her apartments say she has to have a note before they allow it.
Did you ever figure this out? I am also looking into getting a puppy as an emotional support dog as well but I am wondering if I can get my letter before having my dog because of housing.
My PCP has asked me to print the online form for him to complete. Please could you provide me with the link or information as where to obtain this form or letter?
I also need a letter for my doctor to fill out. How do i obtain one?
ESADoctors.com (https://esadoctors.com) is a great resource and only works with real licensed mental health professionals.
I used them too and worked perfectly. There are a lot of scams out there and I’m glad we found a reputable source.
I think what a few of us are looking for is more of a template. What should it say or what does it need to say if you are requesting one from our therapist? They may not have completed this before. It’s an option to get one from them without paying the extra fee online to get a letter.
My landlord says he won’t accept an ESA letter from my Primary Care Provider, because he is a PAC. Says he will only accept a letter from “a licensed mental health practitioner” as the the Fair Housing Act states. My PCP is the one who treats my anxiety and depression, along with my chronic physical conditions, not a psychiatrist, LISW, therapist, etc. Why do I have to wait to go see someone else, pay the copays, etc when my PCP is the one who treats me???
My landlord didn’t except it at all. My landlord told me if I wanted a dog I had to find a new house. I would would need to move out if I wanted a dog. I have PTSD and I gave him my letter from my doctor. They didn’t care.
thats against the law. consult a lawyer.
That’s illegal if you have a ESA letter they legally have to exempt the no pet policy but it’s does depend on how big your pet is
Contact the Human Rights dept. in your state
Ask your doctor. Normally you would obtain one from a mental health specialist, as the therapist mentioned too, but they strongly recommend a psychiatrist since they handle the prescriptions. An ESA letter is technically a doctor prescribing you with a dog by a mental health specialist, or the doctor specializing in whatever you need help with. You only get ESA letters from your doctor, and YOUR DOCTOR/PSYCHIATRIST is responsible for filling out the ESA letter/animal prescription letter. Not you.
I’ve had to deal with doctors, especially regarding ESA animals and service animals, so I know from experience, you cannot prescribe yourself a medication, the animal is the medicine basically. I feel it’s better to train the ESA animal to be a service animal, not keep it an ESA animal since they are starting to do away with them in certain public settings. Just thought I’d drop that by.
I suffer from depression and anxiety and on medication for it I have a hard time leaving my home by myself I have a pug what do I need to do
I have a cat who’s fixed ,licensed,and has all his vaccines. I want a letter to allow my cat in a apt .complex in PHX.
You can get an ESA letter for a cat. Talk to your doctor or therapist or talk to someone online.
Do you have to have any training , with the animal? Obedience training
I have my letter for my dog and license but my manager said some one was complaining that my dog barks a lot and he told me I would have to get rid of him is there anything I could do about this matter or do I have to get rid of him I have him for for about eight years he was 3 weeks old
I see this all the time. “Talk to someone online.” Could you direct me to someone. I’m scared I’ll find a scammer.
There are different services online that connect you with a therapist online. When choosing one, what you want to make sure that you will be connected with an actual therapist or doctor that is licensed to practice in your state of residence, and that will issue a letter with their license number on it. If a service says you’ll get the letter instantly it’s probably a scam. I know esadoctors.com is legitimate, and you might find their article on fake online letters interesting https://esadoctors.com/dont-be-scammed-fake-esa-letters/
I have an American Pitbull terrier that is very supportive.i need a letter to allow my pet into my Apt
My doctor doesn’t know how to give me an esa letter for my cat, but said if i help her look up how she will give me one. How do my doctor and I go about doing this?
my dr wrote it as a script..lili.is allowed everywhere with me as per ADA rules
ESAs do not have public access rights. They can’t go everywhere with you. The ADA is for service dogs, NOT emotional support animals…
I have a 3 month puppy and my apartment doesn’t allow dogs unless they’re 9 months. I would like an ESA for him since I’m pregnant and my husband and I are not stationed together, but my apartment complex doesn’t allow online ones. I can’t find any near me that do it in person. What should I do?
How and where do I find a doctor to give me a note for my dog do to I have Anxiety
My family Dr says he will write me the letter, is this fine? Is there anything else Ill need to give to my landlord?
Hi, Yes you need an actual prescription. It has to include your drs license #, and information. It has to include yout info and your animals. You also have to have your animal always caught up on vaccines and your vet will print for free if you ask a certified copy of your animals info and proof of shots etc. If you search online you will find examples and can tell which are legitimate.
Good luck to you!
I have have two cat they are my Support when my husband died I don’t know how I would live without them I need a letter so I can keep them in my home
I’ve recently moved into a dorm and I have a cat at home who comforts me during panic attacks. I’ve started experiencing the attacks more frequently and intensely due to the new surroundings and isolated feeling. I already take 100mg of Zoloft but my symptoms are still present.
My name is Elijah blades I have anxiety depression intellectual disorder night, terrors insomnia I have a dog that helps me sleep & calm down when my anxiety levels are extremely high what can I do to keep my dog with me at all times I am in college away from home. I really feel alone. I travel a lot on airplanes as well can you share with what I can do
Talk to your licensed therapist to help you assess if an emotional support dog is the best treatment option for you. As your ESA your dog could stay with you on college campus and accompany you on your travels. You may find this article on ESAs in college helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-school/
I already have a letter from my doctor for a dog