An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a crucial document for individuals who benefit from the companionship of an animal for emotional or mental health reasons. This letter, issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), verifies that the animal provides necessary support. Understanding what a legitimate ESA letter should include is essential to ensure its acceptance by landlords and airlines, protecting your rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), respectively (though ACAA rules regarding ESAs have changed significantly; verify current airline policies). This guide provides several ESA letter sample to help you learn about the details of an effective ESA letter. You should remember that the only acceptable ESA letter is the one written for you by a licensed mental health professional.
This section shows several of the esa letter sample. Real ESA letter sample will include specific information about the LMHP, including their license number, contact information, and the state in which they are licensed to practice. The letter must also state clearly that the individual has a disability (as defined by the FHA) and that the ESA alleviates one or more symptoms of that disability. Remember that obtaining an ESA letter requires a proper evaluation by a qualified mental health professional; simply purchasing a certificate or registry online is not sufficient or legal. This website is not offering real esa letter sample and that the following examples are only to illustrate the details of the letter.
Below are six esa letter sample designed to illustrate the kind of information a legitimate ESA letter contains. Note that these are examples only and should not be used as templates, as each ESA letter must be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. The information, esa letter sample should be written carefully, and legally. Attempting to fraudulently obtain an ESA letter is illegal and can have serious consequences.
ESA Letter Sample 1: Housing – General
[Date]
[Landlord’s Name/Property Management Company Name]
[Address]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Verification for [Tenant’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter serves as verification that my patient, [Tenant’s Name], is under my professional care. I am a licensed [Mental Health Professional Title] in the state of [State], license number [License Number]. I have diagnosed [Tenant’s Name] with a disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act.
As part of [Tenant’s Name]’s treatment plan, I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal. This animal, a [Type of Animal], named [Animal’s Name], provides necessary emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms of [Tenant’s Name]’s disability.
Sincerely,
[LMHP’s Name]
[LMHP’s Title]
[LMHP’s Contact Information]
ESA Letter Sample 2: Housing – Specific Condition
[Date]
[Landlord’s Name/Property Management Company Name]
[Address]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Verification for [Tenant’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Tenant’s Name] is a patient under my care. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California, license number 123456. [Tenant’s Name] has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which significantly impacts their daily life.
An integral part of [Tenant’s Name]’s therapeutic treatment is the presence of an Emotional Support Animal. The animal, a dog named Buddy, provides critical emotional support that helps to mitigate the symptoms of their anxiety, including reducing panic attacks and promoting a sense of calm. Buddy is essential to [Tenant’s Name]’s well-being and stability.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Doe, LCSW
123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 91234
(555) 555-5555
ESA Letter Sample 3: Breed Specific
[Date]
[Landlord’s Name/Property Management Company Name]
[Address]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Verification for [Tenant’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to verify that [Tenant’s Name] is a patient in my practice. I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (License # TX789012). [Tenant’s Name] suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from [brief, non-detailed explanation, e.g., a past traumatic experience].
An integral part of [Tenant’s Name]’s therapeutic treatment plan involves an Emotional Support Animal, a [Breed of dog, e.g., Labrador Retriever] named Goldie. Goldie provides essential comfort and stability, helping to alleviate anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional distress associated with [Tenant’s Name]’s PTSD. The presence of Goldie significantly contributes to [Tenant’s Name]’s ability to function in daily life and maintain emotional well-being. This animal does not cause any hazard and only act as the companion for emotional support.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Smith, PhD
456 Oak Avenue, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 555-1212
ESA Letter Sample 4: Focused on Alleviated Symptoms
[Date]
[Landlord’s Name/Property Management Company Name]
[Address]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Verification for [Tenant’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [Tenant’s Name] is under my care for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Florida, license number FL654321.
[Tenant’s Name]’s treatment plan includes the use of an Emotional Support Animal, a cat named Whiskers. Whiskers’ presence significantly alleviates [Tenant’s Name]’s symptoms of depression, including feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and lack of motivation. Whiskers provides a sense of purpose, companionship, and unconditional love, all of which are crucial to [Tenant’s Name]’s recovery and overall well-being.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson, LMFT
789 Pine Street, Miami, FL 33101
(305) 555-3434
ESA Letter Sample 5: Clarifying FHA Protection
[Date]
[Landlord’s Name/Property Management Company Name]
[Address]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Verification for [Tenant’s Name] – Fair Housing Act
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to confirm that [Tenant’s Name] is a patient in my practice and is diagnosed with a qualifying disability under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia, license number GA987654.
[Tenant’s Name]’s treatment involves the use of an Emotional Support Animal, a small dog named Peanut. Peanut provides essential emotional support that alleviates symptoms related to [Tenant’s Name]’s anxiety disorder, enabling them to live a more independent and fulfilling life. Under the FHA, [Tenant’s Name] is entitled to reasonable accommodation for their ESA, even in housing that typically restricts pets.
Sincerely,
Michael Brown, LPC
1011 Willow Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 555-5656
ESA Letter Sample 6: Travel – *IMPORTANT – Check Airline Policies*
[Date]
[Airline Name – though unlikely to be used directly, for reference]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Verification for [Passenger’s Name] *IMPORTANT – Check Airline Policies*
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter verifies that [Passenger’s Name] is a patient under my care. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Washington, license number WA543210. [Passenger’s Name] experiences significant anxiety when traveling, which is exacerbated by [brief, non-detailed explanation, e.g., confined spaces, crowds].
An Emotional Support Animal, a miniature horse named Sparky (Note: unlikely to be approved! This is for illustrative purposes only!), is a necessary component of [Passenger’s Name]’s treatment plan. Sparky’s presence provides [Passenger’s Name] with a sense of calm and security, reducing anxiety levels and allowing them to travel more comfortably. *Please note that airlines’ policies regarding ESAs have changed significantly. It is crucial to contact the airline directly to confirm their current requirements and whether they still accommodate ESAs.*
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Green, PsyD
1213 Cherry Lane, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 555-7878
*IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: As of current regulations, many airlines no longer accept Emotional Support Animals. This sample is provided for informational purposes only, and travelers are strongly advised to verify the specific airline’s policies regarding animal travel before making arrangements.*
In conclusion, while these esa letter sample provide a general idea of the document’s contents, it is crucial to remember that a legitimate ESA letter can only be obtained through a consultation with a qualified, licensed mental health professional. Be wary of online services that offer instant ESA letters or certificates, as these are often fraudulent and will not be recognized by housing providers or airlines. Always prioritize your mental health and seek professional guidance to determine if an ESA is right for you. Further, remember to confirm airline policies directly, as they have changed significantly regarding ESAs.