Understanding the format and content of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is crucial for ensuring its validity. A legitimate ESA letter is a prescription from a licensed mental health professional stating that the animal provides necessary support for a person with a diagnosed mental or emotional disability. These letters allow individuals to live with their ESA in housing that may otherwise prohibit pets, and in some limited cases, may allow them to travel with their animal. This article provides 11 ESA letter samples to help you understand the necessary components and requirements, ensuring you understand what constitutes a valid and legally sound document.
It’s important to remember that simply having a pet you love does not qualify it as an ESA. A legitimate ESA letter requires a formal diagnosis from a qualified professional after an assessment of your mental and emotional needs. Beware of online services that promise instant ESA letters without proper evaluation, as these are often fraudulent and will likely not be accepted by landlords or airlines. This comprehensive collection of samples will illustrate the key components of a valid ESA letter from a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP).
Here are 11 sample ESA letters showcasing various scenarios. Please note that these are examples and should not be copied verbatim. Consult with a licensed mental health professional to obtain a personalized and legally compliant ESA letter that addresses your specific needs and situation. Each example focuses on different aspects of content, layout, and legal phrasing to ensure that you get comprehensive coverage of what a valid ESA Letter looks like.
Sample ESA Letters and Forms
Sample ESA Letter #1: Housing Accommodation
Date: October 26, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to verify that [Patient Name] is under my professional care. I am a licensed [Profession – e.g., Psychologist, Therapist, Social Worker] in the state of [State] with license number [License Number].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Diagnosis – Specific diagnosis *not* required, but generally listed as mental or emotional disability to remain HIPAA compliant] and requires the support of an Emotional Support Animal to alleviate symptoms associated with this condition. The presence of their Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], is integral to their treatment plan and overall well-being.
I recommend that [Patient Name] be allowed to keep their Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], with them in their housing, even if the housing has a “no pets” policy. This accommodation is necessary for their mental and emotional health.
Please contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #2: Housing Accommodation (Emphasis on Necessity)
Date: October 26, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter serves as verification that [Patient Name] is currently a patient under my care. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient Name] experiences significant anxiety and depressive symptoms. Their condition is substantially mitigated by the presence of an Emotional Support Animal, specifically a [Type of Animal] named [Animal Name]. The animal provides a calming presence and helps to reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Denying [Patient Name] the companionship and support of [Animal Name] would significantly worsen their condition. Therefore, I strongly recommend that [Patient Name] be allowed to live with their Emotional Support Animal, regardless of any “no pets” policy. This is a necessary accommodation for their mental health.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further clarification.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
LCSW
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #3: Focusing on Fair Housing Act Compliance
Date: October 26, 2023
Landlord/Housing Provider:
This letter is to inform you that my patient, [Patient Name], is a person with a disability, as defined under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). I am a licensed [Profession] in [State], license number [License Number].
Due to [Patient Name]’s disability, they require the assistance of an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], a [Type of Animal]. This animal is necessary to afford [Patient Name] an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their dwelling, as guaranteed by the FHA.
As an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name] provides therapeutic benefits that alleviate symptoms related to [Patient Name]’s disability. Under the FHA, you are required to make reasonable accommodations to your policies to allow persons with disabilities to have their assistance animals, even if you have a “no pets” policy.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this matter. I am available to discuss [Patient Name]’s needs and the requirements of the Fair Housing Act.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #4: Addressing Common Landlord Concerns
Date: October 26, 2023
To [Landlord Name or Property Management Company]:
I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my care as a licensed [Profession] in the state of [State], license number [License Number]. [Patient Name] has a mental health condition for which I am providing treatment.
As part of their treatment plan, I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name]. This animal provides essential support in managing their symptoms and improving their overall well-being.
I understand that you may have concerns regarding pets. However, please note that Emotional Support Animals are *not* considered pets under the Fair Housing Act. They are assistance animals that provide therapeutic benefits. [Animal Name] is well-behaved and poses no threat to other residents or property. [Optional: Add specifics about the animal’s training or temperament].
I hope this clarifies the situation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #5: Short and Concise Version
Date: October 26, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is my patient. I am a licensed [Profession] in [State], license # [License Number].
[Patient Name] requires an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], for their mental health.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #6: Including Specific Benefits Provided by the ESA
Date: October 26, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to verify that [Patient Name] is currently under my care. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Diagnosis – *Optional* – can be replaced with “a mental health condition”]. As part of their treatment plan, I have recommended the use of an Emotional Support Animal.
[Patient Name]’s Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], provides significant therapeutic benefits, including:
- Reduction in anxiety and panic attacks
- Increased feelings of safety and security
- Improved mood and overall emotional well-being
- Increased social interaction and reduced isolation
Therefore, it is my professional opinion that [Animal Name] is a necessary component of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
LPC
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #7: Using More Formal Language
Date: October 26, 2023
To the Respected Housing Provider:
Please be advised that [Patient Name] is a patient in my practice. I am a licensed [Profession] in the State of [State], with license number [License Number].
It is my professional assessment that [Patient Name] suffers from a mental or emotional impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. As a crucial component of their therapeutic intervention, I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal.
The presence of [Animal Name] provides significant amelioration of [Patient Name]’s symptoms, contributing to their overall stability and well-being. Therefore, I respectfully request that you grant a reasonable accommodation allowing [Patient Name] to reside with their Emotional Support Animal, notwithstanding any existing pet policies.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further clarification.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #8: Addressing Potential Breed Restrictions
Date: October 26, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my professional care. I am a licensed therapist in [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with a mental health condition that necessitates the presence of an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], a [Breed].
I understand that you may have breed restrictions in place. However, it is important to note that Emotional Support Animals are not considered pets and are protected under the Fair Housing Act. The specific breed of [Animal Name] is not relevant to its role as an Emotional Support Animal, and this animal poses no threat to the safety and well-being of other residents.
Denying [Patient Name] the right to live with their Emotional Support Animal based on breed would be discriminatory. I urge you to reconsider any restrictions that would prevent [Patient Name] from having the necessary support they need.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #9: Emphasizing Legality of ESA as Reasonable Accomodation
Date: October 26, 2023
Property Manager:
I am writing to you today as a licensed [Profession], License # [License Number] in [State], regarding my patient, [Patient Name].
I have determined that [Patient Name] suffers from an emotional disability that substantially limits their ability to function effectively in daily life. For this reason, I am prescribing to them an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).
It is important to understand that under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), a person with a disability is entitled to a reasonable accommodation. In this instance, the ESA acts as a reasonable accommodation which will reduce the impact of the patient’s limitations. As an ESA, the animal is not considered a pet and should be allowed to reside in their place of dwelling even if there are rules against pets.
Please contact me should you have any questions or concerns regarding [Patient Name]’s ESA.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #10: Including LMHP NPI Number for Verification
Date: October 26, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is a patient in my clinical practice, and that I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in [State], license number [License Number], NPI number: [Your NPI Number].
I have diagnosed [Patient Name] with an emotional disability, and have prescribed to them the assistance of an Emotional Support Animal, [Animal Name], to help alleviate symptoms associated with their condition.
I find that [Animal Name] offers the patient therapeutic support and is vital to their overall wellbeing. I ask that all relevant accommodations be made to ensure they are able to continue receiving the support they need.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample ESA Letter #11: Addressing Landlord Fear, Highlighting Responsiblity
Date: October 26, 2023
Landlord Name:
I am writing to you as a Licensed [Profession] (# [License Number] in [State]), regarding my patient, [Patient Name].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with a condition which causes intense anxiety and panic episodes. Therefore, to better equip them to handle this I have prescribed them an ESA, [Animal Name].
I understand that it can be intimidating when having an animal on your property. I assure you that ESAs are trained to behave appropriately and are not a danger to others. [Patient Name] is also responsible for ensuring that they are taking responsibility for the wellbeing of the animal and any damage that occurs.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Contact Information]
Conclusion
These 11 ESA letter samples provide a comprehensive understanding of what a valid ESA letter should contain. Remember, a legitimate ESA letter must come from a licensed mental health professional and be based on a real therapeutic relationship and assessment of your needs. These samples are meant for informational purposes only, not for direct use. It is important to consult with a qualified professional to obtain the required documentation. Always verify the credentials of any online service offering ESA letters to avoid scams and ensure the legitimacy of your letter.