An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can provide comfort and therapeutic benefits to individuals struggling with mental or emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but their presence alleviates symptoms. A legitimate ESA letter, written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), is often required to demonstrate the need for an ESA, particularly in housing situations where “no pet” policies exist. Understanding the nuances of ESA laws and the requirements for proper documentation is crucial for both ESA owners and landlords.
Obtaining an ESA letter involves consulting with a qualified LMHP, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker. The LMHP will assess your mental or emotional health and, if appropriate, write a letter stating that you have a qualifying disability and that the presence of an ESA is necessary for your well-being. The letter should be on the LMHP’s official letterhead and include their license information and contact details. Be wary of online services that offer instant ESA letters without a proper mental health evaluation, as these may not be legitimate and could lead to legal issues.
The primary benefit of an ESA letter is the ability to live with your animal in housing that typically prohibits pets. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and this includes allowing ESAs, even if there’s a “no pet” policy. However, ESAs do *not* have the same rights as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning they are *not* allowed in public places like restaurants or stores. The key is to present a valid ESA letter to your landlord or housing provider to request a reasonable accommodation.
When considering an ESA, remember the responsibility that comes with animal ownership. You are responsible for your animal’s behavior and ensuring they do not cause any damage to property or harm to others. Proper training and socialization are essential for ESAs, even though they are not required to perform specific tasks. Landlords may deny a request for an ESA if the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or would cause substantial physical damage to the property. Responsible ESA ownership is vital for maintaining the integrity of the ESA system and ensuring that individuals who genuinely benefit from these animals can continue to do so.
Sample ESA Letter Examples
[LMHP Letterhead]
[Date]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Name]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Address]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
Dear [Landlord/Housing Provider Name],
This letter is to confirm that I am a licensed mental health professional ([License Type and Number]) and that [Patient Name] is my patient. I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date].
Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] has a mental or emotional disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The presence of an Emotional Support Animal is a necessary component of their treatment plan and provides therapeutic benefits that alleviate symptoms associated with their disability.
Therefore, I am prescribing an Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]. Under the Fair Housing Act, [Patient Name] is entitled to reasonable accommodation for their Emotional Support Animal, even if there is a “no pet” policy in place.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Credentials]
[LMHP Contact Information]
[Therapist’s Name/Practice Letterhead]
[Address of Therapist/Practice]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you today on behalf of my patient, [Patient’s Full Name]. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional – e.g., Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist] in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient’s Full Name] has been under my care since [Date]. During this time, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability – e.g., Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD], which substantially limits [his/her/their] ability to perform one or more major life activities.
Due to the symptoms associated with this disability, I have determined that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a necessary part of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides [him/her/them] with emotional support and comfort, alleviating symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations, which may include allowing an ESA in housing, even if there is a “no pets” policy. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Therapist’s Full Name], [Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that my patient, [Patient Name], is under my professional care for the treatment of a mental or emotional disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Start Date]. Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] experiences significant symptoms related to their condition that substantially limit their ability to participate in major life activities. These symptoms include [briefly list some symptoms, e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating].
In my professional opinion, the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an integral part of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The ESA provides emotional support and comfort, which alleviates some of the symptoms associated with their condition, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
Under the FHA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in housing, which includes the right to keep an ESA, even if there are “no pet” policies in place. Therefore, I am recommending that [Patient Name] be allowed to have their ESA with them in their residence.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information or clarification regarding this matter. My contact information is listed above.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[License Number]
[Psychiatrist Name]
[Psychiatrist Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to verify that [Patient’s Full Name] is currently under my care for a mental health condition. I am a licensed psychiatrist in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
I have been treating [Patient’s Full Name] since [Start Date]. During our sessions, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Diagnosis – e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder], which causes significant distress and impairs [his/her/their] ability to function in various aspects of daily life.
Based on my clinical judgment, I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a vital component of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides comfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of security, which helps to mitigate the symptoms of [his/her/their] condition.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which includes allowing ESAs, even in buildings with “no pet” policies. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA as a therapeutic tool.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Psychiatrist Name], MD
[LMHP Letterhead]
[Date]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Name]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Address]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
Dear [Landlord/Housing Provider Name],
This letter is to confirm that I am a licensed mental health professional ([License Type and Number]) and that [Patient Name] is my patient. I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date].
Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] has a mental or emotional disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The presence of an Emotional Support Animal is a necessary component of their treatment plan and provides therapeutic benefits that alleviate symptoms associated with their disability.
Therefore, I am prescribing an Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]. Under the Fair Housing Act, [Patient Name] is entitled to reasonable accommodation for their Emotional Support Animal, even if there is a “no pet” policy in place.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Credentials]
[LMHP Contact Information]
[Therapist’s Name/Practice Letterhead]
[Address of Therapist/Practice]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you today on behalf of my patient, [Patient’s Full Name]. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional – e.g., Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist] in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient’s Full Name] has been under my care since [Date]. During this time, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability – e.g., Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD], which substantially limits [his/her/their] ability to perform one or more major life activities.
Due to the symptoms associated with this disability, I have determined that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a necessary part of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides [him/her/them] with emotional support and comfort, alleviating symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations, which may include allowing an ESA in housing, even if there is a “no pets” policy. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Therapist’s Full Name], [Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that my patient, [Patient Name], is under my professional care for the treatment of a mental or emotional disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Start Date]. Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] experiences significant symptoms related to their condition that substantially limit their ability to participate in major life activities. These symptoms include [briefly list some symptoms, e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating].
In my professional opinion, the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an integral part of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The ESA provides emotional support and comfort, which alleviates some of the symptoms associated with their condition, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
Under the FHA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in housing, which includes the right to keep an ESA, even if there are “no pet” policies in place. Therefore, I am recommending that [Patient Name] be allowed to have their ESA with them in their residence.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information or clarification regarding this matter. My contact information is listed above.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[License Number]
[Psychiatrist Name]
[Psychiatrist Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to verify that [Patient’s Full Name] is currently under my care for a mental health condition. I am a licensed psychiatrist in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
I have been treating [Patient’s Full Name] since [Start Date]. During our sessions, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Diagnosis – e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder], which causes significant distress and impairs [his/her/their] ability to function in various aspects of daily life.
Based on my clinical judgment, I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a vital component of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides comfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of security, which helps to mitigate the symptoms of [his/her/their] condition.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which includes allowing ESAs, even in buildings with “no pet” policies. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA as a therapeutic tool.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Psychiatrist Name], MD
[LMHP Letterhead]
[Date]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Name]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Address]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
Dear [Landlord/Housing Provider Name],
This letter is to confirm that I am a licensed mental health professional ([License Type and Number]) and that [Patient Name] is my patient. I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date].
Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] has a mental or emotional disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The presence of an Emotional Support Animal is a necessary component of their treatment plan and provides therapeutic benefits that alleviate symptoms associated with their disability.
Therefore, I am prescribing an Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]. Under the Fair Housing Act, [Patient Name] is entitled to reasonable accommodation for their Emotional Support Animal, even if there is a “no pet” policy in place.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Credentials]
[LMHP Contact Information]
[Therapist’s Name/Practice Letterhead]
[Address of Therapist/Practice]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you today on behalf of my patient, [Patient’s Full Name]. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional – e.g., Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist] in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient’s Full Name] has been under my care since [Date]. During this time, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability – e.g., Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD], which substantially limits [his/her/their] ability to perform one or more major life activities.
Due to the symptoms associated with this disability, I have determined that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a necessary part of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides [him/her/them] with emotional support and comfort, alleviating symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations, which may include allowing an ESA in housing, even if there is a “no pets” policy. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Therapist’s Full Name], [Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that my patient, [Patient Name], is under my professional care for the treatment of a mental or emotional disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Start Date]. Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] experiences significant symptoms related to their condition that substantially limit their ability to participate in major life activities. These symptoms include [briefly list some symptoms, e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating].
In my professional opinion, the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an integral part of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The ESA provides emotional support and comfort, which alleviates some of the symptoms associated with their condition, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
Under the FHA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in housing, which includes the right to keep an ESA, even if there are “no pet” policies in place. Therefore, I am recommending that [Patient Name] be allowed to have their ESA with them in their residence.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information or clarification regarding this matter. My contact information is listed above.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[License Number]
[Psychiatrist Name]
[Psychiatrist Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to verify that [Patient’s Full Name] is currently under my care for a mental health condition. I am a licensed psychiatrist in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
I have been treating [Patient’s Full Name] since [Start Date]. During our sessions, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Diagnosis – e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder], which causes significant distress and impairs [his/her/their] ability to function in various aspects of daily life.
Based on my clinical judgment, I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a vital component of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides comfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of security, which helps to mitigate the symptoms of [his/her/their] condition.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which includes allowing ESAs, even in buildings with “no pet” policies. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA as a therapeutic tool.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Psychiatrist Name], MD
[LMHP Letterhead]
[Date]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Name]
[Landlord/Housing Provider Address]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]
Dear [Landlord/Housing Provider Name],
This letter is to confirm that I am a licensed mental health professional ([License Type and Number]) and that [Patient Name] is my patient. I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date].
Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] has a mental or emotional disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The presence of an Emotional Support Animal is a necessary component of their treatment plan and provides therapeutic benefits that alleviate symptoms associated with their disability.
Therefore, I am prescribing an Emotional Support Animal for [Patient Name]. Under the Fair Housing Act, [Patient Name] is entitled to reasonable accommodation for their Emotional Support Animal, even if there is a “no pet” policy in place.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[LMHP Name]
[LMHP Credentials]
[LMHP Contact Information]
[Therapist’s Name/Practice Letterhead]
[Address of Therapist/Practice]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you today on behalf of my patient, [Patient’s Full Name]. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional – e.g., Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist] in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient’s Full Name] has been under my care since [Date]. During this time, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability – e.g., Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD], which substantially limits [his/her/their] ability to perform one or more major life activities.
Due to the symptoms associated with this disability, I have determined that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a necessary part of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides [him/her/them] with emotional support and comfort, alleviating symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations, which may include allowing an ESA in housing, even if there is a “no pets” policy. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Therapist’s Full Name], [Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to confirm that my patient, [Patient Name], is under my professional care for the treatment of a mental or emotional disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Start Date]. Based on my professional assessment, [Patient Name] experiences significant symptoms related to their condition that substantially limit their ability to participate in major life activities. These symptoms include [briefly list some symptoms, e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating].
In my professional opinion, the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an integral part of [Patient Name]’s treatment plan. The ESA provides emotional support and comfort, which alleviates some of the symptoms associated with their condition, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
Under the FHA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in housing, which includes the right to keep an ESA, even if there are “no pet” policies in place. Therefore, I am recommending that [Patient Name] be allowed to have their ESA with them in their residence.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information or clarification regarding this matter. My contact information is listed above.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Credentials – e.g., LCSW, PhD]
[License Number]
[Psychiatrist Name]
[Psychiatrist Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to verify that [Patient’s Full Name] is currently under my care for a mental health condition. I am a licensed psychiatrist in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
I have been treating [Patient’s Full Name] since [Start Date]. During our sessions, I have diagnosed [him/her/them] with [Diagnosis – e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder], which causes significant distress and impairs [his/her/their] ability to function in various aspects of daily life.
Based on my clinical judgment, I believe that an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a vital component of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s treatment plan. The ESA provides comfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of security, which helps to mitigate the symptoms of [his/her/their] condition.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which includes allowing ESAs, even in buildings with “no pet” policies. This letter serves as documentation of [Patient’s Full Name]‘s need for an ESA as a therapeutic tool.