An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can provide comfort and companionship, helping individuals cope with mental or emotional disabilities. A legitimate ESA letter is often required to exercise your rights to live with your ESA, even in housing with “no pets” policies. This article provides 13 sample ESA letters to illustrate the general format and essential information that a qualified mental health professional should include. These samples are for illustrative purposes only and should *not* be used as a template without consulting with a licensed professional.
Understanding the key components of a valid ESA letter is crucial. The letter must be written by a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist. It should state that you have a diagnosed emotional or mental disability and that the presence of your animal is necessary for your treatment or well-being. The letter should also include the professional’s license number, contact information, and signature. It’s important to note that online “ESA certifications” or letters obtained without a genuine consultation with a licensed professional are often not legally recognized.
Sample ESA Letters
Sample Letter 1
[Date]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
[Recipient’s Name, e.g., Landlord or Housing Authority]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional] in the state of [State] and have been treating [Patient’s Name] since [Date]. Based on my professional assessment, [Patient’s Name] has a qualifying emotional disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
As part of their treatment plan, I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal. The presence of this animal is necessary for [Patient’s Name]’s emotional well-being and helps alleviate symptoms of their disability.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 2
[Date]
[Therapist Name]
[Therapist Address]
[Therapist Phone Number]
[Landlord/Housing Manager Name]
Re: Emotional Support Animal Accommodation for [Patient Name]
Dear [Landlord/Housing Manager Name],
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is a patient of mine and is under my professional care for a diagnosed emotional disability. I am a licensed psychologist in [State] (License # [License Number]).
I have determined that [Patient Name] requires an Emotional Support Animal to mitigate symptoms associated with their disability. The presence of their animal is a vital component of their therapeutic treatment.
Sincerely,
[Therapist Signature]
[Therapist Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 3
[Date]
[Doctor’s Name]
[Doctor’s Address]
[Doctor’s Phone Number]
[Recipient Name]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal Recommendation
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to confirm that [Patient’s Name] is my patient, and I have been treating them for [Condition, general term like anxiety or depression] since [Date].
In my professional opinion, [Patient’s Name]’s condition is substantially alleviated by the presence of their Emotional Support Animal. This animal provides necessary comfort and support.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Signature]
[Doctor’s Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 4
[Date]
[Psychiatrist’s Name]
[Psychiatrist’s Address]
[Psychiatrist’s Phone Number]
[Addressee Name]
Regarding: [Patient’s Name] and Emotional Support Animal
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter serves as verification that [Patient’s Name] is under my care for a diagnosed mental health condition. I am a licensed psychiatrist in [State] (License #: [License Number]).
It is my professional opinion that [Patient’s Name] benefits greatly from the companionship and support provided by their Emotional Support Animal. This animal is an integral part of their treatment plan.
Sincerely,
[Psychiatrist’s Signature]
[Psychiatrist’s Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 5
[Date]
[Licensed Clinical Social Worker Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Recipient Name]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Client’s Name]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of [State] (License # [License Number]), and [Client’s Name] is a client of mine. I have been providing therapeutic services to them since [Date].
I have assessed that [Client’s Name] has an emotional disability and requires the assistance of an Emotional Support Animal. This animal is a necessary component of their therapeutic regimen and helps to mitigate symptoms of their disability.
Sincerely,
[LCSW Signature]
[LCSW Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 6
[Date]
[Mental Health Counselor Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Recipient Name]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal – [Patient Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is a client under my care. I am a licensed mental health counselor in [State] (License # [License Number]).
It is my professional opinion that due to [Patient Name]’s emotional disability, they require the support and companionship of an Emotional Support Animal. This animal is essential for their mental well-being.
Sincerely,
[Counselor Signature]
[Counselor Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 7
[Date]
[Name of Healthcare Professional]
[Address of Healthcare Professional]
[Phone Number of Healthcare Professional]
[Recipient’s Name]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal Recommendation for [Patient’s Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
This letter confirms that [Patient’s Name] is under my care for the treatment of [Specific Condition, if appropriate, or a general term like emotional distress]. I am a licensed healthcare professional in [State], with License Number [License Number].
Based on my professional judgment, [Patient’s Name] suffers from an emotional disability that significantly limits one or more major life activities. The presence of an Emotional Support Animal is a necessary and crucial part of their treatment plan, providing comfort and support that mitigates the symptoms of their condition.
Sincerely,
[Signature of Healthcare Professional]
[Typed Name of Healthcare Professional]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 8
[Date]
[Name of Mental Health Professional]
[Address of Mental Health Professional]
[Phone Number of Mental Health Professional]
[Recipient’s Name]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to confirm that [Patient’s Name] is a patient under my care and has been receiving treatment since [Date]. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional] in the state of [State], and my license number is [License Number].
As part of their treatment plan, I have recommended the use of an Emotional Support Animal. This animal provides significant therapeutic benefits by alleviating symptoms of [Patient’s Name]’s emotional disability.
Sincerely,
[Signature of Mental Health Professional]
[Typed Name of Mental Health Professional]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 9
[Date]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
[Recipient’s Name (e.g., Landlord)]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal Verification for [Patient’s Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
This letter serves to confirm that [Patient’s Name] is currently under my care for an emotional disability. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional] in [State], license number [License Number].
I have determined that [Patient’s Name]’s emotional well-being is significantly improved by the presence of their Emotional Support Animal. This animal is an important part of their overall treatment and is necessary for them to function effectively.
Sincerely,
[Signature of Mental Health Professional]
[Typed Name of Mental Health Professional]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 10
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Recipient Name]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal Notification
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to inform you that I have been prescribed an emotional support animal (ESA) by a licensed mental health professional, as it is a necessary part of my treatment for a diagnosed emotional or mental disability.
Attached to this letter is documentation from [Name of Mental Health Professional], a licensed [Type of Professional] in [State], with license number [License Number], stating the need for my ESA.
I kindly request accommodation for my emotional support animal in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11
[Date]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
[Housing Provider’s Name or “To Whom It May Concern”]
Subject: Emotional Support Animal for [Patient’s Full Name]
Dear [Housing Provider’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
This letter serves as confirmation that [Patient’s Full Name] is my patient, and I have been providing mental health services to them since [Date]. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Clinical Psychologist] in [State], license number [License Number].
Based on my professional assessment, [Patient’s Full Name] meets the diagnostic criteria for a qualifying emotional or mental disability. As part of their comprehensive treatment plan, I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to alleviate symptoms associated with their condition. The presence of this animal is essential for their emotional well-being and overall functioning.
Please let me know if you require any additional information. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 12
[Date]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
[Addressee’s Name (e.g., landlord)]
Re: Emotional Support Animal for Patient [Patient’s Full Name]
Dear [Addressee’s Name],
I am writing to confirm that [Patient’s Full Name] is a patient in my care. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional] in the state of [State], holding license number [License Number].
It is my professional opinion that [Patient’s Full Name] has a disability that requires the use of an Emotional Support Animal. The presence of this animal provides significant therapeutic benefits and is an integral component of their treatment plan. Their ESA provides critical emotional support and helps to mitigate symptoms related to their disability.
Your cooperation in accommodating [Patient’s Full Name]’s Emotional Support Animal is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
[License Number]
Sample Letter 13
[Date]
[Mental Health Professional’s Name]
[Mental Health Professional’s Address]
[Mental Health Professional’s Phone Number]
[Recipient Name (e.g., Landlord or Housing Authority)]
Re: Emotional Support Animal Recommendation for [Client’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
Please accept this letter as verification that [Client’s Name] is currently under my care. I am a licensed [Type of Mental Health Professional, e.g., Therapist, Counselor] in the state of [State], and my license number is [License Number].
Based on my professional assessment, [Client’s Name] has a diagnosed emotional disability for which I am providing treatment. As part of that treatment, I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal. This animal’s presence provides crucial emotional support and helps [Client’s Name] manage symptoms of their condition, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Mental Health Professional’s Signature]
[Mental Health Professional’s Typed Name]
[License Number]
Conclusion
These sample ESA letters provide a general understanding of the format and content typically included in a legitimate ESA letter. However, it is crucial to consult with a licensed mental health professional to obtain a valid letter that accurately reflects your individual needs and circumstances. Remember that fraudulent ESA letters are illegal and can have serious consequences. Always prioritize ethical and legal means of obtaining the necessary documentation for your Emotional Support Animal.