ESA Letters in Commonwealth of...

ESA Letters in Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: The Difference Between Housing and Travel Letters
July 11, 2025

ESA Letters in Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: The Difference Between Housing and Travel Letters

ESA Letters in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: The Difference Between Housing and Travel Letters

If you live in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and rely on your emotional support animal (ESA), you may already know that there are two distinct types of ESA letters: one for housing and one for travel. While both serve to help you stay close to your support animal, they each carry unique protections—and understanding the difference is key to avoiding unnecessary stress or complications.

At PetCerts.com, we specialize in helping individuals access the proper documentation they need to live and travel with their ESA seamlessly. Here’s what you need to know if you’re in the Northern Mariana Islands.

ESA Housing Letters: Peace of Mind Where You Live

A housing letter grants you specific protections under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). If you qualify, this letter allows your emotional support animal to live with you—even in buildings that enforce a strict no-pet policy or require pet deposits. Landlords and property managers are required to make reasonable accommodations, as long as your ESA doesn’t pose a threat or cause significant disruption.

In the Northern Mariana Islands, just like in any U.S. territory, these protections remain in effect. A valid ESA housing letter can be a game-changer when looking for a new place to live or renewing a lease. It prevents housing discrimination and ensures you’re not forced to choose between your living situation and your emotional well-being.

Key Benefits of ESA Housing Letters:

  • Waives pet fees and breed/weight restrictions

  • Allows your ESA in “no-pet” housing

  • Offers protection under the FHA

  • Helps prevent unjust eviction or denial of housing

ESA Travel Letters: Navigating the Skies with Your Support Animal

Traveling with an ESA has become more complicated in recent years. While airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), some still allow them onboard at their discretion.

A travel letter helps present your case directly to the airline, offering verified documentation that can improve your chances of being granted permission to travel with your ESA. Even when airlines don’t allow ESAs in the cabin, many will allow animals to fly as psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) when the proper paperwork is provided.

That’s where PetCerts.com comes in. While we don’t offer ESA travel letters in the traditional sense anymore, we do provide housing and travel letters specifically for psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), which airlines are still legally required to accept under the ACAA.

Travel Letter Highlights:

  • May support requests with ESA-friendly airlines

  • Required for PSD travel under the ACAA

  • Includes documentation airlines need to verify your PSD

Why the Difference Matters in the Northern Mariana Islands

Island living often means dealing with unique housing availability and increased travel logistics. Whether you’re flying back to the mainland, relocating for work, or simply trying to secure a pet-restricted apartment, having the right type of letter makes a real difference.

Don’t let the distinction confuse you:

  • If you're staying put: You need a housing letter.

  • If you're taking to the skies: You may need a travel letter for a PSD.

Many people think one letter covers both—but in reality, it’s important to have separate documentation tailored to the situation.

How PetCerts.com Can Help

At PetCerts.com, we offer documentation for psychiatric service dogs that satisfy both housing and travel requirements—designed to keep you covered at home and on the go. Our process is simple, fast, and discreet. With digital delivery and industry expertise, we ensure your documents are ready when you need them most.

Living in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands doesn't limit your ESA protections—it just means having the right documentation matters even more. Whether it's for your apartment lease or your next flight, PetCerts.com is here to support your emotional support animal journey, every step of the way.