For those who qualify, getting an ESA letter requires just a consultation from a licensed mental health professional. This will ensure that you will be legally protected when it comes to living with your pet in all permanent housing situations – regardless of landlord policies.
The Bottom Line
What Is an ESA Letter? - An ESA Letter serves as proof that your pet is an assistance animal. This means you have the legal right to keep them in your home, even if your housing complex prohibits pets.
How To Get an ESA Letter for Housing? - An ESA Letter is similar to a prescription – it’s a recommendation from a licensed mental health professional for an emotional support animal. At Pettable, we work with a network of licensed therapists and other mental health professionals who have the authority to write ESA Letters.
How Do You Qualify for an ESA? - To get an ESA Letter, you must be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) to determine if you have a qualifying mental or emotional disability, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD.
Petcerts.com offer unconditional love and a kind of comfort and support that you can’t get anywhere else. Most people consider their pets members of the family, so housing-related pet restrictions can be devastating. Fortunately, there are legal protections for pets that are emotional support animals (ESAs). Your pet may be an ESA if you find comfort and support in their presence, especially if they help you feel less anxious, worried, or depressed.
Fortunately, the U.S. government understands the importance of ESAs for individuals with mental health issues. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), housing providers are prohibited from discriminating against tenants with disabilities. Additionally, the law requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for assistance animals, including ESAs.
In most housing situations, emotional support animals are exempt from pet restrictions. The documentation you need to prove that your animal is an ESA that deserves accommodation is an ESA Letter for housing. This document is similar to a prescription – it’s a treatment recommendation from a licensed medical professional. With a legitimate ESA Letter, you have the proof you need to request accommodation for your ESA.