Frequently Asked Questions

An Emotional Support Animal is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to a person with a mental or emotional disability. Unlike service animals, ESAs don't require specialized training. They offer comfort, companionship, and emotional support that helps alleviate symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.

ESAs can be dogs, cats, or other common household animals. The key factor is that their presence provides emotional or psychological support that improves your quality of life and helps you manage your mental health condition.

An ESA letter provides you with two main protections under federal law:

Housing:

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), your ESA letter allows you to live with your emotional support animal in housing that otherwise has "no pets" policies. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations, and they cannot charge pet fees or deposits for your ESA.

Travel:

Under the Air Carrier Access Act, some airlines may accommodate ESAs in the cabin, though policies have changed recently. It's important to check with your specific airline about their current ESA policies, as many now require ESAs to travel as pets.

Important Note:

Your ESA letter does NOT grant public access rights like service animals have. ESAs are not permitted in restaurants, stores, or other public places that don't allow pets.

Once you complete your intake form and submit payment, your information will be reviewed by a licensed mental health professional. You'll receive your official ESA letter within 48 hours via email. The letter will be on professional letterhead, signed by the licensed professional, and include all necessary information to meet legal requirements.

In most cases, clients receive their letters within 24-36 hours. If there are any questions about your application, we'll contact you promptly.

Yes! All of our ESA letters are reviewed and signed by licensed mental health professionals who are qualified to provide this documentation. Each letter includes:

• The professional's license number and credentials

• Official letterhead with contact information

• All required elements per FHA and DOT guidelines

• A statement about your need for an emotional support animal

Our letters are accepted by landlords and property managers nationwide. If you ever have issues with acceptance, we're here to support you and can provide additional documentation if needed.

You don't need a formal diagnosis to qualify for an ESA letter, but you do need to have a mental or emotional condition that benefits from the presence of your emotional support animal. During the review process, a licensed mental health professional will evaluate whether an ESA would provide therapeutic benefit for your situation.

Common conditions that may qualify include anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic disorders, phobias, and other mental health challenges. The key factor is whether your emotional support animal helps alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

ESA letters are typically valid for one year from the date of issuance. After one year, you'll need to obtain a renewal letter. This annual renewal requirement ensures that your documentation remains current and that you still benefit from having an emotional support animal.

We offer renewal services for existing clients at a discounted rate. We'll send you a reminder before your letter expires so you can renew without any gaps in coverage.

This is one of our most common questions! Here are the key differences:

Service Animals:

• Specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities

• Protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

• Have full public access rights (can go anywhere the owner goes)

• Usually dogs, occasionally miniature horses

• No special documentation legally required

Emotional Support Animals:

• Provide comfort and emotional support through their presence

• Protected under the FHA for housing

• Do NOT have public access rights

• Can be various types of animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.)

• Require an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional

Bottom line:Service animals are for specific physical or mental tasks, while ESAs provide general emotional support and companionship. Both are valuable, but they have different rights and requirements under the law.