You can legally qualify an emotional support animal through services provided online, but it has to be done in the right way. A common misconception with ESAs is that many people think that a certificate can certify a pet as an official ESA. A certification by itself will not qualify an animal companion as an ESA! Certificates do not confer legal status to ESAs. The best way to qualify for an emotional support animal online is to obtain an ESA letter from a licensed professional who offers remote services.
You Can Qualify For an ESA Online, but a “Certification” Won’t Get the Job Done
So when people ask the question, “can I get an emotional support animal certification online?” they may be confusing certifications with ESA letters. And yes, if done correctly, you can qualify an ESA through a licensed professional that offers online services. Under Fair Housing rules and the Air Carrier Access Act, an ESA letter is the required documentation you need to prove your animal companion is an ESA.
Many people are disappointed to learn that they need more than a certificate to qualify an emotional support animal, and fear the potential costs and burdens of getting help from a licensed health care professional. Seeing a professional in person can be prohibitively expensive for many, but also difficult to schedule for people with work, school or family obligations. Fortunately, obtaining an ESA letter through an online professional is just as valid as seeing someone in person.
These days, people find and date new partners by swiping right on their phones, hail taxis, and order food with just a few clicks. Technology is also helping people reach therapists and other professionals more efficiently. ESA Doctors provides a modern-day tech solution for those looking to easily connect with a licensed professional familiar with ESAs.
Efficient and Simple Process Online
The internet has become increasingly valuable to those seeking support for mental and emotional health issues. The digital age provides a convenient and cost-effective way for people to connect with licensed health care professionals online. It takes a lot of courage and self-reflection to admit you need help to actively find the help you need.
The task of finding an appropriate provider for you can feel overwhelming. If you’re able to find a professional, you then have to worry about scheduling in-person visits and what the costs will be. Some people are also just fearful of seeing a therapist in person, and would prefer the convenience and privacy of exploring whether an ESA is right for them from the comforts of their home.
If you’re wondering whether an ESA letter you obtain from an online professional is just as legitimate as a letter obtained through in-person meetings, the answer is yes!
The U.S. Department of Housing has, in fact, noted that for housing accommodation, individuals can obtain ESA related services through professionals that provide services remotely, including over the internet.
Can I Get an ESA Letter From My Current Doctor or Therapist?
Of course! An ESA letter can come from a licensed health care professional, which includes people like psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, counselors, physicians, and physician’s assistants. If you have an existing relationship with a professional-looking after your mental health, we always recommend discussing your interest in an ESA with them first.
If you do not have a licensed professional or are having trouble finding one, ESA Doctors can help connect you to someone licensed for your State who is knowledgeable about ESAs.
How Can I Get an ESA Letter from ESA Doctors?
What Legal Rights Do I Have with an ESA Letter?
A valid ESA letter gives you the documentation you need to apply for accommodation of your animal companion with your landlord or airline. With an ESA letter, your ESA will have the following rights:
- Your ESA must be allowed in housing even if there is a “no pets” policy for the building. The landlord cannot impose breed or size restrictions on an ESA. In addition, landlords are not allowed to charge fees and deposits in connection with an ESA.
- ESAs are allowed to fly with their owners in the cabin of the aircraft during air travel. Airlines cannot charge pet fees in connection with ESAs. Airlines also cannot apply breed restrictions on ESAs, though they can place limitations on animals they believe are dangerous or too large for the cabin.
Do I Have to Register My ESA?
ESA registration is not required and registrations are not recognized as a valid method of qualifying an ESA under federal laws. The only appropriate supporting documentation for emotional support animals are ESA letters written by licensed health care professionals. If you submit your ESA letter and your landlord then demands to see a registration number so they can search your animal on a registry, they are misinformed. Registration, vests, IDs, and certificates are not required for emotional support animals.
Should I See if I Qualify for an ESA Online?
Emotional Support Animals can provide immeasurable support to their owners that are suffering from mental and emotional distress. The licensed health care professionals that work with ESADoctors.com can see if an ESA may benefit you and whether you may qualify for an ESA letter. Our platform offers a convenient, easy and private way to connect with a licensed health care professional to discuss your potential need for an emotional support animal.
Start your questionnaire now to see if you qualify for an emotional support animal.
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I have been the “victim” of being on airplanes with these untrained dogs. I will work to make this industry subject to some much stricter guidelines to eliminate fake service dogs on airplanes. The last flight ended with the dog pooping on the carpeting in the Phoenix terminal and the owners leaving it there.
We are sorry to hear that. ESA handlers should always be in control of their ESA when out in public. Please note that emotional support animals an service dogs are not the same and do not have the same level of access. Service dogs should be specially trained to provide a service for their handler’s disability.
I already registered my lil dog online with my payment i received 2 cards to carry in my wallet and a hard tag to attach to his collar, they all 3 have his picture on them. What else do I need to do????
Thank you
Deanna
Registration does not qualify your animal(s) to be emotional support animals. You must have a letter from a licensed therapist that recommends an emotional support animal. To connect with a licensed therapist online and receive an ESA letter, you may complete the questionnaire in the link below.
https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/
how much is it for a housing letter cant find one anywhere. also whats included or is it just the letter
You can find the pricing page here: https://esadoctors.com/pricing-plan/.
The housing plan includes the therapist evaluation and the ESA letter for housing.
What information needs to be in my ESA letter from my therapist? Is there a form letter or a checklist of for them to follow?
All ESA letters from ESA Doctors will include all necessary information required for travel and housing.
Will I be able to get an ESA letter from my psychologist that I go see regularly or do I have to do it online?
You can definitely have your psychologist write your ESA letter for you. In fact, we recommend that you have your current therapist write your ESA letter if it is possible. ESA Doctors is here to help people that do not have access to a therapist in real life or people with therapists that do not understand/believe in the healing benefits of animals.
So it says if i click auto renewel I pay nothing today but asks for my credit info? How does this work?
You will pay the fee today and be enrolled in the auto renewal ($0.00 today).
I have a note from my doctor stating that he recomends an ESA. Should i register my dog to get a certificate and tags and harness also? Or does that not matter? And if i should, what is the best website to do this?
The law does not require you to register your ESA, but if you would like the certificate, tags, harness, etc. we suggest contacting ServiceDogCertifications.org. They have been very professional and have assisted many of our clients.
Can my PA who I see for my anxiety and mental health write me a esa letter??
Your ESA letter must be from a licensed mental health professional or a doctor.
Does this site provide a doctor’s note or just certifications?
So can my family doctor who prescribed me meds for depression and anxiety do the ESA letter
Yes, your family doctor can provide ESA documentation for you and your ESA.
Will this provide the letter that’s fequired for esa housing?
Yes, complete the questionnaire in the link below to get started.
https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/
So if I get this ESA letter, and my landlord wants to confirm everything and make sure it’s legit. Will they be able to contact you and verify everything? Not sure if that’s how it works.
If you get approved through one of the licensed mental health professionals that work with us, your landlord would be able to verify the letter with them. Your LMHP’s contact information will be provided on your letter.
My landlord is asking for a license number and city/county of the license for my pets. I already gave them my letter from my therapist. Do they need to have a license number and be registered??? From my understanding they do not have to be?
ESA registration is not required for emotional support animals. All you need is an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
If the licensed mental health professional qualifies you for an ESA, your pet will become an official ESA. Emotional support animals are exempt from pet fees in apartments and other housing.
So is it just a letter from a doctor that’s needed to prove our dog is this? With put registering her at all?
An ESA letter is what is required to qualify your dog as an emotional support animal. ESA registration is not required by law.
Can I get a letter from a CPC ?
Great article. I’m facing some of these issues as well..
My apartment says they need to have an ESA letter where they can reach out to the dr over the phone. Is this possible with you?
All of our ESA letters come from licensed mental health professionals who will provide their contact information on the letter. Your landlord will be able to verify your letter by phone.
I got my dog registered as a ESA some people say it isn’t legit but I have certificate For Chloe and a letter and ID will I only need to show my landlord the letter? I seen on here a lot of people are saying the letter is what I will need but just to confirm because my landlord asked for certification but I thought the letter will give me the yes bc it’s signed
Certifications and IDs do not qualify a pet as an emotional support animal. If you have a letter from a licensed healthcare professional recommending that you have an ESA, that is what you would submit to your landlord.