If you’re trying to qualify for an emotional support animal (ESA) or just want to learn about the process, the information online can become overwhelming. As ESAs are more accepted, countless online ESA companies have popped up overnight. How do you know which ones you can trust and which ones are just looking to cash in?
An ESA letter provides protection for perhaps the most important asset you have in your battle with mental health issues: your loyal animal companion. Having a legitimate ESA letter can mean the difference between living with your ESA in your home versus being banned because of the building’s no-pets policy.
In this article, we’ll advise you on what to look out for to make sure you’re not scammed and how to find a reputable provider.
Start now to see if you qualify for an ESA letter online!
What is an ESA letter, and why do I need one?
First, let’s start with the basics. Under ESA laws, housing providers, such as landlords, co-ops, and HOAs, must reasonably accommodate emotional support animals; however, they don’t have to accept your word alone that you have an ESA.
They can ask you for proof in the form of a recommendation letter written by a licensed healthcare professional, known as an ESA letter. There is no other way to legitimately qualify for an ESA, which is why it is so important to get a proper ESA letter.
An ESA is an animal companion that provides support through companionship and helps ease symptoms of mental health conditions. Although all pets offer an emotional connection with their owners, to be legally considered an ESA, the animal must be recommended by a licensed healthcare professional.
An ESA letter gives you the following benefits:
- The ability to live in no-pet buildings.
- Exemption from pet fees, deposits, and pet application fees.
- Exemption from pet size and weight restrictions.
- Exemption from pet breed restrictions.
- Protection from discriminatory practices.
How To Spot a Fake ESA Letter Provider
The team here at ESA Doctors all too often sees clients turn to us after being scammed into buying fake ESA letters. We pride ourselves on being advocates for ESA owners and people suffering from mental illnesses. We’re passionate about ESA rights and know ESAs can help people in profound ways. We are heartbroken when we see individuals in need get taken advantage of by online scammers.
Before you submit an order to an online ESA company, make sure you look out for these seven red flags:
- The site claims to provide ESA registration
One common misconception about ESAs is that they need to be “registered.” That is not true! There is no legal requirement to register an ESA, and HUD’s housing rules warn against it. A registration number can’t substitute for an ESA letter. - The site claims to “certify” your ESA with a certification process
There is no official “certification” program that properly qualifies emotional support animals. Certifications can’t replace an ESA letter. - The promise of instant turnaround
An ESA letter cannot be issued automatically. You must work with a healthcare professional who can assess your condition and determine whether an ESA is appropriate for you. That takes time. - The letter is not written by a licensed professional, or there is no contact information in the letter
Your ESA letter will not be recognized if it is not written by a qualified licensed healthcare professional, including psychologists, LMFTs, social workers, registered nurses, physician’s assistants, doctors, and counselors. The licensed professional should sign the letter and include their contact and license information. - The healthcare professional is not properly licensed
Your healthcare professional must be actively licensed to help you. ESA Doctors works with professionals who are licensed in your state of residence. - The promise of cheap rates
As the adage goes, you get what you pay for. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. The help of an actual licensed mental health professional is never bargain-basement cheap. - There is no client support
The ESA approval process does not just end with the ESA letter. Landlords can sometimes be reluctant to accommodate ESAs, even with a valid letter. They may also demand additional information and documentation. ESA Doctors provides client support throughout the process.
The Difference Between a Fake ESA Letter And a Real One
There are some telltale differences between a genuine ESA letter and a fake ESA letter. We’ll show you what we mean. Below is an example of what a legit ESA letter might look like:
Notice the professional letterhead, complete contact information, and specific license details of the mental health provider. This letter connects the condition to the need for an emotional support animal and makes appropriate reference to relevant housing laws.
In contrast, below is an example of a fake ESA letter that landlords would likely reject:
Red flags include the certificate number (no official registry exists for ESAs), no signature, no license or contact information, outdated references to Air Carrier Access Act rights, lack of an issue date, and no confirmation that the person has a qualifying disability.
Who can I trust online to qualify for an ESA letter?
Before you choose an online ESA service, make sure to do your research and ensure the service adheres to appropriate guidelines for ESA letters. Save yourself the experience of a nightmare scenario where your landlord notifies you that your ESA letter is invalid.
ESA Doctors was established in 2015 because we found that too many people did not have access to a therapist or were working with a therapist who was unfamiliar with the benefits of ESAs. Many people in need also can’t afford in-person services. Others are too busy to schedule on-site therapy sessions due to work, family, or school obligations. And others have anxieties about discussing their problems face-to-face with a therapist.
The licensed healthcare professionals we work with offer their services remotely, allowing you to get help conveniently from the comforts of your home. We think you won’t find a better ESA service provider. But don’t just take our word for it — our happy clients leave us verified 5-star reviews, and we are also one of the few ESA service providers fully BBB accredited with an A-rating.
To get started on your ESA journey, just click on the link below.
Click here to get started on qualifying for your ESA letter.
How many ES a animals can one person have in one apartment?
Please see this article for more details: https://esadoctors.com/how-many-emotional-support-animals-can-you-have/
As a landlord renting a very small apartment, may I ask for verification that 4 very large dogs are required for a tenant’s mental health? The damage to the unit will be significant! At first glance they do not appear to have basic behavior training or socialization in addition to the fact that the tenant failed to disclose the dogs/ESA status until after moving in even though the dogs have been owned for years prior.
As a landlord you are entitled to see a signed ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional. Each of the animals that the tenant is claiming to be an emotional support animal must be covered by an ESA letter. In addition, even if the dogs are ESAs, the tenant is still responsible for any damage to the property they cause.
You should research the Fair Housing act and check HUD guidelines. Maybe take a fair housing class. You are entitled to ask – and receive – verification of disability and the need for any reasonable accommodation (i.e., ESA). If you do not receive reliable verification and/or determine a need for the accommodation, then you are not required to allow the pet(s). 4 dogs as ESA’s…no way is this valid.
How do you feel about people who move into no-pet properties partly because they are allergic to dogs and cats, and you know full well you are assisting pet owners – not genuine esa’s – to get their animals into such properties…?
Some people really do want to be away from barking, pooping, peeing, and being jumped upon. What do you say to them about their rights..?
1. The LMHPs we work with only issue ESA letters to people who actually need ESAs. If they determine that a person does not qualify for an ESA, the person does not receive an ESA letter. 2. Compromises are made everywhere to accommodate the needs of the disabled. It is up to the housing provider to ensure all tenants are able to enjoy the property. Landlords do not have to accept that an ESA that is barking excessively or leaving a mess.
So if i get a letter from my regular doctor would that make it official for me to legally be able to have my dog in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets? What does the letter need to say?
Doctors are allowed to write ESA letters. However, ESA letters are generally from licensed healthcare professionals that have evaluated your mental health and are also familiar with the ESA writing process. An ESA letter should establish you have a mental health disability and that an ESA would alleviate symptoms of that disability. If you need a licensed professional that specializes in ESA evaluations, we can help: https://esadoctors.com/esa-letter/
ur Dr can refer u too a therapist or psychiatrist who has a degree in mental heath and they can write u letter (prescribing you) saying that they believe that an esa would help your mental health disability/disabilities. Then you need to write a letter to your landlord per the esa Hud law. look it up.
You do not need to write a separate letter to your landlord. The signed letter from a licensed healthcare professional is the only document you need to submit to your landlord as proof you own an emotional support animal.
Will *** accept a letter from here for my cat?
We do not issue ESA letters – we connect people with licensed professionals who can write ESA letters. If you qualify for an ESA letter through them, you will get an ESA letter that can be submitted to any housing provider.
Hi!
So I have previously used your site to get a letter for my cat Peanut. However, this new apartment I’m moving into soon says that they require a letter of verification and a certificate that proves my cat is an ESA. Is that valid? Or do I just show them the letter you guys have provided me with?
The only documentation you need to verify that you have an ESA is an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional. You do not ever need a “certificate”.
Hi, on my fiance behalf has her own disabilities. Can her current therapist/provided doctor issue he an ESA letter? Also We have 4 dogs 2 large and 2 small. An inquiry on looking for a new apartment they said they require a letter for each dog. Is that also true? Last I heard was that a letter is sufficient for all our dogs. Feed back please..
A licensed therapist or doctor can issue an ESA letter to her. Each ESA must be recommended by a licensed professional. They can all be in the same letter or in separate letters.
I’m online because I don’t have time to talk to a doctor. I work and take care of my dog, that’s it. (And if I didn’t have my dog to take care of, I wouldn’t be here to type this.) I have to move within the next two weeks. All I need is the ESA housing letter, NOT a therapist. How long does this process take? Is everything done online? I don’t drive, can’t go any facility.
Were happy to help, many of our clients look to online ESA services because they can’t leave the home. Please reach out directly to support@esadoctors.com with any questions. If you’re ready to start, you can click here: https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/
I’m military so I don’t stay in one state, how does that work with needing a therapist licensed in my state?
You would need to to find a therapist licensed in the state you are currently. There are also exceptions being made for remote online therapists due to the pandemic. If you need a therapist for an ESA evaluation, we can help: https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/
Does the therapist have to be in the same state where I resided to write up the ESA?
The therapist should be licensed for the state you are in.