This article was last updated on December 3rd, 2025, to reflect Louisiana’s latest laws.

If you want to understand Louisiana’s emotional support animal laws, this guide will explain them to you in simple terms. In 2024, Louisiana passed the Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (R.S. 46:1971 through 1978), which gives clear guidelines for both ESA owners and healthcare providers.

ESA owners have special rights in Louisiana because of how important ESAs are to their owner’s mental health. Louisiana has slightly different rules than other states and federal guidelines, so if you’re a resident of Louisiana, you’ll need to be aware of these quirks.

Your Rights as an ESA Owner in Louisiana

Under Louisiana’s ESA law and federal protections, you have important housing rights:

  • Live with your ESA in no-pet buildings — Your landlord cannot deny you housing because of your ESA
  • No pet fees or deposits — Your ESA is exempt from additional pet-related charges
  • No breed or size restrictions — Landlords must waive their typical pet restrictions
  • Protection from discrimination — You cannot be denied housing because of your disability
  • Privacy protection — Landlords cannot ask about your specific diagnosis or medical details

Qualifying for an ESA under Louisiana Law

Louisiana recognizes disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. That means if you have a mental or emotional condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, you might qualify for an ESA. Common qualifying conditions include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • PTSD
  • Panic disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Other mental health conditions that impact daily functioning

Your ESA can be any animal that provides emotional support for your disability — dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other domesticated animals can all serve as emotional support animals.

Getting an ESA Letter Under Louisiana Law 

Louisiana’s ESA law has established a clear process to ensure people who need ESAs can get proper documentation. Your healthcare provider must have an active Louisiana license or practice under a licensure compact that allows them to provide services in Louisiana. Qualified providers include:

  • Physicians
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed clinical social workers
  • Licensed professional counselors
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Other licensed mental health professionals

Louisiana requires that you establish a therapeutic relationship with your healthcare provider for at least 30 days before they can write your ESA letter. You’ll need to have at least two sessions with your provider (these can be in-person or via telehealth). 

Your Louisiana ESA letter must include:

  • The effective date of the documentation
  • Your healthcare provider’s license number
  • The type of professional license they hold

Be aware that Louisiana law specifically excludes services that issue certificates, licenses, or letters without conducting a meaningful assessment. If you get an instant ESA letter somewhere online, you should be wary that it meets Louisiana’s standards. 

Penalties for ESA Fraud

Louisiana takes ESA fraud seriously to protect people with legitimate needs. The law establishes civil penalties for violations:

  • First offense: Fine up to $500
  • Second offense: Fine up to $1,000
  • Third or subsequent offenses: Fine up to $2,500

These penalties apply to:

  • Healthcare providers who falsely claim someone needs an ESA when they don’t
  • Individuals who falsely claim to have a disability requiring an ESA
  • Anyone who misrepresents a pet as a service dog or service dog-in-training
  • Businesses selling fake ESA certificates or letters without proper disclosures

Does your pet provide emotional support?
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