Hello Friends!
My name is Stephanie and I have an emotional support animal (ESA). My ESA’s name is Buddy. He loves long walks, kisses, and blueberries with his breakfast. Buddy has been a lifesaver. Although my struggle with severe and sometimes crippling anxiety is still an ongoing battle, my ESA has provided me with immeasurable support and allows me to live a happier, more active life. As someone who has been accompanied by an ESA for many years, I’m writing this article to share my experiences and answer some common questions people have about ESAs.
I know firsthand the struggle of dealing with a mental illness, and how frustrating it can feel to find the right resources to get help. I was confident an emotional support animal could benefit me, but I didn’t know where to start. For anyone else in a similar boat, I hope this post helps you better understand the ESA process.
Many people who are curious about ESAs also typically ask me how I qualified and what providers I recommend. There are many choices out there for ESA documentation and unfortunately, there are a lot of shady providers who will sell you fake documentation. It’s stressful enough trying to qualify for an ESA without having to worry about whether the ESA documents you receive are phony. In this post, I will explain why I and so many other people recommend ESADoctors.com so highly. I can wholeheartedly vouch that ESA Doctors is an ethical and legitimate service that actually cares about the wellbeing of their clients.
ESA Doctors – Common Questions About ESAs and ESA Providers
What are Fair Housing Laws?
The Fair Housing Act protects ESA owners from housing discrimination. ESA owners are not required to pay a pet fee or a separate pet deposit and are exempt from pet exclusion rules (meaning you can bring an ESA home even if you live in “no-pet” buildings). Landlords are also not permitted to reject your ESA solely because it is a certain breed or weight. That prevents unfair prejudice against emotional support animals who are harmless but draw attention because they are a breed that is commonly stereotyped.
It’s important to be aware that a landlord cannot ask you to disclose sensitive medical information regarding your disability. There are also some types of housing that are exempt from FHA requirements, most notably owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units and single-family houses sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent. A landlord can also reject an ESA if they have determined it poses a threat to other tenants or accommodation of the ESA would create an “undue financial burden” for the landlord.
I am ready to qualify for an ESA and I want to do it the right way
Most ESA owners do not go through the trouble of seeking help from a licensed healthcare professional just to avoid fees or skirt rules. It takes bravery, time, and effort to find a licensed professional to help with a mental illness. In addition, a reputable licensed healthcare professional will not issue an ESA letter with their signature on it unless they truly believe the client would benefit from an emotional support animal. People concerned about fake ESAs should be aware that there are rules and regulations in place that provide guardrails against fraud.
How do I contact ESA Doctors to work with an LMHP and qualify for an ESA Letter?
- Enter your information at ESADoctors.com – You will start by completing the ESA Questionnaire and submitting your order.
- Review your order confirmation – You will then receive an email confirming your order has been received. You may contact ESA Doctors if you have any questions. The ESA support team is there to help you at every step of the ESA accommodation process.
- Work with your LMHP directly – In the next few business days, an LMHP will be in touch with you directly via email or phone. Each LMHP has their own policy so look out for their message.
Click here to get started on qualifying for your ESA letter.
What if I do not want to pay for housing and travel fees, but I do not actually need an ESA?
Okay, this is NOT a common question but it is important for us to talk about it. In order to be approved for an ESA, you must have an actual need for one. ESA Doctors is a legitimate company and the licensed professionals they work with take ESA rules seriously. It is important that you only contact ESA Doctors if you genuinely need help. LMHPs abide by rules of professional conduct and will only recommend an ESA if they feel that in their judgment an ESA would alleviate symptoms relating to a mental or emotional disability.
The following are some common conditions that qualify as a disability for purposes of ESA rules:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
If you believe you are suffering from a mental or emotional disability or have been previously diagnosed with a condition, you may be a good candidate for an emotional support animal. ESA Doctors can help link you to a licensed provider who can help evaluate your situation. The LMHP you work with will make a professional determination about whether an ESA is right for you.
Start your questionnaire now to see if you qualify for an emotional support animal.
You may qualify for an ESA letter by working with a licensed healthcare professional near you.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or feel you might hurt yourself or someone else, you should call 911 or go straight to an emergency room. You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You should never be afraid to reach out and ask for help – there are people that care about you and medical professionals that can offer assistance.
My state has a statute that asks the letter be written by someone licensed in the state (Indiana). Do you pair customers with professionals licensed in their state? Do you have a professional licensed in the state of Indiana
All of the licensed mental health professionals we work with are licensed for the state that the client is in.
I am in the process of getting a puppy. I do not yet have the dog. I was told by one of your competitors that I had to have the dog first and be bonded before they could write the letter. Does your company have the same rule?
An ESA recommendation letter comes from a licensed mental health professional who has determined that you have a disability and that an ESA would alleviate symptoms of that disability. The recommendation letter can come before the client adopts their ESA.