What is an ESA Letter?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a document written by a licensed mental health professional that certifies an individual has a mental health condition and recommends the presence of an emotional support animal to provide comfort and support. This letter typically includes the mental health professional's credentials, the patient's name, and a statement supporting the need for the ESA.
It is important to note that an ESA letter does not provide the same legal protections as service animal certifications but can help with housing accommodations for individuals requiring emotional support from their pets. In order for ESA letters to be seen as a valid document amongst housing accommodations, it should be renewed annually.
What’s the difference between a Service Animal and an Emotional Support Animal?
Service Animal
Service animals are trained to help people with disabilities by performing specific tasks. These tasks can include guiding the blind, alerting the deaf, moving wheelchairs, picking up items, or assisting those with seizures. Their training is thorough and customized to each person's needs, usually done by professional organizations. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects service animals, allowing them to go with their owners in public places like restaurants, stores and on public transport. The animal must always be under control, and the owner should explain the animal's tasks.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort to people with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They are different from service animals because they are not trained to perform specific tasks. ESAs offer companionship and support to those facing mental health challenges. While they are not covered by the ADA, the Fair Housing Act allows people with ESAs to live in "no pets" housing if the animal helps them. Landlords cannot charge extra fees or deposits for tenants with an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Who’s eligible for an ESA?
Not everyone who applies to have their pet become an ESA will qualify on Trustable Pet ESA. There are many websites that promise or guarantee an ESA letter however, at Trustable Pet ESA, we will place each candidate under a comprehensive evaluation to determine their eligibility.
At Trustable Pet ESA, we pride ourselves on not being one of the “ESA Letter Mills.” If your purpose is to simply obtain an ESA letter for your pet to circumvent having to pay a pet deposit or additional monthly fee for your pet, Trustable Pet ESA may not be a good fit for you. However, we strongly encourage you to complete our evaluation process as many mental health symptoms are untreated, and the presence of your beloved pet can alleviate them.
