An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter is a formal document written by a licensed mental health professional that confirms an individual’s need for an emotional support animal to manage symptoms of a qualifying emotional or psychological condition. The letter is based on clinical judgment and serves as verification that the presence of an animal contributes meaningfully to the individual’s treatment or day-to-day functioning.
ESA letters are typically used to request housing accommodations or to present documentation in settings that otherwise restrict pets. This document is most often written for individuals living with conditions such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, panic disorders, or adjustment disorders. The letter must establish that the individual has a disability as defined by federal law and that the ESA’s presence improves their ability to manage that disability.
This ESA letter template is designed to guide licensed professionals in writing legally sound and properly formatted letters. It includes a fillable blank version and a sample with completed fields to demonstrate wording, formatting, and content flow. The template reflects legal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and is suitable for official use in residential and certain travel contexts.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter Template
How to Write an ESA Letter
Before you begin writing the ESA letter, confirm that the patient has received a clinical diagnosis that meets the definition of a disability under federal law. The letter must connect the individual’s condition to the therapeutic role of the emotional support animal and demonstrate that its presence improves functioning or reduces symptoms. The provider must also have an established treatment relationship with the patient, and hold a valid, verifiable license. Here’s a step-by-step guide for writing this letter:
Provider and Patient Info
Begin the letter by entering your professional and clinic information. This includes the date of issuance, the full legal name of the patient, the name of your clinic or practice, a verifiable contact number, and your full mailing address including city, state, and ZIP code. These details are essential for confirming your credentials and for housing providers or other recipients to verify the authenticity of the letter. Always double-check that the contact number is tied to your licensed practice and that the clinic name matches your professional registration. Use the current date when issuing the letter. Example:
Date: May 15, 2094
Patient Name: Cathy Belton
Clinic or Practice Name: Oakridge Behavioral Wellness Center
Contact Number: (212) 555-4987
Address: 860 Washington St
City, State, ZIP: New York, NY 10998
Introductory Statement
Begin the body of the letter by introducing yourself as a licensed mental health professional and stating your relationship with the patient. This should include how long the individual has been under your care. For example, you might write:
“I am a licensed mental health professional currently treating Cathy Belton, who has been under my care since March 2093.”
Legal Basis and Diagnostic Reference
After the introductory statement, include a brief sentence confirming that the patient’s condition qualifies as a disability under relevant federal laws. You do not need to state the exact diagnosis unless it is explicitly required by the housing provider or agency. For example:
“Based on clinical evaluation, Cathy Belton meets the criteria for a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12102), the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3602), and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 705).”
Therapeutic Justification
Next, include a statement explaining how the emotional support animal directly benefits the patient’s condition. This part connects the animal’s presence to symptom relief or improved functioning. Be specific about the animal’s role and avoid making generic claims. For example, you might write:
“The calming presence of a cat, named Waffles, has been shown to significantly reduce the impact of Cathy Belton’s anxiety-related limitations.”
The language should show a clear therapeutic connection between the animal and the patient’s condition without overstating or generalizing the benefit.
Recommendation for Accommodation
Follow the therapeutic justification with a direct, confident recommendation. This is the part of the letter that makes it actionable for housing or travel requests. Avoid non-committal phrases like “might benefit” or “could be useful.” Instead, use clear language such as:
“I recommend that Cathy Belton be permitted to keep her emotional support animal with her at home and in environments where the animal supports her mental well-being and daily functioning.”
Closing and Verification Details
End the letter with a brief closing statement offering to provide further information if needed. This shows openness to follow-up and reinforces the letter’s credibility. After the closing, include your professional signature followed by your printed name, license number, license type, and the state in which you’re licensed. For example, the letter may conclude with:
“If further information is required, you may contact me directly using the contact information above.”
Then list:
“Signature: Elaine Robbins
Printed Name: Dr. Elaine Robbins
License Number: NY-P987452
License Type and State: Clinical Psychologist, New York”
Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Animals
Emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals are both recognized in disability-related accommodations, but they are not the same. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with physical or mental disabilities—for example, guiding individuals with visual impairments or interrupting panic attacks. They are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are allowed access to most public spaces including restaurants, workplaces, and public transportation.
In contrast, emotional support animals are not trained for specific tasks. Their role is to provide emotional stability and comfort through their presence alone. ESAs are not covered under the ADA for public access but are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which means they can live with their handler even in pet-restricted housing.
What Access Rights Do Emotional Support Animals Have?
Emotional support animals are not guaranteed public access like service animals. Their legal protections are limited mainly to housing, with some past and conditional recognition in air travel.
- Housing: Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must allow emotional support animals in housing units, even if pets are normally restricted. They cannot charge pet fees or deposits, though they can request a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
- Transportation: ESAs were once protected under the Air Carrier Access Act, but recent policy changes allow airlines to treat emotional support animals as pets. Most airlines now require animals to travel in carriers and under standard pet rules unless classified as service animals.
- Employment: Emotional support animals do not have specific legal protections in the workplace. Employers are not legally required to accommodate them, but some may do so voluntarily under internal policies or broader disability accommodations if requested through HR.
- Hotels and Public Spaces: Hotels, restaurants, and stores are not required to accept emotional support animals. These businesses fall under public access laws governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which only applies to trained service animals. ESAs can be denied entry in these places.
In short, ESAs are legally recognized in housing, possibly air travel (depending on airline policies), and occasionally at an employer’s discretion, but not in hotels or general public areas.
How to Get an ESA Letter
To obtain an ESA letter, you must first connect with a licensed mental health professional. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or another qualified clinician who can assess your condition. The provider will evaluate whether an emotional support animal can benefit your mental or emotional health.
If they find it appropriate, they will issue the letter on their official letterhead. A valid ESA letter generally includes the professional’s name, license number, contact information, and a statement confirming that you have a condition where an emotional support animal is recommended. The letter does not need to describe your diagnosis in detail, only the necessity of the animal.
In most cases, you can obtain this letter during a regular appointment with your provider. Some individuals may also use online platforms that connect patients with licensed professionals, though it is important to avoid services that sell instant or generic certificates without a proper evaluation. Housing providers are more likely to reject documents that do not come from a legitimate therapeutic relationship.
Once you have the letter, you may provide it to your landlord or housing provider when requesting accommodation. Under the Fair Housing Act, a valid ESA letter requires housing providers to recognize your emotional support animal without applying pet restrictions or charging additional fees. However, you remain responsible for the animal’s care and any damages it may cause.
Important Note on Fake ESA Letters
Only a licensed mental health professional can issue a valid ESA letter—and it must be based on a real clinical evaluation. Unfortunately, many websites offer instant letters without any meaningful assessment. These are often rejected by housing providers and, in some cases, may carry legal risks.
In states like California, misrepresenting an emotional support animal or presenting a letter under false pretenses can lead to fines or even misdemeanor charges. Assembly Bill 468, which took effect in 2022, outlines penalties for falsely selling or using ESA letters, with fines starting at $500 and increasing with repeat offenses.
Other states, including Florida, Texas, and New York, have also enacted laws that penalize false ESA or service animal claims, often with fines or civil consequences. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) maintains a summary of laws regarding misrepresentation of assistance animals across the U.S.
Using a letter that hasn’t come from a licensed provider or one generated without proper evaluation can lead to denial of housing requests, disputes with landlords, or fines depending on state law. To avoid issues, always make sure your ESA letter is based on an actual therapeutic relationship and includes clear professional details such as the provider’s license number and contact information.
FAQs
An ESA letter must be written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). This includes psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), therapists, counselors, and other providers authorized to diagnose mental health conditions. The professional must hold an active license in the state where the patient resides.
Yes, licensed therapists can issue ESA letters as long as they have assessed your condition and determined that an emotional support animal is a clinically appropriate part of your treatment.
No. ESA letters must be written by a licensed professional who has evaluated you and determined that an animal is clinically necessary. A self-written letter is not valid and will not be accepted by landlords or housing authorities.
Any individual with a diagnosed emotional or psychological condition that significantly affects daily life may qualify. Common qualifying conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, PTSD, or other mood and behavioral health issues. The diagnosis must meet the definition of a disability under federal law.
Some legitimate mental health professionals offer virtual evaluations. You can receive an ESA letter online only if it includes a real-time clinical assessment by a licensed provider. Avoid websites that promise instant letters without proper evaluation; these are often flagged as fake and may carry legal risks.
While federal law does not specify an expiration, many landlords and housing providers prefer ESA letters that are dated within the past 12 months. It’s generally recommended to renew your letter annually, especially if you’re moving or reapplying for housing.
A landlord cannot legally deny a valid ESA letter unless the request poses a direct threat to others, causes significant property damage, or imposes an undue financial burden. However, they can request documentation to confirm the letter is legitimate. They cannot charge extra fees or apply pet restrictions to emotional support animals covered under the Fair Housing Act.
Yes, in some cases. If a licensed mental health provider determines that more than one animal contributes to your treatment, they may include that recommendation in the letter. Each animal’s role must be clinically justified not just personal preference.
About This Template
This emotional support animal (ESA) letter template includes three versions: a standard template, a fillable blank version, and a completed example. All versions share the same content and formatting. You can customize each version in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or as a fillable PDF depending on your preferred format.
Official References
- HUD – Assistance Animals in Housing (Notice 2020-01)
- California Assembly Bill 468 – ESA Letter Requirements and Misrepresentation Penalties
- 42 U.S.C. § 3602 – Definitions under the Fair Housing Act
- 42 U.S.C. § 12102 – ADA Definition of Disability
- HUD Guidance – Assessing ESA Requests Under the Fair Housing Act
- U.S. DOT – Traveling by Air with Service Animals
- ADA National Network – Overview of Service Animals and ESAs
- TDN – Legal Considerations for ESA Letter
- TDN – Getting the ESA Letter