How to Write an ESA Letter? | A guide by RealESALetter.com

Writing an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter requires clinical accuracy, legal compliance, and clear communication. A valid ESA letter must be issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This letter officially confirms that a person has a qualifying mental or emotional disability and that the presence of an emotional support animal is essential to managing or alleviating symptoms of the condition. The letter must follow specific guidelines, including being written on the professional’s official letterhead, containing the necessary license information, and complying with legal frameworks such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

What Information Should Be Included in the Professional Letterhead?

The first and most important element of an ESA letter is that it must appear on the official letterhead of a licensed mental health professional. This includes the professional’s full name, degree (e.g., LCSW, LPC, Ph.D., MD), license number, the state where their license is valid, and their complete contact details—such as phone number, office address, and email. The date the letter is written must also be clearly displayed. These details serve not just to authenticate the letter but also to give landlords or housing authorities the necessary assurance that the document comes from a credible, verifiable source. Without a legitimate letterhead and professional information, the ESA letter may be rejected as invalid or even considered fraudulent.

What Patient Information Should Be Mentioned?

The ESA letter must clearly identify the patient. This includes the full name of the individual requesting the ESA accommodation and, in some cases, their address or contact information. The letter should also confirm that the individual is under the care of the licensed professional and has been evaluated for a mental or emotional health condition. It’s important to note that while the specific diagnosis may not always be required under the Fair Housing Act, the letter must state that the individual has a mental or emotional impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, which qualifies them to receive assistance from an ESA.

How Should the Letter Confirm the Disability and the Need for an ESA?

This is the core of the ESA letter. The mental health professional must clearly state that the patient has a qualifying mental or emotional disability. It should also explain how the ESA helps reduce or alleviate symptoms associated with the condition. For example, the letter might describe how the animal provides comfort, emotional regulation, or reduces anxiety during episodes of depression or PTSD. However, the language must be medically accurate and not exaggerated—the animal should not be described as providing “trained” services unless it is a psychiatric service dog, which falls under a different category entirely. The focus should be on the therapeutic role the ESA plays in improving the patient’s daily functioning.

Is It Necessary to Include Specific ESA Details in the Letter?

Including details about the animal—such as its species, breed, or even name—is optional but can be helpful. For example, stating that the ESA is a small dog that assists with calming the patient’s anxiety may add context. However, overly detailed or clinically irrelevant information should be avoided. You do not need to include training credentials or claim the animal performs specific tasks, as ESAs are not required to have any specialized training. If multiple ESAs are involved, it’s best to include a justification for each animal based on the individual’s needs.

Should the ESA Letter Reference Any Laws or Legal Protections?

Yes. To make the ESA letter more effective, it should explicitly cite the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires housing providers to offer “reasonable accommodation” for individuals with assistance animals. The letter should mention that the patient is requesting accommodation under this law and that the animal is not a pet, but a necessary support animal due to a documented disability. It should also clarify that this is not a service animal as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This distinction is essential, as the rights and legal protections differ between service animals and emotional support animals.

Why Must the Letter Be Signed and Dated?

The letter must be signed by the licensed mental health professional who wrote it. A digital or physical signature adds an extra layer of authenticity. It should also include the date of issuance. Most landlords or housing providers will only accept ESA letters that are dated within the past 12 months, so it’s crucial for the letter to be up to date. Some housing authorities may even require verification of the professional’s license, so having all this information in one place helps prevent unnecessary delays or legal disputes.

Who Is Legally Allowed to Write an ESA Letter?

Only a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) can issue an ESA letter. This includes professionals such as clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), psychiatrists, and in some states, certain general practitioners with mental health training. The key requirement is that the provider must be licensed in the same state where the individual resides or is seeking housing. Online platforms like RealESALetter.com, Certapet, and Pettable connect users with LMHPs legally qualified to assess and issue ESA letters.

What Tone and Language Should Be Used in an ESA Letter?

The letter must use professional, objective language that reflects clinical judgment. Avoid emotional, exaggerated, or vague wording. Terms like “requires the animal for emotional stability” or “benefits from the calming presence of the animal” are appropriate. However, do not refer to the animal as a service animal or imply that it performs medical or trained tasks unless it actually does (which then falls under psychiatric service dog classifications). Using correct language is crucial to maintaining the letter’s credibility and legal validity.

What Responsibilities Do Landlords Have Regarding ESA Letters?

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodation for tenants with ESAs—even in buildings with “no pet” policies. They cannot charge pet fees or deposits for emotional support animals. However, landlords may verify the authenticity of the letter and confirm that the issuing professional is licensed. They may not, however, ask for medical records or require specific diagnoses. If the ESA letter meets legal standards, the landlord must accommodate the tenant unless doing so would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the housing.

Can an ESA Letter Be Used for Air Travel?

No. As of January 2021, emotional support animals are no longer recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation for air travel purposes. Airlines are only required to accommodate psychiatric service dogs (PSDs). This change means that an ESA letter alone does not grant access to in-cabin travel. If a person needs to bring their animal on a plane, they must go through the PSD registration and training process, which includes documentation from a licensed professional stating that the individual has a disability and the animal is trained to perform specific tasks related to that disability.

How Often Should an ESA Letter Be Renewed?

Although not all states require annual renewal by law, it is generally recommended that ESA letters be updated every 12 months. This ensures the information remains current, reflects any changes in the patient’s condition, and keeps the professional’s license in good standing. Many landlords or housing providers will request a recent version of the ESA letter, especially for lease renewals or ongoing accommodations. Keeping the letter updated also reinforces its legitimacy and demonstrates a continued therapeutic need for the animal.

By structuring your ESA letter with these clearly defined and professionally grounded components, you ensure its validity, legality, and effectiveness. For those seeking help, platforms like RealESALetter.com can connect you with licensed providers who understand the exact requirements and can issue compliant ESA documentation tailored to your needs.