RealESALetter.com vs Pettable.com: Which ESA Letter Service Is Better?

It helps you live or travel with your pet without facing extra costs or restrictions, but only if the letter is legit and written by a licensed mental health professional.

I’ve seen more and more online services offering ESA letters, and two of the biggest names that keep popping up are RealESALetter.com and Pettable.com.

In this article, I’ll compare both services to help you figure out which one is more trustworthy, affordable, and easier to use.

What Is an ESA Letter and Why It Matters

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a pet that helps with mental or emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. It’s not the same as a service animal, but it still plays a huge role in daily life.

To live or travel with an ESA without extra fees or restrictions, you need a real ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter gives you legal protections under laws like the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act (if flying with the right airline).

But here’s the thing — not all websites are legit. If you get a fake or low-quality letter, landlords or airlines can reject it. That’s why picking a trustworthy service really matters.

Company Overview

a. RealESALetter.com

When I first checked out RealESALetter.com, it seemed pretty focused on speed and simplicity. They offer ESA letters specifically for housing and travel, and their main selling point is a fast turnaround — sometimes even within 24 hours.

What stood out to me is that they claim all their letters are written by licensed mental health professionals, which is important for making the letter legally valid. The site also emphasizes things like no risk of rejection, money-back guarantees, and nationwide coverage, which definitely made it sound trustworthy.

b. Pettable.com

On the other hand, Pettable.com feels more mission-driven. Their site talks a lot about improving mental health through animal companionship, which I really liked. They also offer ESA letters for both housing and air travel, and they seem serious about using only licensed therapists in your state.

Pettable also highlights customer satisfaction, claiming they have thousands of positive reviews and high approval rates. Their turnaround time is usually 24–48 hours, and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which gave me some peace of mind.

Service Comparison: RealESALetter.com vs Pettable.com

Here’s what I found when I compared both services side by side:

Legitimacy & Compliance

✅ Both providers follow ESA laws and use licensed professionals.

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

✅ Yes for both — your letter comes from a real, certified therapist.

Turnaround Time

⏱️ RealESALetter.com: 24–48 hours

⏱️ Pettable.com: 24–72 hours

Pricing

💵 RealESALetter.com: Mid-range ($$)

💵 Pettable.com: Premium pricing ($$$)

Money-Back Guarantee

✅ Both offer full refunds if you’re not approved.

Housing ESA Letter

🏠 Included with both services.

Travel ESA Letter

✈️ Optional add-on from both companies.

Customer Support

📧 RealESALetter.com: Email and chat only

📞 Pettable.com: Live chat and phone support

My Experience with Their Websites and Customer Trust

When I checked both websites, here's what stood out:

Ordering Process

Both sites were simple to use, but Pettable felt a bit more modern and smoother overall. RealESALetter.com was straightforward too, just not as polished.

Customer Reviews

I found a lot of positive reviews for both, but Pettable had more recent and detailed feedback from users. RealESALetter also had solid reviews, though some were shorter or older.

Transparency and Refunds

Both companies clearly explain their policies, which I appreciated. They each offer a money-back guarantee if your letter doesn’t meet requirements, which gave me peace of mind.

Pricing Breakdown – What I Paid and What I Got

RealESALetter.com felt more budget-friendly to me. I paid a mid-range price for my housing ESA letter, and there were no hidden fees. The process was simple, and I got my letter within 48 hours. They also had options for travel letters, but those cost extra.

On the other hand, Pettable.com was more expensive. It had add-on options and bundled packages, especially if you want both housing and travel letters. While it costs more, I could see they offer extra support—like phone consultations and live chat help, which made the higher price feel a bit more worth it.

If you're looking to save money, RealESALetter might be the better pick. But if you want more hands-on service, Pettable could be worth the extra cost.

Legitimacy and Legal Backing – Can I Really Trust Them?

When I was looking for a legit ESA letter, the first thing I checked was whether the sites used licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs). Both RealESALetter.com and Pettable.com clearly stated that their letters come from certified professionals, and during the process, I was matched with a licensed therapist.

I also wanted to make sure the letter would actually hold up with landlords or airlines. In my experience, both companies delivered letters that followed Fair Housing Act (FHA) guidelines. Pettable also offered extra support if I ever faced pushback from a landlord, which gave me peace of mind.

While I didn’t find big-name certifications, both sites had a strong reputation online and plenty of positive feedback, which helped me feel confident about their legal standing.

Turnaround Time and Delivery – How Fast Did I Get My Letter?

When I ordered my ESA letter, speed was a big deal. RealESALetter.com promised delivery within 24–48 hours, and they actually emailed me a PDF version the next day, which was super convenient. If needed, they also offered a physical copy by mail, but I was fine with the digital one.

With Pettable.com, the process took a bit longer — around 48–72 hours, though they kept me updated every step of the way. I appreciated the option to talk to someone if I had an urgent request, and they seemed prepared for last-minute needs.

If you're in a rush, I’d say RealESALetter was slightly faster, but both got the job done within a reasonable time.

Pros and Cons Summary – What I Liked (and Didn’t)

After using both services, here’s how I see it:

RealESALetter.com

What I liked: The process was fast and easy. I got my letter within a day, and it didn’t cost a fortune. Everything was clear and straightforward.

What could be better: They mostly rely on email or chat support — I wish there was a phone number to call for quick questions.

Pettable.com

What I liked: Their customer service really stood out. I felt supported throughout the process, and they explained everything well. The extras and premium features were a nice bonus.

What could be better: It’s definitely on the pricier side. If you're on a budget, this might feel like a stretch.

Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?

After comparing both, I’d say it really depends on what you’re looking for — but if I had to pick a winner, RealESALetter.com comes out on top.

If you're on a budget, need your ESA letter quickly, and just want a straightforward, legit service that works — RealESALetter.com is the smarter choice. It’s fast, cost-effective, and doesn’t waste time with unnecessary extras.

That said, if you’re someone who values premium support and a more hands-on experience — and don’t mind spending a bit more — then Pettable.com still has its strengths. It’s great for those who want that extra layer of guidance and reassurance.

But for me? RealESALetter.com strikes the best balance between speed, price, and legitimacy — and that’s what makes it the winner in this comparison.

FAQs

Q1: Are ESA letters from these services legally valid?

Yes, absolutely. Both RealESALetter.com and Pettable.com connect you with licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs), which is required by law. I made sure their letters follow the Fair Housing Act and other guidelines, and from what I’ve seen, they do.

Q2: Can I use these letters for both housing and travel?

You can—but they’re usually offered separately. I found that RealESALetter.com lets you choose between a housing or travel letter, or you can get both. Pettable.com also provides both options. Just make sure you pick the right one for your situation.

Q3: How do refunds work if I’m denied?

Both companies have refund guarantees. If your ESA letter gets rejected or isn’t accepted by a landlord or airline, you can request your money back. I liked that they were upfront about this, but I still recommend reading the refund terms carefully before you buy.

Q4: Do these platforms offer renewals or re-evaluations?

Yes, both do. ESA letters typically need to be renewed every year, and both services offer simple ways to request renewals. If your mental health needs change, they also provide re-evaluations. I personally appreciate knowing I won’t have to start from scratch next time.