- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Emotional support animals (ESAs), like dogs, are becoming more common in the U.S.—and for good reason! Research shows ESAs can help with depression, anxiety, and give you a new purpose in life, says Daniel Maigler, a licensed clinical social worker and mental health advisor at Paws for Patrick.
Unlike service dogs, ESAs don’t require official registration. However, you’ll still need a letter from a licensed doctor or mental health professional. Requirements vary by state. For example, “some states require a 30-day relationship with your clinician before they can issue a letter,” explains David Berlak, founder of Paw By Paw Dog Training.
Keep reading to learn how to get your dog registered as an ESA and how they’re different from service and therapy dogs!
Legal Rights & Protections for ESAs
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under housing laws, especially the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA allows people with disabilities to live with their ESA, even in no-pet housing, says Emilie Kay, a licensed clinical social worker at Pettable. She adds that landlords can’t charge extra pet fees or deposits.
However, the law doesn’t apply to short-term stays like motels or hotels. If a landlord denies a valid ESA request, you can report the issue to a government agency, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Travel protections for ESAs used to be broader under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), but this changed in 2021. Kay says the Department of Transportation now classifies ESAs as pets. Policies, documentation, and fees now vary by airline, so it’s up to pet parents to check the rules before flying.
Steps to Register Your Dog as an Emotional Support Animal
Not everyone qualifies for an emotional support animal (ESA). Maigler says only those with an emotional disability diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional qualify.
This can include conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Even issues like complicated grief or parent-child relational challenges may qualify.
Here are the steps to get your dog registered as an ESA:
Step 1: Check if you qualify
Talk to a licensed clinician or mental health professional about your condition and whether an ESA could help.
Maigler says they decide if and how an ESA can improve your symptoms that affect sleeping, eating, or social interactions.
Step 2: Get an ESA letter
If the clinician approves, they’ll provide an official letter you can use for housing or travel.
Trusted websites like CertaPet and Pettable connect people with licensed professionals who can evaluate and provide letters if needed.
Step 3: Share your letter with the appropriate people
Give your letter to your landlord or housing provider. Maigler says some landlords might also need a separate form filled our by your doctor.
If you decide to take your dog on a plane, rules vary, and fees or extra steps may apply. Check each airline’s policy before flying with your ESA.
What Are the Requirements for an ESA Letter?
Maigler says an ESA letter must include:
- The date
- Your name
- The doctor’s name and address
- The doctor’s letterhead
- A statement that the clinician knows your history and current mental health and believes you have an emotional disability that could benefit from an ESA.
- A statement that the ESA is necessary to help with issues affecting major life functions (Maigler says “recommended” might not be strong enough language for some landlords).
“The biggest mistake in the writing of the letters is sharing too much information,” Maigler says. While landlords should protect your privacy, it’s best to avoid giving unnecessary details.
He says he leaves out specific diagnoses in the ESA letters he writes, as landlords and colleges have no legal right to this information.
How much do they usually cost?
The cost of an ESA letter depends on where you live, your provider, and if you need a consultation first.
ESA letters usually cost between $50 and $250, while mental health consultations can range from $100 to $300. Although ESA letters don’t officially expire, it’s a good idea to renew them yearly since some landlords may ask for updated information.
iStock/FreshSplash
Common Myths About Emotional Support Animals
There’s a lot of misinformation about ESAs. Let’s set the record straight:
Myth 1: ESAs are allowed everywhere.
False. Having an ESA letter doesn’t mean your pet can go to public places like restaurants. Kay explains that ESAs don’t have public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Myth 2: You need to formally register your ESA.
Nope! ESA registration websites aren’t necessary. All you need is a letter from a licensed clinician explaining your mental health needs and how an ESA helps.
Myth 3: Landlords can charge fees for ESAs.
Wrong. Landlords cannot charge pet fees or deposits for ESAs. However, as Kay points out, pet parents are responsible for any damage caused by their animal. Make sure to dog-proof your home to prevent any charges!
Myth 4: ESAs are covered by the ADA.
Not true. Berlak clarifies that only service animals are protected under the ADA.
Myth 5: Documentation isn’t required for an ESA.
False. To designate your pet as an ESA, Kay says you need a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Myth 6: ESAs are expensive.
Not really! Berlak notes that ESAs are more affordable than service animals since they don’t need the extensive training and certification service dogs require. The primary cost is associated with the initial ESA letter (and renewal), as well as the associated mental health consultation.
ESAs vs Therapy Dogs vs Service Dogs: An Overview
ESAs, therapy dogs, and service dogs all support people in different ways, but they’re not the same. Steve Dale, a clinical animal behavior consultant, walks through the differences below.
| Criteria | Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) | Therapy Dogs | Service Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provide emotional support to owners with mental health needs. | Comfort and support groups or individuals in various settings. | Perform specific tasks for people with disabilities or alert others to medical problems. |
| Legal Protections | Protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) for housing rights. | No legal protections under ADA or FHA. | Covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). |
| Training | No formal training required. | Require training to remain calm and gentle in different environments. | The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners says service dogs require at least 120 hours of professional training over six months. |
| Qualifications | Must benefit someone with a diagnosed emotional disability. | Must pass temperament and behavioral assessments. | Must meet ADA criteria for assisting with disabilities. |
| Rights | Allowed in housing with no-pet policies but not in public spaces. | Allowed only with permission in specific facilities (e.g., hospitals). | Full public access rights (can accompany handlers anywhere). |
| Certifications | Requires a letter from a licensed mental health professional. | Often certified by therapy dog organizations. | Not required by law but often certified by training organizations. |
| Key Features | Improves mental wellbeing; no public access rights. | Provides comfort; works with a handler. | Performs life-saving or essential tasks for individuals. |
| Examples | Dogs, cats, rabbits, or other companion animals. | Dogs used in schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. | Guide dogs, autism service dogs, diabetic-alert dogs. |
Tips for Living With Your Emotional Support Dog
While ESAs don’t require any formal training, they should still have some basic training under their belt. Dale says socialization, positive reinforcement, and intro commands, like “come” and “touch,” establish a solid foundation.
If you have specific medical needs, your ESA can learn special skills. For example, Berlak says dogs can be trained to do deep pressure therapy, which helps pet parents with anxiety or PTSD feel calm.
While your ESA supports you, it’s just as important to care for their well-being. Here’s how to keep them happy and healthy:
- Spend time playing interactive games (like puzzle toys) to keep them active and mentally sharp.
- Give them a cozy spot at home where they can relax.
- Cuddle and pet them to strengthen your emotional connection.
- Let them enjoy being a dog—go on long walks and let them sniff around.
- Feed them a balanced diet and take them for regular vet check-ups.
- Work with a trainer to understand their body language and meet their needs.
Taking good care of your ESA helps them be their best for you!
Takeaway
Registering your dog as an emotional support animal can provide meaningful benefits for your mental health while also giving your furry friend a special role in your life. With proper care, training, and love, your ESA can be a source of comfort and companionship, improving your emotional well-being every day.
