Big Questions...Honest Answers
After years of landlords refusing to rent to ESA owners...
After years of airlines refusing to let us fly with our pets...
Things have changed.
If you own an ESA and feel better in its company, the law is now on your side!
Here are the questions we hear every day:
What is an “ESA Letter”?
1/13
A legally-enforceable, legitimate emotional support letter is a documented prescription written by a licensed mental health professional indicating that an individual will experience certain emotional and psychological benefits while in the company of and enjoying the companionship of a personal support animal, including emotional support dogs, cats, birds, other mammals, and reptiles.
For how long is an ESA letter valid?
2/13
Individual ESA documentation is valid for a period of one year from date of issuance. Ongoing
symptoms indicating the clinically-approved need for further emotional support qualify for
annual renewals of an ESA Letter.
How long does it take for the ESA Letter application to process?
3/13
The online application takes a few minutes. Review by a licensed professional and issuance of the ESA Letter requires a minimum of 24 hours (on a “rush order” basis); standard delivery time is approximately 48 hours.
Who actually writes the ESA Letter?
4/13
RealESAletter.com engages the services of licensed mental health professionals, as well as a roster of physicians and clinical health care workers. With more than 30,000 such professionals in the field, your satisfaction and proper attention to your needs are guaranteed.
How is an ESA Letter received by landlords?
5/13
When you make your rental application, you will provide a copy of your ESA Letter to the
landlord. State laws vary, but under the Federal Housing Authority, discrimination on the basis
of your need for an Emotional Support Animal is strictly prohibited. Your ESA Letter also allows
you to bring any breed or size of Emotional Support Animal within reason, without being
required to pay additional fees or deposits. Keep in mind, however, than any damages to the
property caused by your Emotional Support Animal are your responsibility.
Does it cost more to register my pet as an Emotional Support Animal?
6/13
There is no state, local, or national registry for Emotional Support Animals, and you should
never pay anyone to register your pet as an ESA. The ESA Letter is a prescription for you in light
of the benefits an ESA will provide to you. If you have multiple ESA pets who provide you
comfort and healing, each of those is covered under your letter when so indicated by the
therapist issuing your ESA Letter.
How is my ESA Letter delivered to me?
7/13
You have multiple delivery options, including an expedited “rush” at a slightly additional cost. Standard delivery is by PDF attachment to an email, followed by a hard copy document mailed to any address you specify. Priority Mail service is available as well.
What is the difference between my Emotional Support Animal and a “service animal”?
8/13
Your ESA status is established by your individual need for companionship and the comfort that comes from that companionship. Service animals are highly trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers and, under Federal law, are granted access to all facilities nationwide. Your Emotional Support Animal requires no training of any kind; while you may be turned away at certain facilities under Health Department code compliance rules, the presentation of your ESA Letter is generally accepted by and carries considerable weight with all business owners, landlords, and transportation providers.
Should I have my Emotional Support Animal trained?
9/13
There is no training requirement at all. Your ESA only needs to be well-behaved and under your control. If your animal causes property damage or personal injury to others, you may be liable for such harm.
Is my ESA Letter legally enforceable?
10/13
Yes. Your rights to an emotional support animal are protected under the Fair Housing Act, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Air Carrier Access Act, each of which prohibits
discrimination against individuals suffering from physical, mental, or emotional challenges.
With an ESA Letter, will my ESA be able to board aircraft and fly with me?
11/13
Yes. Your ESA Letter is a powerful document providing for such accommodation by the airlines. Of course, your ESA must be well-behaved, not be a threat or a problem to anyone on the aircraft, and should not be fearful or noisy. We recommend that you contact your airline well prior to check-in to let them know that you are traveling with an Emotional Support Animal so that they may provide appropriate accommodations.
What if I fail to qualify for an emotional support animal letter?
12/13
If your initial therapist declines your valid need for an Emotional Support Animal, you may
request a re-evaluation. In the unlikely event you are declined upon review, we will provide you
with an immediate, 100% guaranteed refund.
Are there other limitations or recommendations regarding the issuance of my ESA Letter?
13/13
Only to be aware that the majority of “online services” claiming to provide ESA Letter documentation are of questionable legitimacy. Those who suggest “registration” for your ESA, and focus their services on selling you products and accessories (tags, licenses, vests, ID cards) should be avoided. The health professionals who write your ESA Letter should always provide their state license number. If you have any questions about your therapist’s professional qualifications or about the RealESAletter.com process, please contact us here.
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We are available for you 24/7 and wish you and your ESA a life of love and companionship.
Find Out If You Qualify NOW
Here’s a letter our team recently delivered to a cat lover and frequent flyer:
And here’s another, provided to a client and her pet Husky breed “Butch”:
This letter helped our client lease an upscale condo apartment with a “strict no pets policy”: