Maine law uses the term “assistance animal” (in 5 M.R.S. § 4553) to cover what many call ESAs, along with service animals. Under Maine’s Human Rights Act, housing providers must treat ESA as a protected accommodation, meaning “no-pet” rules don’t automatically apply. In public spaces, however, only service animals (trained to perform tasks) have guaranteed access rights; assistance animals without task training generally are not covered in public accommodations.
Maine thus draws a line: in housing, ESAs are protected; in public venues, only service animals have legal rights.
Maine’s emotional support animal (ESA) laws follow both state and federal ESA laws, guaranteeing fair treatment and housing protections for individuals with emotional or psychological disabilities.
Let’s explore these Maine ESA laws in more detail below.
Under Maine’s Human Rights Act and the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must provide reasonable accommodations to tenants who rely on animals for emotional or psychological support. Housing providers in Maine cannot deny tenancy or enforce “no-pet” rules when a qualified individual presents valid documentation for an ESA. The law views these animals as a form of therapeutic aid, not a household pet.
Under the FHA, Maine landlords must consider reasonable accommodation requests from tenants with a valid ESA need. This means that housing providers can’t enforce “no-pet” rules or deny applications simply because an ESA lives with the tenant. The law recognizes that an ESA is part of a person’s mental health support system, not a typical pet.
Property owners and managers in Maine are not allowed to impose pet fees, deposits, or rent surcharges for emotional support animals. However, tenants remain financially responsible if their animal causes actual damage to property or creates sanitation issues during their stay.
A Maine ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional or qualified healthcare provider is usually enough to verify your need for an emotional support animal. This letter confirms that your ESA is part of your treatment plan and supports your emotional or psychological well-being. If your need for an ESA isn’t apparent, a landlord may request verification. But they cannot ask for detailed medical records, a diagnosis, or proof of animal training.
Under Maine ESA housing laws, a landlord can deny an ESA only in specific situations. This may happen if the animal poses a direct health or safety risk. This can cause significant property damage or create an unreasonable financial or administrative burden. Each request must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and denial cannot be based solely on the animal’s breed, size, or type.
Maine has no additional ESA rules for air travel beyond federal law, so your emotional support animal follows the same national standards that apply under ESA laws in all states. Most U.S. airlines now classify ESAs as pets instead of service animals, which means regular carrier fees, crate sizes, and travel restrictions may apply.
Traveling with an ESA to or from Maine falls under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Airlines no longer recognize ESAs as assistance animals, so they travel under regular pet policies. Most carriers require vaccination records and a health certificate before boarding.
Each airline has its own ESA and pet policy that outlines fees, carrier dimensions, and in-cabin seating limits.
Before boarding, most airlines request up-to-date vaccination records, a health certificate, or proof that your ESA is healthy and fit to travel.
Always inform your airline at least 48 hours before your flight and confirm its current ESA policy to avoid delays or denials.
Like all states, Maine follows federal ESA laws. To avoid any issues, always check your airline’s most recent policies for a smooth and stress-free travel experience with your ESA.
In Maine, emotional support animals (ESAs) do not automatically have access to public places under public accommodations law. That right is reserved for service animals trained to perform specific tasks.
While emotional support animals are vital for mental health, public access in Maine remains limited by federal law. Always ask for permission in advance to avoid confusion or potential refusal of entry.
No. Maine does not require registration. What matters is a valid ESA letter from a qualified provider.
Yes, if it’s issued by a licensed health professional familiar with your condition. Landlords often verify credentials.
The law doesn’t specify an expiration date, but landlords usually prefer ESA letters issued within the past year to confirm your ongoing need. It’s a good idea to renew your ESA letter annually to avoid housing issues and keep your documentation current.
No. In Maine, ESA may be any species, as long as a licensed provider determines the animal mitigates the effects of a disability. (Service animals, however, under public-access law must be dogs trained to perform tasks.).
You can submit a complaint to the Maine Human Rights Commission under housing discrimination laws or pursue federal options under the Fair Housing Act (HUD).
Maine prohibits the misrepresentation of ESA or service animals. Under Maine's Law on Service Animals, false claims or using misleading documents or vests can lead to civil fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Getting your ESA letter in Maine is a simple and stress-free process with trusted licensed providers:
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