ESA Letter Samples
and Templates

I am a licensed mental health professional providing care to [Client Name]. I am licensed in the state of [State], license number [XXXXXXX], and am in good standing.

[Client Name] is currently under my care for a mental health condition that qualifies as a disability under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604). This condition can substantially limit one or more major life activities.

In order to help alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition, I have recommended that [Client Name] obtain and keep an emotional support animal, [Pet Name/Species], as part of an ongoing treatment plan. This animal provides therapeutic emotional support that helps reduce symptoms related to the diagnosed condition.

Under the Fair Housing Act, [Client Name] is entitled to reasonable accommodation to keep this animal in housing, including housing with a “no pets” policy, without additional pet fees, pet rent, or deposits, and without breed or weight restrictions applying to this animal.

If you require any further information to verify this recommendation, please contact me directly using the information below.

This letter is submitted in accordance with HUD’s guidance on assistance animals in housing that receives federal financial assistance, including Section 8 and public housing.

I am a licensed mental health professional, license number [XXXXXXX] in the state of [State]. [Client Name] is my patient and has a disability-related need for an emotional support animal.

[Client Name] has a mental or emotional impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The presence of an emotional support animal, [Pet Name/Species], is necessary to help alleviate symptoms of this condition as part of an ongoing course of treatment.

Under HUD guidelines and the Fair Housing Act, housing providers receiving federal assistance must grant reasonable accommodation requests for assistance animals, even where a “no pets” policy is otherwise in effect, and may not charge pet fees, pet rent, or deposits for this animal.

I am available to verify this letter or answer any questions from housing staff using the contact information below.

I am a licensed mental health professional practicing in the state of California, license number [XXXXXXX]. I have maintained a client-provider relationship with [Client Name] for no less than 30 days, in accordance with California Assembly Bill 468.

[Client Name] has been diagnosed with a mental or emotional condition that qualifies as a disability and that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Based on my clinical evaluation, I have determined that an emotional support animal, [Pet Name/Species], is a necessary part of [Client Name]’s treatment plan and helps alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.

This letter confirms that [Client Name] qualifies for reasonable accommodation to keep this emotional support animal in housing under the Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), free of pet fees, pet rent, or breed and weight restrictions.

I can be reached directly to verify my license and this evaluation.

I am a licensed mental health professional and have been treating [Client Name] since [Month/Year]. I am licensed in the state of [State], license number [XXXXXXX].

[Client Name] has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (or another qualifying anxiety-related condition) as defined in the DSM-5. This condition results in symptoms that substantially limit one or more major life activities, including [example: sleep, concentration, social functioning].

As part of [Client Name]’s ongoing treatment plan, I have recommended an emotional support animal, [Pet Name/Species]. Regular interaction with this animal has been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms, provide a calming presence, and support emotional regulation.

This letter serves as documentation that [Client Name]’s emotional support animal is medically necessary and is not merely a pet, and that [Client Name] is entitled to reasonable accommodation for this animal under the Fair Housing Act.

Please contact me directly with any questions regarding this recommendation.

I am writing this letter in my capacity as a licensed mental health professional treating [Client Name]. I have evaluated [Client Name] and determined that they meet the criteria for a mental or emotional disability under the Fair Housing Act.

As part of an appropriate treatment plan, I recommend that [Client Name] be permitted to keep an emotional support animal, [Pet Name/Species], to help manage symptoms related to this diagnosis.

This letter, along with my license information above, is provided so that housing providers may verify my credentials directly with the applicable state licensing board.

I am a licensed mental health professional treating [Client Name]. I am licensed in the state of [State], license number [XXXXXXX].

[Client Name] has a diagnosed mental or emotional condition that qualifies as a disability and substantially limits one or more major life activities.

As part of [Client Name]’s treatment plan, I have recommended an emotional support dog, [Pet Name], [Breed] · of any breed or size · to help alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.

Under the Fair Housing Act, [Client Name] is entitled to keep this dog in housing without pet fees, pet rent, or deposits, and breed or weight restrictions that would otherwise apply to pets do not apply to this animal.

I am available to verify this letter using the contact information below.

I am a licensed mental health professional treating [Client Name]. I am licensed in the state of [State], license number [XXXXXXX].

[Client Name] has a diagnosed mental or emotional condition that qualifies as a disability and substantially limits one or more major life activities.

As part of [Client Name]’s treatment plan, I have recommended an emotional support cat, [Pet Name], to help alleviate symptoms associated with this condition. [Note: this letter may be extended to cover multiple cats within the same household if clinically appropriate.]

Under the Fair Housing Act, [Client Name] is entitled to keep this animal in housing without pet fees, pet rent, or deposits, regardless of any “no pets” policy otherwise in place.

I am available to verify this letter using the contact information below.