How Do I Get an Emotional Support Dog? A Step-by-Step Guide
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
If you’re wondering, “How do I get an emotional support dog?”, the process is straightforward. To qualify for an emotional support animal (ESA), you must have a mental or emotional condition that benefits from animal companionship. The key step is obtaining an ESA letter from a doctor or other licensed mental health professional (LMHP), including those in the American Service Pets Provider Network, stating that an emotional support dog is necessary for your well-being.
Unlike service dogs, ESAs do not require specialized training, and they are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), ensuring that landlords must accommodate them—even in no-pet housing.
What Qualifies a Dog as an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support dog provides comfort and companionship to individuals struggling with conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Other mental or emotional health disorders
While emotional support animals do not have the same legal rights as service dogs, they are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), meaning landlords must allow them in housing situations—even if they have a no-pets policy. However, to secure these rights, you need an ESA letter from a licensed professional.
How Do I Get an Emotional Support Dog?
The process of getting an emotional support dog involves just a few key steps:
1. Determine If You Qualify
If you experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition that an emotional support dog could help alleviate, you may qualify for an ESA.
2. Obtain an ESA Letter from a Licensed Professional
Get Your ESA Today
To make your dog an ESA, you need a recommendation from an LMHP, including those in the American Service Pets Provider Network. This letter confirms that an emotional support dog would benefit your mental health. In most states, you can get your ESA letter quickly. However, some states require a 30-day patient-provider relationship before issuing a letter.
3. Submit Your ESA Letter for Housing Accommodations
Once you have your ESA letter, provide it to your landlord to request reasonable accommodation under the FHA. Landlords cannot charge pet fees or deny housing based on breed or size for ESAs.
Where Can I Buy an Emotional Support Dog?
If you don’t already have a dog, you might be wondering, “Where can I buy an emotional support dog?” The good news is that you don’t need to purchase a specially trained dog—any dog can become an ESA if you qualify for an ESA letter.
Here are some options for finding an emotional support dog:
- Adopt from a shelter – Many dogs in shelters make great emotional support animals, and adoption helps provide a home to a pet in need.
- Purchase from a breeder – If you have a specific breed or temperament in mind, a reputable breeder can help you find the right match.
- Rescue organizations – Many breed-specific rescues have dogs available that need loving homes.
When choosing an emotional support dog, consider factors such as temperament, energy level, and how well the dog fits into your lifestyle.
How to Get an ESA Dog If You Already Have a Pet?
If you already own a dog, you may be asking, “How to get an ESA dog if I already have one?” The good news is that your current pet can become your emotional support animal. You simply need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming that your dog helps with your emotional well-being.
Since emotional support dogs do not require special training, you won’t need to change anything about your pet’s routine. Just ensure that your ESA letter is up to date and provided to your landlord as needed.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ESA Dog?
The timeline for getting an ESA depends on your location:
- In most states, you can get an ESA letter quickly after a brief consultation with a licensed provider. Some patients get an immediate ESA letter or even on the same-day (but generally, you should allow 24-48 hours).
- Some states, including but not limited to California and Arkansas, require a 30-day patient-provider relationship before issuing an ESA letter if you qualify.
To ensure a smooth process, work with a reputable provider—like those in the American Service Pets Provider Network—to get your documentation in compliance with state laws.
Can a Landlord Deny My Emotional Support Dog?
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot deny an ESA or charge pet fees, even in housing that typically has a no-pets policy. However, landlords can ask for proper documentation (your ESA letter) to verify that your dog qualifies as an emotional support animal.
A landlord may only deny an ESA request if:
- The dog poses a direct threat to others.
- Accommodating the ESA would cause undue hardship (extremely rare cases).
As long as you provide a valid ESA letter from an LMHP, you are legally entitled to keep your emotional support dog in your home.
Getting an Emotional Support Dog is Easier Than You Think
If you’ve been wondering, “How do I get an emotional support dog?”, the process is simple:
- Step 1: Determine if you qualify.
- Step 2: Obtain an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional, including those in the American Service Pets Provider Network.
- Step 3: Provide your ESA letter to your landlord to secure housing accommodations.
There’s no need to buy a special dog—any dog can become an ESA if you qualify. Whether you’re adopting a pet or already have a beloved companion, an ESA can provide comfort and support while ensuring housing protections under the Fair Housing Act.
Ready to take the next step? Start by answering a few questions with us now!
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
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