ESA Documentation: What You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animal Letters
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
ESA documentation is a letter written and signed by a licensed mental health professional stating that an individual has a qualifying mental or emotional condition and that an emotional support animal is recommended as part of treatment. This documentation provides housing protections under the Fair Housing Act but does not grant public access or air travel rights.
Key Facts About ESA Documentation
- Issued by: Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)
- Format: Signed letter on official letterhead
- Legal Coverage: Housing only (Fair Housing Act)
- Public Access: No
- Air Travel: No (as of 2021)
- Typical Validity: 12 months
- Delivery Time: 24-48 hours in most states (state laws may apply)
What Is ESA Documentation?
ESA documentation refers to a legally valid emotional support animal letter. Under U.S. federal law, this letter is the only form of documentation recognized for housing accommodations related to emotional support animals.
A valid ESA letter must:
- Be written and signed by a licensed mental health professional
- Be on official professional letterhead
- State that the individual has a qualifying mental or emotional condition
- Recommend an emotional support animal as part of treatment
ESA documentation does not convert a pet into a service animal and does not provide public access rights.
What Rights Does ESA Documentation Provide?
Housing Protections
With valid ESA documentation, individuals are entitled to reasonable housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act.
This means:
- Housing providers must allow the emotional support animal, even in no-pet housing
- Pet fees and pet rent cannot be charged for the ESA
- Breed and weight restrictions typically do not apply
Residents remain responsible for their animal’s behavior and any damage caused.
No Public Access or Travel Rights
ESA documentation does not allow:
- Entry into restaurants, stores, or public spaces
- Free or in-cabin airline travel
Only trained service animals and psychiatric service animals may qualify for public access or airline accommodations.
Who Can Write an ESA Letter?
Only a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) can issue a legitimate ESA letter.
This includes:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
- Psychiatrists (MD or DO)
ESA letters must be based on a real evaluation and an established provider-patient relationship. Instant approvals and registry-only services are not legally valid.
How Long Does It Take to Get ESA Documentation?
In most U.S. states, individuals can receive ESA documentation within 24-48 hours after completing an evaluation and being approved.
Some states require a mandatory waiting period before documentation can be issued, including:
- California
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Montana
In these states, the waiting period is typically 30 days to establish a valid provider-patient relationship.
How Long Is ESA Documentation Valid?
ESA letters are typically valid for one year from the date they are issued.
Most landlords and housing providers require an updated letter annually. Renewing on time helps ensure continued housing protection without interruption.
How to Get ESA Documentation Through American Service Pets
American Service Pets provides a compliant, structured process for obtaining ESA documentation.
Step 1: Complete a Free Online Questionnaire
Answer questions related to your mental or emotional health to determine eligibility.
Step 2: Provider Evaluation
If eligible, you are matched with a licensed mental health professional authorized in your state.
Step 3: Receive Your ESA Letter (If Approved)
Approved individuals receive valid ESA documentation by email or mail, often within 1–2 days unless state law requires a waiting period.
Start here: americanservicepets.com/qualify
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using ESA registries: Registries are not legally recognized
- Skipping a licensed evaluation: Valid letters require a real provider
- Assuming ESAs have public access: ESA documentation applies to housing only
- Relying on instant approvals: Legitimate assessments take time
ESA vs Service Animal vs Psychiatric Service Animal
Feature | Emotional Support Animal | Service Animal | Psychiatric Service Animal |
Training Required | No | Yes | Yes |
Documentation Needed | ESA Letter | None | Airline forms |
Housing Rights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Public Access | No | Yes | Yes |
Air Travel | No | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About ESA Documentation
What is ESA documentation used for?
ESA documentation provides legal proof that an emotional support animal is part of an individual’s treatment plan. It grants housing protections under the Fair Housing Act.
Can I travel with ESA documentation?
No. Since 2021, emotional support animals are no longer permitted to fly in airplane cabins based on ESA letters. Airlines now treat ESAs as pets.
How do I know if my ESA letter is legitimate?
A legitimate ESA letter is written by a licensed mental health professional, includes their license information, and is based on a proper evaluation.
Do ESA letters expire?
Yes. Most ESA letters are valid for one year and should be renewed annually.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering an emotional support animal, valid documentation from a licensed professional is essential for legal housing protection.
ESA documentation ensures compliance with federal law and helps housing providers understand the therapeutic role of your animal.
To begin the evaluation process and connect with a licensed provider, visit americanservicepets.com/qualify.
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!
More Great Resources
