Emotional Support Animal Letters: Transferable Or Not?

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are becoming increasingly popular, with many people relying on their pets for comfort and support. To qualify for an ESA, an individual must have a diagnosed mental health condition and a letter from a licensed mental health professional. But is this letter transferable?

An ESA letter is a recommendation from a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, stating that the patient has a qualifying mental health condition and that an animal helps to manage it. The letter must be written on the professional's letterhead and include the patient's diagnosis, the type of animal recommended, and the professional's qualifications.

While the specific requirements may vary by state, generally, an ESA letter is valid for one year and is not transferable. The letter is specific to the individual and their condition and cannot be transferred to another person. However, if someone already has an ESA and wants to get a new one, they may be able to get a new letter from their mental health professional without having to go through the entire process again.

It is important to note that ESA letters are different from service animal certifications, and ESAs do not have the same public access rights as service animals. ESAs are not permitted in restaurants, stores, hotels, and airplanes, unlike service animals, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides emotional support to individuals with mental health issues. They are typically prescribed by a licensed mental health professional as part of a treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms of mental or emotional disabilities such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

ESAs are not service animals and do not require specialised training. Instead, they provide support and comfort by coexisting with their owners. ESAs are often approved to help relieve a disability that may otherwise limit a person's major life activities.

An ESA letter is a recommendation or prescription letter written by a licensed mental health professional. The letter must be written on the professional's letterhead and must include the client's diagnosis, the type of animal recommended, and the mental health professional's qualifications. This letter entitles the individual to certain rights, such as being allowed to live in housing that does not usually permit pets and being able to fly with their animal in the cabin of an airplane.

It is important to note that ESA letters are not valid forever and must be renewed. The validity of an ESA letter depends on the state or location, but they are generally valid for one year.

How to get an ESA letter

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions. An ESA letter is a recommendation from a licensed mental health professional suggesting that an individual should have an ESA to alleviate the symptoms of their mental health condition.

To obtain an ESA letter, you must consult a licensed mental health professional who will evaluate your mental health. This can be done in person or remotely, depending on your location and preferences. The professional will determine if you have a mental or emotional health condition that would improve with the presence of an ESA. If so, they will issue a signed ESA letter on their letterhead, which will include their license number, contact information, and other relevant details.

• Find a Licensed Mental Health Professional: Ensure that the professional is licensed and qualified to evaluate and prescribe ESA letters. This can include therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers.
• Consult with the Professional: During the consultation, the mental health professional will perform a mental health evaluation to determine if you qualify for an ESA. They will assess your mental health condition and consider how an ESA may benefit you.
• Receive Your ESA Letter: If the mental health professional determines that an ESA is essential for your well-being, they will provide you with a legally recognized ESA letter. The letter will typically be sent to you within 24-48 hours of your consultation.
• Understand the Limitations: Keep in mind that an ESA letter does not guarantee housing or airline access. You will still need to meet the specific requirements of the housing provider or airline. Additionally, ESA letters are generally valid for one year and may need to be renewed annually.
• Be Aware of Scams: There are many scams related to ESA letters. Only work with reputable organizations and licensed professionals. Avoid companies that offer quick or cheap ESA letters without proper consultations. Ensure that the mental health professional is licensed in your state and has the necessary credentials.

By following these steps, you can obtain a legitimate ESA letter and access the benefits of having an emotional support animal to improve your mental health and overall well-being.

Who can write an ESA letter?

To answer the question, "Who can write an ESA letter?" it is important to understand the purpose and requirements of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter. An ESA letter is a formal document that recognises an individual's mental or emotional health disorder and certifies their need for a support animal as part of their treatment. This letter grants certain rights and accommodations, such as allowing the ESA to accompany its owner in housing, hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and occasionally on flights.

Now, coming to who can write an ESA letter, it is imperative to note that only licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) in your state are qualified to do so. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counsellors. These professionals must evaluate the individual's mental health condition and determine their need for an ESA. The letter must be written on the LMHP's official letterhead and include their license number and contact information. Additionally, some states have specific requirements, such as California, Arkansas, and Montana, where a minimum of 30 days must have passed since the establishment of the relationship between the client and the LMHP before an ESA letter can be issued.

It is worth mentioning that while a family doctor or primary care physician may provide an ESA letter in certain cases, it is generally recommended to consult a licensed mental health professional who specialises in this area. This ensures that all legal requirements are met, and the letter is valid and legitimate.

Furthermore, it is essential to be cautious of online scams or unqualified individuals offering ESA letters. A valid ESA letter must be based on a thorough assessment and diagnosis of the individual's mental health condition by a qualified LMHP.

What should an ESA letter include?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a recommendation letter from a licensed mental health professional. It is a legal document that distinguishes an assistance animal (ESA) from a pet. The letter should be written on the mental health professional's letterhead and must include the following:

• The client's diagnosis
• The type of emotional support animal recommended
• The mental health professional's qualifications
• The name, age, and contact information of the individual seeking the recommendation
• Information regarding the mental health diagnosis of the client
• The type of animal that has been recommended as an emotional support animal
• The name of the licensed mental health professional
• The name of the practice
• The phone number of the practice
• The type of medical license
• The date the medical license was issued
• The state of the therapist's jurisdiction
• Confirmation that they are your therapist and are currently treating you for a recognised disability
• The date the letter was issued

Additionally, when flying with an ESA, most airlines require the following additional information:

• Confirmation that you require the animal to travel
• The breed of the animal
• The weight of the animal

It is important to note that an ESA letter must be written by a licensed mental health professional, such as a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. General physicians or other medical professionals are not qualified to write these letters. The letter should be written in clear and concise language and should comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act.

What are the benefits of an ESA letter?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a recommendation letter written by a licensed mental health professional. The letter is beneficial for those who need emotional support animals to cope with their mental health issues. Here are some advantages of having an ESA letter:

Housing Accommodations

One of the main benefits of an ESA letter is that it allows individuals to live with their emotional support animals in rental properties or shared housing communities with pet restrictions. According to the Fair Housing Act, landlords must provide "reasonable accommodations" for emotional support animals and cannot charge pet fees or enforce breed restrictions. This means that individuals with an ESA letter can keep their pets in housing that does not allow pets and are exempt from paying additional pet-related charges.

Airline Travel

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not cover ESAs in restaurants, stores, hotels, and airplanes, the Air Carrier Access Act provides certain rights to individuals with emotional support animals. Some airlines may allow ESAs to travel with their owners at their discretion. However, it is always a good idea to contact the airline beforehand and check their specific policies.

Official Recognition

An ESA letter provides official recognition of the therapeutic benefits that an emotional support animal brings to its owner. It verifies that a licensed mental health professional has acknowledged the individual's mental health condition and their need for an emotional support animal. This recognition can be helpful when dealing with landlords, housing providers, or other situations where proof of the need for an emotional support animal is required.

Improved Mental Health

Emotional support animals provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of security to their owners. They help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions and provide emotional support. Interacting with emotional support animals can help reduce anxiety, alleviate symptoms of depression, lower blood pressure, and release feel-good hormones that improve mood and overall mental wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions