Animals that can't be Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) generally include wild or exotic animals (like lions, bears, peacocks), farm animals, and any animal that poses a health/safety risk, isn't typically domesticated, or can't be managed in public (e.g., venomous snakes, aggressive breeds, or those violating housing/airline rules). While any domesticated animal can be an ESA (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, etc.), the key is they must be manageable and not a threat, meaning landlords and transport providers can deny requests for risky or unsuitable animals.

What animals cannot be an ESA?

While there's no official list of excluded species for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), animals generally cannot be ESAs if they are wild, pose a safety risk, are difficult to manage in public, cause a nuisance, or are considered exotic by specific housing/university policies, with dogs and cats being most common, though other domesticated animals (birds, rabbits, reptiles) can qualify if they meet the "manageable" and "not a nuisance" criteria under fair housing laws, says ADA.gov, UMass Chan Medical School, Disability Rights California, and Charlie Health.

Can landlords deny ESA in Iowa?

No, Iowa landlords generally cannot deny a legitimate emotional support animal (ESA) due to federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) protections and Iowa law, which mandate reasonable accommodation for disabilities, meaning ESAs are exempt from "no pets" policies, fees, and breed/size restrictions, but landlords can deny if the animal poses a direct threat, causes substantial damage, or creates undue burden, and they can require documentation from an Iowa-licensed mental health professional with at least a 30-day therapeutic relationship.

What disqualifies a dog from being an emotional support animal?

Behavioral issues or inadequate training can also be reasons for disqualification. Additionally, a lack of a documented need from a mental health provider can prevent a dog from serving as an ESA.

Can landlords deny ESA in Indiana?

The FHA, in part, allows people with disabilities to ask their housing provider to make reasonable accommodations to its rules and policies. The FHA requires housing providers to allow emotional support animals that are necessary for a resident with disabilities to use and enjoy their housing.

What Does an Emotional Support Animal Really Do?

What to do if a landlord denies your ESA?

If a landlord denies your ESA, first get the reason in writing, then respond by educating them on the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and your rights, offering solutions to their concerns (like training), and documenting everything; if they persist, file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or consult a lawyer, as landlords must provide reasonable accommodation unless the animal poses a direct threat or undue burden. 

How do you prove your dog is an emotional support animal?

To prove your dog is an emotional support animal (ESA), you need a signed letter (an "ESA Letter") from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating you have a mental health condition and your pet helps manage it; this letter, not online certificates or vests, is the only valid proof, ensuring fair housing rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The letter must be from a professional like a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist, and you'll need to get one through a proper evaluation, not just by buying a certificate. 

Can ESA get around no pet policy?

ESA housing laws and the Fair Housing Act

This federal law requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for ESAs – “even,” Almeroth adds, “for properties with a 'no pets' policy.” Under ESA housing laws, landlords cannot charge pet deposits or pet fees for emotional support animals.

Which landlords are exempt from ESA?

There are very few properties that are exempt from these laws — a building with 4 or fewer units, one of which is owner-occupied; single-family homes where the owner does not use a real estate agent to buy or rent the property, and the owner owns less than three single family houses; and housing owned by organizations ...

Is it illegal to say no to an emotional support animal?

Thankfully, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) laws, landlords cannot legally deny emotional support to pet owners reasonable accommodation, as they cannot deny housing to a person with any mental or physical disability.

What is the most common emotional support animal?

Most ESAs are dogs, but they can also be cats or other animals. For someone to be prescribed an ESA by a medical professional, they must have a verifiable disability.

How do I make my dog an ESA?

To make your dog an emotional support animal (ESA), you need a formal diagnosis and an official ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating your condition qualifies and the dog helps manage it, as no federal registration or certification exists; the dog itself doesn't need special training, just good behavior, and the letter provides housing rights under the Fair Housing Act.
 

How do landlords check ESA letters?

Landlords can verify the validity of emotional support animal (ESA) letters by confirming the credentials of the licensed mental health professional who issued the letter and ensuring it contains key details like contact information and licensing numbers.

What if my apartment won't accept my ESA letter?

The Bottom Line

Landlords cannot charge pet fees, impose restrictions, or demand medical records for ESAs; only a legitimate ESA letter is needed. If your ESA letter is denied, you can take action by educating your landlord, filing complaints, or seeking legal help.

Can you get evicted with an ESA letter?

Individuals with emotional support animals are protected from being evicted only due to having a support animal under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESAs unless doing so would pose an undue burden on the landlord or fundamentally alter the nature of the housing.

What evidence do I need for ESA?

your doctor's name, address and telephone number. a fit note (sometimes called a 'sick note' or a 'statement of fitness for work') if you've not been able to work for more than 7 days in a row because of a disability or health condition. details of your income, if you're working.

What do I say to my doctor to get an ESA letter?

To ask your doctor for an ESA letter, schedule an appointment to discuss your mental health, honestly explain your symptoms (like anxiety, depression, or PTSD), and clearly describe how your pet helps manage them (providing calm, routine, motivation). Be prepared to discuss your current living situation (pet fees/restrictions) and the legal housing protections ESAs offer, focusing on collaboration rather than demanding the letter.

Can a doctor write an ESA letter?

Your primary care physician (PCP) can write an ESA letter to turn your pet into a legally recognized emotional support animal. Federal ESA laws control who can write an ESA letter, and physicians are state-licensed healthcare professionals who certainly qualify. However, most ESA letters are not from physicians.

What is the best emotional support animal for anxiety and depression?

Dogs – The Ultimate Emotional Companions

Best For: Individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loneliness. Popular Breeds: Golden Retriever, Labrador, Corgi, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

How long is an ESA letter valid?

In some cases, if your ESA letter is more than one year old, certain housing providers may request that you renew it. It's important to note that some therapists choose to include an expiration date on ESA letters, typically requiring them to be renewed annually.

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