The most legitimate websites for obtaining an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter are those that connect users with licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) for a real, personalized assessment. Top-rated, compliant, and reputable services include Pettable, ESA Doctors, RealESALetter, and Support Pets. These services ensure the letter is legally compliant for housing, avoiding fake "registries".

What is the best ESA provider?

I'll save you scrolling: Pettable is the best ESA letter service When I started researching ESA letter services, I found a lot of companies offering the service. The quality of the services available is a mixed bag, but I chose to move forward with Pettable.

How to know if an ESA letter is legit?

A legitimate ESA letter comes from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), is on their official letterhead, includes their license number and contact info, confirms you have a qualifying mental health condition, and states an ESA is part of your treatment plan, often referencing the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Beware of services offering instant certificates or letters without a thorough evaluation, as these are often scams; a real letter requires an actual assessment of your needs.

What to do if landlord says no to ESA?

In this article:

1. Step 1: Get the denial in writing with their specific reasons.
2. Step 2: Review your ESA letter and fix any issues.
3. Step 3: Address any legitimate concerns they might have.
4. Step 4: Give a clear response explaining your rights.
5. Step 5: File a complaint with HUD if they're being unreasonable.

What does a legit ESA letter look like?

An ESA letter looks like a formal medical document written by a mental health professional with clear, legally required information about your provider and your need for an emotional support animal. Instantly downloadable “ESA letters” from random websites are generally not legitimate and should be avoided.

The Truth About Cheap ESA Letters: Real or Scam?

Why would an ESA letter be denied?

After a tenant or resident has shown that they have a disability-related need for an ESA, the housing provider may deny the request only in the following, limited circumstances: (a) when permitting the ESA would cause an undue financial and administrative burden for the housing provider, (b) when permitting the ESA ...

What is the 3-3-3 rule about?

The 3-3-3 rule is a roadmap for the first three days, three weeks, and three months after pet adoption. It emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help pets acclimate to their new environment.

Is certapet ESA letter legit?

Pettable and Certapet are two longstanding companies that connect people to licensed mental health professionals for ESA letters. Though both are a legitimate option if you are seeking an ESA letter, there are a few reasons why we believe Pettable stands above the competition.

How much does a legit ESA letter cost?

ESA Letter Costs - An initial ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional typically costs $150 to $200 and includes a clinical assessment, housing-compliant documentation, and landlord verification support, with renewal costs ranging from $100 to $200 annually.

How to know if ESA website is legit?

Legitimate online ESA letter sites will connect you with a licensed mental health professional for a short consultation, after which they will write you an ESA letter. This is essential to ensure your ESA letter is legally valid. Any website that omits this crucial step is illegitimate.

Can you legally get an ESA online?

Yes, you can legally get a legitimate Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter online, but only through a telehealth consultation with a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) (like a therapist or psychiatrist) who is licensed in your state, not just by filling out a form or buying a certificate. Reputable online services facilitate this by connecting you with these professionals for a video or phone evaluation to determine if an ESA is right for you, providing legal documentation for housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). 

Do landlords actually check ESA letters?

Landlords are more than welcome to verify an ESA letter. The letters should come on the professional letterhead of the mental health professional along with their contact information, phone number, and email address. The letter will also include the therapist's license number.

What is the fastest way to get an ESA letter?

One of the quickest ways to get your ESA letter is to work with an online ESA letter service provider. Reputable service providers, like Pettable, connect you with a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP) from your state.

Can I get a free ESA letter online?

Free ESA Letters Online are Not Legitimate

Free emotional support animal letters obtained online are not legitimate. Getting a real ESA letter requires a consultation with a licensed health professional (like a therapist, counselor, or LMHP).

What is the alternative to Pettable?

Another ESA registration site to explore is ESA Doctors, which is a quick and easy process. Like Pettable, ESA Doctors provides ESA and PSD letters rather than emotional support animal registration. Similarly to Pettable, they offer ESA letters within 24-48 hours of approval and are federally compliant.

What is an example of a real ESA letter?

[Patient name] has certain limitations which affect his/her activities of daily living. To assist in alleviating these difficulties, and to enhance his/her ability to live independently, I am prescribing a service dog [or Emotional Support Animal] that will assist in coping with his/her disability.

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.

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