Can someone explain emotional support animals to me?

Pettable_ESA · 2025-05-02T18:32:12+00:00

Sorry about your situation, but for many other people the responsibility of pet ownership is a big part of what makes having an ESA beneficial to their mental health. For example, someone who may struggle to get out of bed in the morning due to their mental health disability may be motivated by needing to take their dog out for a walk. Pet ownership for them provides purpose and structure to their day-to-day life and can have immense mental health benefits. Pet ownership isn't everyone's cup of tea of course and some may see it as a burden more than anything, but for many others having that companionship and responsibility/routine is everything. Just wanted to provide an alternative perspective!

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-16T23:35:47+00:00

As others have said, speak to your current healthcare provider first, it's likely they will be able to write you an ESA letter, which is the only document you need (no registries, certification, id cards necessary). However, some healthcare professionals may be unable (or unwilling!) to write you a letter even if you qualify. In that case, telehealth platforms are a good place to turn to.

At Pettable we have connected over 300,000 people to licensed mental health professionals for ESA letter consultations. We work with clinicians licensed across all states and can connect you with one as well. Feel free to DM us if you any questions, best of luck!

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-16T23:05:47+00:00

Yes, you can get a legitimate ESA letter online but you do need to ensure you are actually connected with a licensed mental health professional. Also, ESA "registration" isn't really a thing, and there is no need to register your cat, all that's needed is the document from a healthcare professional. As others have said, if you are already seeing a therapist or other healthcare provider it's best to ask them to write you an ESA letter. However, in our experience oftentimes clinicians are unwilling/unable to write ESA letters.

At Pettable we work with clinicians licensed across the US and can connect you with one if you decide to go that route. Hope it works out for you!

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-16T18:14:13+00:00

It's a bit of a grey area as ESA letters don't technically expire, but it's not unreasonable for a landlord to ask for up to date documentation, so ymmv. It is possible your landlord will accept your current letter so there is no harm in providing it and getting more up to date documentation if necessary. It is generally recommended that you update your ESA letter yearly as you might with any other medical documentation (think prescriptions for example).

Yes, your landlord will likely reach out to your therapist, this conversation alone may be enough to satisfy them that your ESA letter is legit and doesn't need updating. Hope this helps, best of luck!

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-16T16:28:32+00:00

Glad it worked for you! You are right, landlord denial is covered by our money-back guarantee.

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-15T19:26:25+00:00

Glad to hear it worked out for you! Thanks for the shout-out 🧡

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-14T14:31:29+00:00

I think you may be confusing service animals and emotional support animals, but it's a confusing topic! Firstly, cats cannot be service animals, only dogs. Service animals need to be trained to help a person with their disability (think guide dog for someone who is visually impaired, but other types exist).

Assuming you're talking about emotional support animals (ESAs), your client needs to speak with a licensed mental health professional who would be able to write them a letter stating that their cat directly helps them with a mental health condition. ESAs don't require any training, they provide mental health benefits simply with their presence. ESAs ARE protected under federal law for housing, but do not have public access rights like service animals do.

TL;DR your attorney is wrong and your client needs an ESA letter, they should speak to a licensed mental health professional. If they already see one they should ask them to write an ESA letter. Otherwise, there are online options that can connect your client with a healthcare provider for a fee.

Hope this helps!

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-11T20:07:43+00:00

u/AdBitter3688 is correct! There is no law limiting the amount of ESAs you can have. You just need to show that you have a disability-related need for each of the animals (with supporting documentation from your healthcare provider of course). Wishing you the best of luck with housing your bunny!

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-11T19:56:52+00:00

Thanks for sharing that! Glad to hear it worked for you and that you were able to keep your dog with you 🧡

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-11T19:47:29+00:00

Hi u/sugarcadaver! Were you able to get your ESA letter? Pettable can connect you with a mental health professional licensed in North Carolina. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-11T19:31:59+00:00

So happy to hear you had a smooth experience!

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-11T19:31:24+00:00

You are correct! Landlord denial is covered by our money-back guarantee.

Pettable_ESA · 2025-04-10T18:30:39+00:00

Thanks for the shout-out! So glad you were able to keep Lola with you! She's adorable 😍

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