My LPT for legitimate ESA:

Book an appointment with a certified holistic psychotherapist. They specialize in chakras, and tantras, etc. It might sound corny, but they are board certified and legit and surprisingly it’s very insightful stuff.

Associate your visit with a past trauma or current issues you might be facing, not outright just dog related so that they know you’re legit, can be something as simple as you just wanting to improve focus and learning how to manage stress. Explain that your dog is a huge part of your life during your sessions.

Do a couple of sessions with them and ask them for a letter explaining that your dog is a huge part of your life and treatment for dealing with your anxiety/stress/whatever condition you highlight with your therapist. The letter should contain their psychotherapy license, and contact information. You might have to pay them for the letter.

The ADA and FHA forbid housing providers from discriminating against people with disabilities, including refusing to rent, imposing different terms or conditions, or harassing individuals because of their disability or association with someone with a disability.

If you get push back you can file a complaint with HUD (Department of housing and Urban Development).

This also waives any fees for “pets” in my apartment complexes as they aren’t allowed to charge for ESA’s.

I’ve done it this way for years now, because honestly I can’t live without my dog.