1. What is an emotional support animal (ESA) letter? 

• An ESA letter is a document written by a mental health professional that certifies the need for an emotional support animal. This letter serves as an official confirmation of the person's need for the emotional support animal and states that the animal provides therapeutic benefits for their mental health condition. 

 

1. Who can write an emotional support animal letter? 

• Only a mental health professional such as a licensed psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist or other mental health practitioner can write an emotional support animal letter. 

 

1. How do I get an emotional support animal letter? 

• To get an ESA letter, you must first seek out a mental health professional to evaluate your mental health condition and confirm that you meet the criteria for having an emotional support animal. After the evaluation is completed, the mental health professional will write an official ESA letter documenting your need for the animal. Or send me a text (310-890-2161)

 

1. What is the process to get an emotional support animal letter? 

• The process for obtaining an ESA letter involves scheduling an appointment with a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation of your mental health condition. If the evaluation results show that you meet the criteria for an emotional support animal, the mental health professional will then write an ESA letter documenting your need for the animal. 

 

1. What is included in an ESA letter? 

• An ESA letter should include information such as the patient’s name and contact information, the mental health professional’s name and contact information, the diagnosis, the need for the animal and how it provides therapeutic benefits.

 

1. How long does it take to get an emotional support animal letter? 

• The time it takes to obtain an ESA letter varies depending on the complexity of the evaluation, the mental health provider, and whether additional documents are needed from other sources. Generally, it takes 1-2 weeks to get an ESA letter. I can do it same day. 

 

1. What types of animals can be an emotional support animal? 

• Any type of animal can be an emotional support animal, as long as it provides therapeutic benefits for the individual's mental health condition. This includes cats, dogs, birds, mice, reptiles and more. 

 

1. Are emotional support animals covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? 

• No. Emotional support animals are not covered under the ADA. Only service animals are covered under this act. I provide this also. 

 

1. Is an emotional support animal letter the same as a service animal letter? 

• No. Emotional support animals and service animals are two different types of animals that serve different purposes. An ESA letter is a document written by a mental health professional that explains the need for an emotional support animal, whereas a service animal letter is a document written by a medical doctor or licensed therapist that confirms the need for a service animal. 

 

1. How can an emotional support animal letter help with housing and travel?

• An ESA letter can help with housing and travel by providing evidence to landlords and airlines that the individual needs an emotional support animal for therapeutic purposes. The letter should provide the necessary information to verify that the individual meets the criteria for having an emotional support animal. 

 

1. Does an emotional support animal letter have an expiration date? 

• Yes. An ESA letter typically has an expiration date of one year from the date of issuance. Renewal of the letter may be required depending on the individual's circumstances. 

 

1. Are emotional support animals allowed in public places? 

• Generally, emotional support animals are not allowed in public places, such as restaurants and stores. However, some establishments may be willing to accommodate emotional support animals. 

 

1. Are emotional support animals allowed in the workplace? 

• Generally, emotional support animals are not allowed in the workplace due to health and safety reasons. Employers may be willing to make accommodations for individuals who need an emotional support animal in the workplace. 

 

1. What kind of documentation is required to prove the need for an emotional support animal? 

• Documentation required to prove the need for an emotional support animal includes an ESA letter from a mental health professional and other medical records or documents verifying the individual's mental health condition. 

 

Service animal Faq

 

Q1. What is a service animal?

A1. A service animal is a type of animal that is specifically trained to provide assistance and/or emotional support to people with disabilities.

 

Q2. Are service animals only dogs?

A2. No, service animals can be a variety of species of animals, including but not limited to cats, dogs, horses, and even miniature horses.

 

Q3. What tasks do service animals perform?

A3. Service animals can perform a variety of tasks, depending on the disability of the person they are assisting. These tasks can include guiding the blind, alerting the deaf, retrieving items, providing stability for individuals with mobility impairments, and offering emotional support.

 

Q4. Do service animals need to be trained?

A4. Yes, service animals must be trained to perform specific tasks related to the disability of the person they are assisting.

 

Q5. Are there any laws that protect service animals?

A5. Yes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection and rights to individuals with disabilities who use service animals.

 

Q6. Do businesses have to allow service animals?

A6. Yes, businesses are legally required to allow service animals and must provide reasonable accommodations for them, such as a designated restroom for the animal or an alternative seating area for the animal and handler.

 

Q7. What should I do if I see a service animal?

A7. Always treat service animals with respect and do not interfere with them as they are working. Allow service animals and their handlers to move about freely and do not ask questions about their disability or the tasks the animal is performing.

 

Q8. Can I pet a service animal?

A8. No, it is important to remember that service animals are working animals and should not be distracted.

 

Q9. Are service animals allowed in public places?

A9. Yes, service animals are allowed in most public places and businesses, according to the ADA.

 

Q10. What types of animals can be used as service animals?

A10. Any species of animal can be used as a service animal, as long as it has been trained to perform specific tasks related to the disability of the person it is assisting.

 

Q11. What if my business does not accommodate service animals?

A11. Businesses are required by law to make reasonable accommodations for service animals and their handlers. If a business does not comply, contact your local ADA office for assistance.

 

Q12. What happens if a service animal misbehaves?

A12. The handler is responsible for the service animal and is expected to maintain control of the animal at all times. If the service animal misbehaves, the handler should take appropriate action to correct the behavior.

 

Q13. Are there any medical conditions that require a service animal?

A13. Service animals are typically used to assist individuals with physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities who are in need of assistance.

 

Q14. What if I am allergic to a service animal?

A14. Allergies are not considered a valid reason to deny access to a service animal. Businesses may provide alternative seating or areas for the animal and its handler in order to accommodate all customers.

 

Q15. Does a service animal have the same rights of access as a guide dog?

A15. Yes, service animals are protected by the ADA and are required to have the same rights of access as guide dogs.