Content Overview
Guide to Writing Emotional Support Animal Letter
Filling out the Emotional Support Animal Letter form is an important step in securing the necessary documentation for your emotional support animal. Follow the steps below to ensure that you complete the form accurately and effectively.
- Begin by gathering all necessary personal information. This includes your full name, address, and contact details.
- Next, provide information about your emotional support animal. Include its name, breed, and any relevant identification details.
- Clearly state the purpose of the letter. Indicate that the letter is intended to confirm your need for an emotional support animal.
- Provide a brief description of your emotional or psychological condition. Keep this section concise and focused on how the animal supports you.
- Include the name and credentials of the mental health professional who will be signing the letter. Ensure that their qualifications are relevant and up-to-date.
- Sign and date the form. This step is crucial as it validates the document.
- Make copies of the completed form for your records. It’s wise to have additional copies in case you need to provide them in the future.
Once you have completed the form, you may need to submit it to your landlord, housing provider, or other relevant parties. Make sure to follow any specific submission guidelines they may have.
Document Breakdown
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a document from a licensed mental health professional that states an individual requires an animal for emotional support. |
| Legal Basis | In the U.S., ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which allows individuals to live with their support animals in housing that may otherwise have a no-pets policy. |
| State-Specific Forms | Some states have additional laws governing ESAs. For example, California's Civil Code Section 54.2 provides specific rights related to assistance animals. |
| Validity Period | ESA letters typically do not have an expiration date, but landlords and airlines may request updated documentation annually. |
| Provider Requirements | The letter must come from a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who has evaluated the individual. |
| Documentation | Individuals must provide the ESA letter to landlords or airlines when requesting accommodations for their emotional support animal. |
FAQ
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter?
An Emotional Support Animal Letter is a document written by a licensed mental health professional. It states that an individual has a mental health condition and that an emotional support animal provides necessary support. This letter can help individuals access housing and travel accommodations that allow them to bring their ESA along.
Who can write an ESA Letter?
Only licensed mental health professionals can write an ESA letter. This includes psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, and other qualified therapists. It’s essential that the professional has a relationship with the individual and understands their mental health needs.
What information should be included in an ESA Letter?
A valid ESA letter should contain the following information:
- The mental health professional's name, license type, and contact information.
- The date the letter was issued.
- A statement confirming the individual’s mental health condition.
- A declaration that the animal provides emotional support.
- The type of animal and its name, if applicable.
Is an ESA Letter legally required?
While an ESA letter is not legally required for an emotional support animal, it is highly recommended. Many landlords and airlines will ask for this documentation to verify that the animal is indeed an emotional support animal. Without the letter, individuals may face challenges when trying to bring their ESA into housing or on flights.
How can I obtain an ESA Letter?
To obtain an ESA letter, follow these steps:
- Consult with a licensed mental health professional who understands your situation.
- Discuss your mental health condition and how an animal helps you.
- If the professional agrees that an ESA is beneficial, they will write the letter.
Can my landlord deny my ESA request?
Landlords cannot deny an ESA request simply because they don’t allow pets. However, they can ask for documentation, such as an ESA letter. If you have a valid letter and your animal meets the criteria, they must accommodate you unless it poses a direct threat to the property or other tenants.
Are there any breed restrictions for ESAs?
Unlike service animals, emotional support animals can be of any breed. However, landlords may have their own pet policies that include breed restrictions. It’s crucial to check with your landlord about their specific rules regarding emotional support animals.
Can I take my ESA on a plane?
As of recent regulations, emotional support animals are no longer granted the same access to airlines as they once were. Airlines may have their own policies regarding ESAs, so it’s important to check with the specific airline before traveling. An ESA letter may still be required for flying with your animal.
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Emotional Support Animal Letter Example
Sample Letter from a Service Provider
[date]
Name of Professional (therapist, physician, psychiatrist, rehabilitation counselor)
XXXRoad
City, State Zip
Dear [Housing Authority/Landlord]:
[Full Name of Tenant] is my patient, and has been under my care since [date]. I am intimately familiar with his/her history and with the functional limitations imposed by his/her disability. He/She meets the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Due to mental illness, [first name] has certain limitations regarding [social interaction/coping with stress/ anxiety, etc.]. In order to help alleviate these difficulties, and to enhance his/her ability to live independently and to fully use and enjoy the dwelling unit you own and/or administer, I am prescribing an emotional support animal that will assist [first name] in coping with his/her disability.
I am familiar with the voluminous professional literature concerning the therapeutic benefits of assistance animals for people with disabilities such as that experienced by [first name]. Upon request, I will share citations to relevant studies, and would be happy to answer other questions you may have concerning my recommendation that [Full Name of Tenant] have an emotional support animal Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Name of Professional