An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can provide comfort and support to individuals dealing with mental or emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to have specific training to perform tasks. Instead, their presence alone alleviates symptoms. A legitimate ESA requires a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that the individual has a qualifying disability and that the animal’s presence is necessary for their well-being. Obtaining this letter is the crucial first step in legally recognizing your animal as an ESA.
This article provides sample ESA letters to illustrate the key components a licensed mental health professional typically includes. These are examples only and should not be used without consulting with a qualified professional. It is crucial to have a genuine assessment and recommendation from a licensed therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified mental health provider. The following samples cover different scenarios and highlight the important information needed for documentation.
It is important to understand that federal and state laws surrounding ESAs can vary and change. Always ensure that you are up-to-date on the current regulations in your area regarding housing and travel with your ESA. Consult with a legal professional or disability rights organization for specific guidance related to your situation. Presenting a falsified or improperly obtained ESA letter can have legal consequences.
ESA Sample Letters
Sample Letter 1: General ESA Recommendation
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name], who I have been treating since [Date]. [Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability, e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder].
Due to the nature of this condition, [Patient Name] experiences significant limitations in their daily life. Based on my professional assessment, I have determined that an emotional support animal is a necessary component of their treatment plan. The presence of their emotional support animal, [Animal’s Name], provides comfort and support that alleviates symptoms associated with their disability.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Name], [Credentials, e.g., LCSW]
[License Number]
[Contact Information]
Sample Letter 2: ESA and Housing
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to confirm that [Patient Name] is a patient of mine and has been under my care since [Date]. They have been diagnosed with [Specific Mental or Emotional Disability, e.g., Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)].
I have determined that [Patient Name] has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. As part of their treatment, I have prescribed an emotional support animal. The presence of their ESA, [Animal’s Name], provides a calming and therapeutic benefit that is essential to their well-being. This animal is necessary to mitigate the symptoms of their disability.
Therefore, I am recommending that [Patient Name] be allowed to keep their emotional support animal with them in their housing, even if there are restrictions against pets.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Name], [Credentials, e.g., MD]
[License Number]
[Contact Information]
Sample Letter 3: More Detailed Justification
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to you today on behalf of my patient, [Patient Name], whom I have been treating for [Mental/Emotional Condition, e.g., Severe Depression] since [Date]. I am a licensed [Profession, e.g., Psychologist] in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
[Patient Name]‘s condition substantially limits their ability to [Specific life activity affected, e.g., maintain social interactions, perform daily tasks independently]. As part of their ongoing treatment, I have strongly recommended the use of an emotional support animal. Their ESA, [Animal’s Name], provides crucial emotional support and reduces symptoms such as [Specific symptoms alleviated, e.g., anxiety attacks, feelings of isolation]. The presence of [Animal’s Name] significantly improves [Patient Name]‘s quality of life and ability to function.
Therefore, I believe it is medically necessary for [Patient Name] to have their emotional support animal, [Animal’s Name], reside with them.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Name], [Credentials, e.g., PhD]
[License Number]
[Contact Information]
Sample Letter 4: Focus on Alleviation of Specific Symptoms
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter serves to confirm that [Patient Name] is currently under my professional care. I am a licensed [Profession, e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)], license number [License Number], and I have been treating [Patient Name] since [Date] for [Mental/Emotional Condition, e.g., Panic Disorder].
[Patient Name] experiences significant symptoms related to their condition, including [Specific Symptoms, e.g., frequent panic attacks, agoraphobia, difficulty sleeping]. The presence of their emotional support animal, [Animal’s Name], has been shown to significantly alleviate these symptoms. Specifically, [Animal’s Name] provides a sense of security and reduces anxiety, allowing [Patient Name] to [Specific Benefit, e.g., leave their home more often, attend social events, sleep more soundly].
The presence of [Animal’s Name] is, therefore, an integral part of [Patient Name]‘s treatment plan, allowing them to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Name], [Credentials, e.g., LPC]
[License Number]
[Contact Information]
Sample Letter 5: Emphasis on Functional Improvement
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of [Patient Name], a patient under my care since [Date]. I am a licensed [Profession, e.g., Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)], license number [License Number], in the state of [State].
[Patient Name] has been diagnosed with [Mental/Emotional Condition, e.g., Social Anxiety Disorder], which significantly impairs their ability to function in various social and professional settings. Specifically, they experience [Specific Functional Impairments, e.g., difficulty interacting with colleagues, avoidance of social gatherings, reluctance to attend job interviews].
I have determined that an emotional support animal is a medically necessary component of [Patient Name]‘s treatment. The presence of their ESA, [Animal’s Name], provides a sense of calm and security that enables them to overcome their social anxiety and participate more fully in everyday life. With the support of [Animal’s Name], [Patient Name] has shown significant improvement in [Specific Improvements, e.g., increased willingness to attend social events, improved performance at work, greater confidence in social interactions].
Therefore, I strongly recommend that [Patient Name] be allowed to maintain their emotional support animal, [Animal’s Name], as a vital part of their ongoing treatment.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Name], [Credentials, e.g., LCSW]
[License Number]
[Contact Information]
Sample Letter 6: A Shorter, More Concise Letter
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter confirms that [Patient Name] is a patient of mine and has been under my care since [Date] for [Mental/Emotional Condition, e.g., Bipolar Disorder]. I am a licensed [Profession, e.g., Psychiatrist] in the state of [State], license number [License Number].
Due to their condition, [Patient Name] experiences significant emotional distress. I have prescribed an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to help alleviate their symptoms. Their ESA, [Animal’s Name], provides necessary comfort and support.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Name], [Credentials, e.g., MD]
[License Number]
[Contact Information]
Conclusion
These ESA letter samples provide a general framework. Remember, a valid ESA letter must come from a licensed mental health professional who has evaluated your specific needs. Avoid online services that promise guaranteed ESA letters without a proper consultation. Legitimate ESA letters are based on a genuine therapeutic relationship and a documented need for the animal’s support. Always verify the credentials of the mental health professional and ensure they are licensed to practice in your state. Seek legal advice regarding your rights and responsibilities as an ESA owner to ensure you’re compliant with all applicable regulations.
