HealifyNow provides some of the services discussed in this article. Our content is written to inform, and clinical decisions are always made by a licensed clinician.
For those struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological issues, the ESA is a reliable source of comfort. If you wonder how to get one, you should know that the process is rather easy. The hard part is understanding what is legitimate and what isn’t, and what rights you can expect from an ESA in 2026.
The guide below will teach you how to get an emotional support animal, starting with its definition, who is eligible for it, whether it’s better to keep your pet or adopt another one, how to cooperate with a licensed professional, how the ESA letter operates, what has happened to the housing rights this year, and limitations of the ESA’s functions.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal is an animal that helps relieve symptoms or manifestations of a patient’s psychological or emotional impairment through companionship. Contrary to a service animal, an ESA does not need any training.
| Comparison | Emotional Support Animal (ESA) | Service Animal |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Comfort through presence | Performs trained tasks |
| Training | Not required | Individually trained |
| Species | Commonly kept domesticated animals | Dogs (miniature horses in limited cases) |
| Public Access (ADA) | No general access | Yes |
| Main Legal Protection | Housing | Public access, housing, and air travel |
How to Get an Emotional Support Animal in 7 Steps
Step 1: Understand What an ESA Can and Can’t Do
Before anything else, make sure you know what you will get. An ESA letter is proof for requesting housing accommodation. Your animal does not have permission to enter establishments like stores, restaurants, or workplaces; ESAs are considered pets by airlines. For those who need an animal that can go out in public and do tasks, a service dog is ideal.
Step 2: Check Whether You May Qualify
You are eligible if you suffer from any emotional or mental health problems that affect your daily activities and have an animal helping you with your condition. Some common cases are:
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Social anxiety and phobias
- Attention deficit disorders
- Stress-related sleep problems
- Grief and adjustment disorders
A qualifying condition doesn’t guarantee a letter. A licensed professional decides after evaluating you. You don’t need a long treatment history, but you do need a genuine assessment.
Step 3: Decide Whether to Use Your Current Pet or Adopt
No need for a specific animal, no need for a specific breed.
- If you already own one that keeps your mind at ease, use it. Most people will adopt a dog or cat that they already own.
- Go to a shelter or rescue center to adopt one if you do not have one at home. This option will also be cost-effective, and shelter workers will be able to give you information on the behavior of an animal.
Every domesticated animal can act as an ESA, but odd animals will raise more questions from landlords.
Step 4: Do a Readiness Check
An ESA is a long-term decision, and a healthy, happy pet is a better partner. Think about these questions:
- Time: Are you able to commit to feeding, exercising, and caring for the animal on a daily basis?
- Money: Are you prepared for the financial aspect of having an animal, including its expenses and possible medical problems?
- Environment: Does your apartment fit the needs of the animal?
- Health and allergies: Is everyone in your home okay with that?
- Backup plan: Who will take care of your animal when you are away?
If you don’t think you are ready yet, there are things you can do in preparation to be prepared in the future, like volunteering with animals or taking care of foster animals. Learn more about the costs of having an ESA in our article here.
Step 5: Work With a Licensed Professional
The proper way to write an ESA letter is to have it done by a professional who evaluates you. This includes:
- Your therapist, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician
- A licensed professional via telehealth services
While telehealth evaluation can be used, the provider must be licensed to treat you in your state and must conduct a genuine and live evaluation, not a mere quiz. There are some additional considerations for certain states:
- In California, an existing client-professional relationship of at least 30 days is required prior to writing the letter (AB 468). Other states that require this include, apparently, Montana, Arkansas, Iowa, and Louisiana. Check your state laws.
- Also, there are other states that have additional requirements. They include Florida, Virginia, and Colorado. For more information on California and Texas ESA letters, see our guides.
Step 6: Receive Your ESA Letter
If the professional determines an ESA is appropriate, they write your ESA letter. A valid letter typically includes:
- The professional’s name, license type, license number, and state of licensure
- The date the letter was issued
- A statement that you have a condition that qualifies as a disability
- A statement that the animal provides disability-related support
- The professional’s signature and contact information
The letter does not have to reveal your diagnosis or treatment details to your landlord. Many landlords prefer letters issued within the past 12 months.
Step 7: Submit a Written Request to Your Landlord
Write a short, polite letter requesting an accommodation from your landlord, attaching your letter and describing your animal. Ask your landlord to make an individualized determination. Make copies of all your paperwork. If your landlord utilizes a verification service, you may be required to provide your documentation through their site. See our article to find out if PetScreening is mandatory.
What Changed for ESA Housing Rights in 2026
In May 2026, HUD rescinded its older ESA guidance and announced that it will generally pursue housing complaints only for animals individually trained to assist with a disability. HUD no longer expects landlords to automatically grant accommodations, including fee waivers, for untrained ESAs.
What didn’t change:
- The federal Fair Housing Act itself
- State fair housing laws, many of which protect ESAs directly
- Your right to request a reasonable accommodation and to bring a claim in court
What this means for you:
- The importance of state laws is higher. Some states, such as Florida, Utah, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Arizona, and Nevada, have better grounds for state-level ESAs, while states such as Texas and Georgia depend solely on federal laws.
- The owner may be more interested in requests. It is easier to justify a real evaluation and the full letter.
- Waiver of pet fees is not ensured. Contact your landlord to find out his policy and save documentation for possible fees.
- No provider can guarantee approval of an ESA. Do not trust anyone making such promises.
Older articles, even those published by ESA letter providers, claim that owners must waive fees and accept ESAs regardless of situations. Check the date and mention of changes made in 2026.
What Landlords Can and Can’t Do
Landlords generally can:
- Ask for reliable documentation when your disability or need isn’t obvious
- Verify that your letter is genuine and your provider is licensed
- Deny or limit an animal that poses a direct threat or would cause substantial damage
- Hold you responsible for actual damage your animal causes
Landlords generally cannot:
- Demand your diagnosis or detailed medical records
- Require a registration, certificate, vest, or ID card
- Reject an animal on breed or size alone, without evidence about that specific animal
- Retaliate against you for requesting an accommodation
Do You Need to Register Your ESA?
No, there is no official ESA registry, and registration is not mandatory. Websites that offer to register you and provide you with any ESA registration number, ESA certificate, ESA ID card, or ESA vest are providing non-legally binding items. What really matters is a letter written by a licensed individual who evaluated you.
Getting an ESA Letter With HealifyNow
If you want to get your letter online, this is what it will be like at HealifyNow:
- Schedule for free. Complete a quick, confidential questionnaire (approximately 5 minutes).
- Have an initial consultation with a licensed professional either by phone or video (approximately 5 to 10 minutes).
- If you get approved, you make payment and receive your letter by email (signed) in under 10 minutes.
Our prices are $129 for up to two pets and $199 for three or more, and you make payment only in case of approval for your letter. For residents of California, we have the 30-day policy: You receive your letter of intent following the first phone call, and your ESA letter on the day of the 30-day follow-up.
Book a free consultation or visit our ESA letter page to learn more.
How Long Does It Take?
- No waiting period states: You’ll often get the letter within a day or so because the evaluation is short. Be on your guard against the so-called “instant” decisions without any consultations at all.
- Thirty-day waiting period states like California: You have to expect a minimum of 30 days and start planning even before moving.
How Much Does It Cost?
The costs for online evaluations typically lie somewhere between $100 and $200, but vary based on the provider and state where you live. The expense of feeding and veterinary treatment of your pet will amount to more than that of the assessment itself. ESA letters cannot be covered by insurance in most cases; however, some individuals pay for the letter using HSA or FSA account money if applicable.
Do ESA Letters Expire?
The federal government does not prescribe any expiration dates; however, most landlords prefer to receive the letter within a year of issuance.
Can You Have More Than One ESA?
Yes, there is no set limit for the number of ESAs. Each ESA should be related to your disability, and your request should be reasonable. See our guide on how many ESAs you can have.
What an ESA Can’t Do
- Public access: Retail stores, restaurants, and almost all other businesses can deny ESAs.
- Travel: As a result of the DOT rule effective from 2021, airlines usually consider ESAs to be pets. Here is information about airlines allowing emotional support animals.
- Cruises: Most cruise ships only allow trained service dogs.
- Alternative treatment: The presence of an ESA will supplement the treatment by the means suggested.
It should never be presented as a service animal. Many states punish it.
Red Flags: How to Spot an ESA Scam
Be cautious if a website:
- Promises instant approval or guaranteed approval with no evaluation
- Doesn’t connect you with a licensed professional
- Sells “ESA registration,” certificates, ID cards, or vests as legal proof
- Claims your landlord “must” accept its letter and waive every fee
- Promises your ESA can fly in the cabin or go anywhere
- Adds surprise fees at checkout
- Has no clear contact details, refund policy, or privacy policy
See our guide on whether online ESA letters are legitimate.
Tips for Getting an ESA the Right Way
- Be truthful with your symptoms and how your animal helps you.
- Find a professional who is licensed in your state.
- Know the requirements in your state for waiting periods and evaluations.
- Get started early; preferably, before you sign a lease or move.
- Write down your request for housing accommodation and make copies.
- Take care of your animal to ensure he is healthy, vaccinated, and well-behaved. Learn how to train your emotional support dog.
- Do not get your animal vest, identification card, and registration.
- Get a new one each year if your landlord requires an updated letter.
Final Thoughts
Acquiring an ESA is determined by three elements: a legitimate need that can be confirmed by a professional with a license, an animal that you are willing to handle, and a documented request submitted to your landlord. You do not need to register or get any kind of special training. With federal enforcement becoming less strict in 2026, the laws in your state, your documentation, and your readiness become more important than ever.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with HealifyNow or visit our ESA letter page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get an emotional support animal?
Confirm that you may qualify, choose your current pet or adopt, and complete a genuine evaluation with a licensed professional in your state. If an ESA is appropriate, they write your ESA letter.
2. Can my current pet be my emotional support animal?
Yes. Any commonly kept domesticated pet can be an ESA if a licensed professional determines it helps ease your condition. You don’t need to buy a special animal or train it.
3. Do I need to register my ESA?
No. There’s no official ESA registry, and registration isn’t legally required. A letter from a licensed professional is the documentation that matters for housing.
4. How long does it take to get an ESA letter?
It can happen quickly in places without a waiting period; however, instant approval is a bad sign. In California and other states, a thirty-day relationship is required before a letter can be issued.
5. Does an ESA letter guarantee my landlord will accept my ESA?
No. While the HUD has limited ESA enforcement in 2026, the Fair Housing Act and state laws continue to apply. An authentic letter together with a proper request will ensure your best chances.
6. Can I take my ESA on a plane or into stores?
No, only as a pet, not an ESA. The airlines consider ESAs as pets, and businesses may deny entrance. Only service animals have full public access and flying privileges.
