As someone who owns or is considering owning an emotional support animal (ESA), you may be wondering about the importance of having a legitimate ESA letter. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of having a legitimate ESA letter and what goes into making one.
An ESA letter is a document that states that an individual has a mental health condition that qualifies them for an emotional support animal. The letter must be written by a mental health professional and should include their contact information, the date, and the type of mental health condition that the individual has. There are a few reasons why having a legitimate ESA letter is important.
- An ESA letter can help you avoid potential penalties for fraudulently claiming that your animal is an emotional support animal.
- A Legitimate ESA letter can help you prove to your landlord or housing provider that your animal is an emotional support animal and is allowed under the Fair Housing Act.
- An ESA letter can help you prove to an airline that your animal is an emotional support animal and is allowed to fly with you in the cabin of the plane.
The only people who can write an ESA letter are licensed mental health professionals (LMHP). This includes psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and psychiatrists. The person who writes your ESA letter must be licensed in the state where you live.
Your therapist or doctor should be able to tell you the best way to get an ESA letter. You can also check with the Association of Professional Service Dogs to find a reputable provider near you.
What Does an ESA Letter Include?
An ESA letter should include the following information:
- Name and contact information of the licensed mental health professional who wrote the letter
- Date the letter was written
- Name and contact information of the patient
- Type of animal that is being prescribed as an emotional support animal
- Patient’s diagnosis and how it affects their ability to function in their everyday life
- Patient’s treatment plan, including how an emotional support animal will help
- Licensed mental health professional’s professional recommendation that an emotional support animal is necessary for the patient’s treatment
- Date that the recommendation is valid until
An ESA letter is not valid unless it meets all of these requirements. If you need help finding a provider who can write an ESA letter.
Conclusion
If you’re considering getting an emotional support animal, it’s important to make sure that you have a legitimate ESA letter. An ESA letter can help you avoid potential penalties for fraudulently claiming that your animal is an emotional support animal, help you prove to your landlord or housing provider that your animal is an emotional support animal, and help you prove to an airline that your animal is an emotional support animal.
