Emotional Support Animal FAQ
Answers to common questions about ESAs, rights, letters, and registration.
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are animals that provide therapeutic benefits to their owner through affection and companionship. ESAs are recognized as providing emotional or psychological support to people with mental health disabilities. Unlike service dogs, ESAs do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks. Service animals are limited to dogs or miniature horses, whereas ESAs can include a variety of animal types and breeds.
What is the difference between an ESA and a Service Dog?
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. They have public access rights under the ADA. ESAs provide emotional comfort through companionship and do not require specialized training. ESAs have housing protections under the Fair Housing Act but do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.
How do I register my ESA?
You can register your ESA on our website by filling out the registration form. Registration adds your animal to our nationwide database with a unique searchable ID number. Note: registration alone does not create legal ESA status — you also need a letter from a licensed mental health professional for housing and other accommodations.
Do I need a therapy letter for my ESA?
For housing accommodations (living in no-pet buildings, requesting waivers of pet fees), yes — a letter from a licensed mental health professional is required under the Fair Housing Act. We offer therapy letter evaluations via secure video consultation with licensed therapists.
Is an ESA allowed in no-pet housing?
Yes. Landlords and property managers must make reasonable accommodations for tenants or prospective tenants with Emotional Support Animals, even if the apartment, house, or college dorm does not allow pets. You will need a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional to request this accommodation.
Can landlords charge pet deposits for ESAs?
No. Landlords are not allowed to charge emotional support animal owners additional pet fees or deposits since an ESA is not considered a pet under the Fair Housing Act. However, you can still be held responsible for any damage caused by your animal.
Is an ESA allowed on a plane?
As of January 2021, ESAs no longer have protected status on domestic U.S. airlines. Individual carriers now set their own policies regarding ESAs, and most major airlines (American, Delta, JetBlue, Frontier, United, Alaska) have banned ESAs from traveling free of charge in the cabin. Check with your specific airline before booking.
Are ESAs allowed in all public places?
Unlike service dogs, Emotional Support Animals do not have access rights to all public areas under the ADA. ESAs are primarily protected in housing situations under the Fair Housing Act. Businesses and public venues are not required to allow ESAs.
Do Emotional Support Animals have a size limit?
For housing purposes, there is no size restriction that landlords can impose on ESAs. Landlords must accommodate ESAs regardless of size as long as the request is reasonable and you have a valid ESA letter.
Do ESAs need special training?
No. Emotional support animals do not require specialized training. Only a valid therapist letter is required to establish your animal's ESA status for housing accommodations.
What types of animals can be an ESA?
Most domesticated animals can serve as ESAs, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other common pets. While therapists typically issue letters for dogs and cats, other well-behaved animals may qualify. The animal must not cause public disturbances or pose a threat to others.
Can I have my ESA in college dorms?
Yes. Universities must accommodate ESAs in campus housing under the Fair Housing Act, though some institutions may have additional requirements or process-specific procedures. You will need a valid ESA letter to request this accommodation.
What disabilities qualify for an ESA letter?
Individuals experiencing psychological disabilities, mental illness, emotional disabilities, PTSD, anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, chronic stress, panic attacks, learning disabilities, and other conditions diagnosed by a licensed mental health provider may qualify. A licensed therapist must evaluate whether an ESA would provide therapeutic benefit.
What governmental agencies oversee ESAs?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees fair housing protections for ESA owners. For housing discrimination, contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. For airline-related issues, contact the Department of Transportation at 202-366-2220.
Is this site affiliated with a government agency?
No. ESA Registration of America is not a governmental agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD, the Department of Transportation, or any other governmental agency. Registration of an emotional support animal does not give you any additional legal rights beyond what is provided by law.
Still have questions?
Contact our support team or get your ESA letter from a licensed therapist today.
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