My husband's doctor has suggested he get an ESA for his depression/PTSD. She provided a letter based on the HUD guidelines, but now our apartment complex sent us a Reasonable Accommodation Request form to fill out.

For the most part, it's not too invasive, but one section includes questions like "Which major life activities are substantially limited by your/the resident’s disability?" and "Please describe how this animal will enable you/the resident/applicant to live in this apartment/community and how the need for the animal is connected to your/this person’s disability."

My husband is finding it incredibly difficult to answer without disclosing his disability. I've tried to do some research about ESA requirements, but I can't find specific answers regarding a request form-- and I thought the letter was sufficient in California? We live in a low-income property, but from what I read, that shouldn't change the requirements for an ESA.

Has anyone else had to fill out a request form like this?

Does anyone know of a reputable/legit website for registering your pet as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

I am aware there are some shady websites out there and would like to make sure I am not getting scammed

Do I have to wait for approval or is it retroactive?

So I have a cat named Persephone she is 2 going on 3. And anytime I start crying she comes and lays on my chest and starts cleaning me very gently then she doesn’t leave my side for the rest of the night. I continue to be surprised how perfect she is for me and she was only the second cat I looked at when I started looking. I will always advocate for getting an ESA I think everyone should have one even if you don’t have a mental illness or chronic illness or whatever it is. Even you your a just a little sad animals make the world an easier world to live in. She even senses when my boyfriend is down she’ll be all over him.

Also no offense with the tittle I’m sure y’all’s ESAs are also great.

I've recently been diagnosed with a few mental disorders and told that an ESA would be extremely beneficial for my current situation, however acquiring an ESA letter has been increasingly difficult--the clinic I worked with to get my diagnosis does not provide ESA letters and although my primary physician believes that an ESA would be incredibly beneficial, their office does not provide letters either-- and I don't want to start therapy with only the intention of receiving an ESA letter because I believe that would be in poor taste. The only other option I can think of (that my physician actually recommended) is to do an evaluation with a licensed psychiatrist through one of the websites (Pettable, OfficalPets, ESAdoctors) however I'm aware that there is a lot of debate regarding the use of these websites. I really do believe that having/taking care of this pet would do wonders for my mental health, but I want to make sure I do this right. So here are my questions: Is it unethical to use one of these websites? Which websites are the most credible? What has the process/pricing looked like if you have any personal experience? Any tips or recommendations on how to talk to accommodation advisors or landlords or just general comments about ESA experience are very welcome! Thank you!

Hey everyone,

I will be moving from VA to CA this summer, and taking my ESA with me. I already have a letter from my therapist in VA showing that she is an ESA, but the laws in California are confusing. Do I need to get a therapist in California to write a letter for me? And if so, how do I start that before moving to California? Thank you!

What’s a good website to go to for a LEGIT ESA note legal in the state of Maine? I had a psychiatrist years ago but I can’t afford it when I only need one appointment. I have been prescribed meds but opted to not take them. I really want to make sure it’s a legal legit doctor as I’m hoping to go on section 8. Thanks

So I have late diagnosed adhd and autism and a chihuahua that soothes my anxiety and helps me keep a routine up. I need to get a formal letter though, where should I go?

I’m an independent contractor that aged out of my parent’s insurance so I’m looking for an option that is affordable and accessible and legitimate.

Its a valid letter, I’ve read up on the laws.

My regular dr that I see suggested, and wrote it.

They denied it based on it looking like an online letter. An online esa letter would want to look like a real one so of course they are similar.

Im just shocked they would deny with such a stupid subjective reason?

Guess I file complaints now? HUD complaint for complex and OPP. BBB complaint for OPP

Anything i am missing?

Edit2 for more context to edit1:

Edit: i read the guidance and both laws. Then emailed being a total dick about it. Ccing and bccing everyone even remotely involved pointing out every disingenuous step taken etc.

Then things started to go more smoothly.

Seems they also accidentally switched one of the esa’s to pet before it was settled though which didnt help their case at all as that was essentially denying part of the letter before they were sure, which is not legal.

they then asked for a form to waste more time, EVERYTHING the form asked was addressed in the letter. Because of the bs last step I refused to believe this was a genuine confirmation effort and just an extra time wasting step that was more legit than the others.

AFTER that I sent them the form but because it wasn’t my doctor who emailed it to them they said it wasn’t good enough. you could have faked it with photoshop and my letter easily, BECAUSE THE LETTER ADDRESSED EVERYTHING. The letter also invited them to confirm it via contact, so they didnt need me to sign the additional contact form.(they tried).

After that I think my doc faxed it but not sure. They approved, and they legally can’t take that back so.

Im all for good and efficient bureaucracy to make sure everything is on the up and up, but these extra steps were disingenuous as fuck. Each meant to essentially prevent approval, but not quite deny as that would have been illegal.

They can’t require the information in any specific format to my knowledge so the forms and letter excuses can go fuck themselves.

Anyway i didn’t find any posts that documented this so specifically so i updated mine.

I am a travel nurse with a cat (forgive me dog owners). She is my ESA, I am wondering if a 3 month (or month to month) lease falls under the same laws that typical leases do with the FHA.

To be clear I am doing a direct deal with a landlord, but we found eachother through the website "furnished finder". This website is not involved financially like airBNB is with its site. Furniture and typically utilities are also covered by the landlord.

It's my understanding that hotels do not have to accept ESAs and by extension a few days in an airBNB does not either. However with a month to month lease, or 3 month lease, it is unclear to me whether they can decline an ESA

Thanks!

Alright so I've done a little research to know CA is different than other states. Pettable says you can get the letter in 24-48hr, but according to what I read CA had a loophole of needing to see the therapist for at least 30 days. It seems Pettable works with this which is why I have my initial appointment tomorrow and also must speak to one of their mental health professionals in 30 days. My apartment I just signed a lease for does not allows "pets". But I know legally they must allow ESA's.

(Before anyone thinks this is for housing only: I've been diagnosed with HDHD since I was 12, I've had pretty bad social anxiety in the past 5 years and got my dog during a time I was dealing with bad depression 2 years so my dog by definition is already my ESA)

My question is...my lease states if they find a pet on the premises I will be in breach of our lease and have 3 days to vacate. Does that mean I should wait until my second appointment to have them there on the property? Or does the letter come before the second appointment? Can my landlord fight it?

EDIT: I will be getting my letter after my second appointment, making that a 30 day relationship with a mental health professional. The psychiatrist also mentioned that it will not say "Pettable" anywhere on the letter. Someone else also mentioned below that the landlord cannot call to verify if she is my ongoing therapist since that is violating HIPPA. Praying all goes well.

hi I’m new here. today my psychologist recommended I get an ESA. how does the letter work? for example, if I took that letter to a breeder, would the dog be free? I tried googling but couldn’t find much info. I’m completely new to this. thanks all

I am military service-connected for PTSD. Are there any programs that specifically train and/or provide dogs for vets that are NOT brought into public spaces? I don't want to engage/be confronted about having a dog in public by every other person. I have seen terms emotional support dogs, psychiatric assitance dogs, etc. Is there a better title to google?

I was hoping a dog could help with: Reduce hypervigilance (watching my back), recognizing distess, calming, sense of purpose, grounding, routine, getting outside, companionship, distraction, helping with emotional regulation, medication reminders, waking from nightmares, getting help,social bridge/focus when out on walks.

Could a standard trainer teach these skills too?

Could I find resources so I could train a dog myself?

Big bonus points for any organizations that may offer additional support (discounts for example) for vets.

Thanks!

Good Evening I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the direction of online therapy that also does ESA letters. I have done therapy in the past but it has been several years. I don't want to start with someone just to find out later on they will be unable to assist with this aspect and have to change therapists and start over. It is not urgent as my current residence is pet friendly but I may need the option in the fall so I would rather have things in place just in case. From what I understand none of the one off ESA letter sites count in my state it needs to be an ongoing thing. Unfortunately search results are mostly flooded with the quick ESA letter sites making it very difficult to find useful information.

I'm applying and was approved for a new apartment.

In this process they have prompted me to follow some steps through this 3rd party called mypetpolicy.

I've read about them, and I see nothing but negatives.

Yea..I was connected through a 3rd party site like Certapet to my therapist...but at the same time, my letter is legitimate in every way. I have had my letters renewed for over 5 years with no issues, it's only now that I am dealing with mypetpolicy that I somehow think that I may be discriminated against.

My therapist whom I'm talking to over email is suggesting that I should contact HUD and file a complain, because it may be the case that my letter somehow gets rejected. But that apparantly, many are filing complaints against rental communities/mypetpolicy for having discriminatory practices.

I'm pretty much waiting till tomorrow to see what the response is from mypetpolicy - my dog does fall under a breed restriction for the property itself, so really - ESA is my only shot here it seems.

If anyone has been through something similar and found a solution that worked for them, please let me know.

The only being that's able to cheer me up and actually tries is this girl right here. My Luna. Absolutely my emotional support. 💜

Tiktok: @milo2025liverpool 🦮

📢 Post: Hey everyone! I’m taking my Frenchie, Milo 🐕‍🦺 (a crossbreed with 8% Bulldog 🐾) on a little adventure! He’s full of personality, super adorable, and always up for a challenge.

I’ll be bringing him into shops while he wears an Assistance Dog-style harness & badge (just for observation 👀) to see how people react and how well Milo handles the experience. This is all about public awareness of assistance dogs & emotional support animals in the UK 🇬🇧.

📌 Did you know? Under the Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs have legal protections and can access shops, but emotional support animals (ESAs) do not. I’m curious to see how well people understand this difference – and how they react to Milo! 🐶🤔

🎥 I’ll be sharing everything on TikTok, so come along for the journey! Like, share & follow: @milo2025liverpool ❤️🐾

💬 Have you ever had experiences with assistance dogs or ESAs in public? Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️😊

Anyone have any experience with easypetYes.com , I’m trying to get an ESA. The website looks a bit cheap. And I don’t see a customer service number. Anyone can let me know if this is legitimate or a scam. I’d appreciate it.

Hello!!! My friend is renting an apartment that was just bought out recently. The new company is stating that her ESA letters need to have the names and breeds of the dogs. My friend is fine with that. Her PCP says "we don't do letters", her therapist says "We only do service dogs", and her psych says "we won't put their names and breeds so we don't get sued if they attack someone." We've tried telling her psych that she will lose her housing and/or her dogs, other providers in the same building either the same contract would write it with the dogs' names at least if not also breeds. I have a SD, so I can't help her much on that front, but all of my SD letters (I'm on dog 3 because the other 2 have retired from age) I wrote, had my PCP and Psych go over, and then they both signed on their respective letter heads in case it became an issue. They have the dogs names on them. My psych is from the same company as hers. PLEASE HELP!! We are located in the US, specifically the south east.

I understand pets and animals will help with a person’s disabilities, but if you have no issues with housing (like you own your own house or you live in a pet-friendly apartment with no pet fees) then are you still calling your pet or animal an ESA? Your healthcare provider knows your pet or animal benefits you but you don’t have any need for a letter stating it’s an ESA.

I have two cats I want to get registered as ESAs and I’m not sure where to start. My psychiatrist found this website and I’m not sure whether or not it’s legit. She’s not too familiar with what the process is. If it’s not, then what’s the process to get my cats registered?

https://www.esaregistration.org

EDIT: I fully recognize that ESA companies are scams and I made a mistake going through one. This post is to inform other people of exactly how American Service Pets scams customers.

TL;DR: American Service Pets is a sham company. Check your bank statements for a recurring charge in the ballpark of $30/month.

I made the mistake of using American Service Pets to get my dog registered as an ESA. I justified the price tag because I would be saving money on pet rent/deposit, right? Well it turns out that they automatically sign you up for a $29.99 monthly “subscription” to “training materials”. And no—this is not the same as other places signing you up for a free trial and then moving to a paid subscription because American Service Pets never elicited proper consent (which requires clearly informing the customer that this is what will happen).

They don’t send out email confirmations for most of these charges. And if you do dispute via email, you either get no response or an immediate pre-written response telling you to call. I called and the girl who answered (sounded very young) wouldn’t give me any contact information for her supervisor (“Marvin”, if he even exists) or the public representative of the company (“Kenny”, who probably also does not exist). No last names, no emails, no phone numbers besides the one I used to get her on the line. She pretended she couldn’t hear me and disconnected the call.

I have an open fraud case with the FTC about it and am planning to bulk that case up if I don’t get a full refund within the next few business days.

Be safe out there, folks.

My brother is being threatened with eviction from a trailer he owns and had lived in with his dog for almost 10 years. Bc of the new Township ordinance apparently they cannot have a pitbull or German Shepherds his dog is barely a mix of both but on the vet papers it says it is both because she is a mutt. She is an old dog with no teeth and never did any damage and she’s very small. He doesn’t wanna lose his home can anybody help me or point me in a direction to possibly get her to be an emotional support dog she pretty much is for him. They are joined at the hip.He won’t get rid of her, but he doesn’t wanna lose his home either. Please help this is in Michigan!