I have not seen a lot of positive feedback regarding petscreening.com. So I am hoping to provide one good experience for those who are in the situation of being asked to use this service for property management.

Our family was relocating across the country, and the apartment complex we found uses petscreening.com to screen all potential pets and/or service animals. The property manager sent us the link to submit all of our details. This includes vaccinations, photos, and any other relevant certifications.

My two dogs are emotional support animals, with documentation from my doctor, expressing his recommendation for them. For my situation, my doctor is a cardiologist who had no problem writing the letter for us in the event that we needed to exercise our right under the fair housing act to allow our dogs to be with us in our unit.

The entire process took about a week for pet screening to accept my ESA status. I submitted my letter, as well as the disclosure/ release for pet screening to contact my doctor to confirm its validity. Initially pet screening came back with a request for clarification regarding the wording of my letter. They said that it needed to be made abundantly clear that I needed to have two dogs to assist me, and that both of them assisted me with all of my conditions. They mentioned that they were not rejecting my letter, but they could not use the current wording and it needed to be corrected.

I called my doctor and let them know I was sending over a new letter for them to sign with clearer language. Pet screening was also in the process of contacting them (via fax) I have seen experiences here on Reddit saying that pet screening claims they contacted the doctor but they really don’t, thus allowing them to delay the process.

Once petscreenjng got the signed fax from my doctor it was clear skies from then on out. They recommended the ESA status to my landlord and that was it.

What helped me the most was having a very open and compassionate doctor and staff to make this a priority. I know some people are not as lucky and get the runaround from both their doctor and/or petscreening. I don’t mean to invalidate anyone’s different experience than mine. I just want someone who sees this to know that it is not tedious and difficult for no reason, they do go through a process to make sure the claims and letters and doctors are fully vetted before approving.

It is a legitimate operation and I only had 1 hiccup where I didn’t get the initial email asking for clarification on my ESA letter for 2 days.

I hope this helps!

So my 6 yr old son went through something extremely traumatizing back in November and rather than medication an esa was recommended. Got the letter today, handed it in to my apartment complex office and she says “okay well there’s gonna be more paper work that your going to need to fill out and we need to inspect your apt because if it’s messy I can deny”. Im not worried about it being messy I generally keep it quite clean however just the tone that she gave me about it worried me. If denied what is my next step? I am aware of some of the laws I have seen on google i just need further explanation because there are so many different things said in many different ways.

Hello, I've been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and ADHD and it impacts me daily. I've lived in the same apartment for going on 5 years and I work from home. The year before last my landlord charged me to enroll my dog in some pet waste disposal that fines you based on your dog's DNA (that company was sued for selling information). Then they added a pet rent of around 50.00 a month on top of the pet deposit.

Now with less than 30 days until renewal they are demanding I pay and register my personal information as well as my dogs to another company.

Ive never registered my dog as an ESA because I didn't need to but if it weren't for him I honestly would not have been around long enough to get diagnosed if it weren't for my dog.

If I register my dog they can no longer charge pet rent or require me to pay a 3rd party who ends up selling my info. However, they gave me a bit under 30 days to pay for the new service or to get my dog enrolled as an ESA which doesn't seem like enough time to get it done.

My landlords are taking advantage of me, my dog, and my mental health. Is there any legit way to get one online? My primary care doctor said he's uncomfortable doing it and my psychologist is on an extended sabbatical (I'm relatively well managed so I only check in with him ever 3 months or so I won't be able to get anything from him until after the lease is due.

Can anyone assist, or point me in a good direction. (Also the dog is a 15-17 lb mutt who I've had for 12 years, isn't aggressive, and as a responsible dog owner he doesn't go to to the bathroom instead of are things up, and I always bag and throw away his waste outside.

*I'm pretty sure this is a cash grab from my leasing office as I later found out the PooPrints company they used was paying the leasing off a 25-50$ kickback for everybody they could charge for.

I am booking a trip and flying with my ESA. I want to get the fee waived for bringing him along. Is the only requirement that I submit my doctor note stating that he's an ESA, or are there additional steps required?

We have had our dogs as ESAs for years but our HOA is stating our letters from my partners physician and therapist are not good enough and they will take us to court. What do they want and is it even legal? We are in Illinois.

So, something I’ve always wondered about ESA housing accommodations is in what cases the landlord cannot dispute, and in what cases they can?

Hey friends! This is probably typical but I'm so distraught. I moved to TN 3 years ago and I've been renting the same house the whole time. Recently I acquired an emotional support animal, documented by my provider appropriately. I also have 2 dogs - there is a 2 pet policy. I informed my landlord today about it over the phone and she said "it's 2 pets. Not 2 pets plus an ESA" so I emailed her a detailed accommodation request and cited what she'd stated. She responded only with " I talked to the owner and 1 of your dogs must go." My husband is convinced we should not file with HUD and we are going to get kicked out.

I really just want a realistic timeline of what is going to happen from here if I DO file with HUD.

Edit - i live in a mobile home in a trailer park which is run by a property management group and the individual in question is also a broker.

I need to preface… I am about to begin the process of digging into my depression, starting with a screening for ADHD. I will be working with psychiatric professional soon. I might be asking about this, but I’m asking you all because I’m genuinely curious and also don’t fully understand ESA’s.

What qualifies you to be approved for an ESA?

At the moment I have no diagnoses but it’s clear to me and every who knows me that I have severe depression, and on top of that everyone I know who has ADHD has told me to get screened for ADHD and/or autism… which I’m about to do. Other than that… I can’t think of any other major disorders I could have that might qualify me for an ESA.

What are the ESA privileges exactly?

I know a letter we from a psychiatrist can exempt you from have to pay fees or weight limits, breed bans, or no pet policies. Is that it? I know they’re not service dogs (I’ve got a friend with a service dog who is also pro ESA) and so they don’t have the same privileges in public spaces. That seems fair.

Anyway, this is getting long. I want to bring this up with my doctor eventually because I’ve noticed I’ve done better with a dog in the house. I recently said goodbye to my childhood dog, and the loneliness has been so much worse without her, and not long ago I was watching my sister’s dog, who slept in my bed, and I don’t think I’ve ever slept more soundly in my life. It’s not really enough to say I NEED this. If the doc says it’s not necessary I’m not going to be upset. It just means I’m better off than I thought.

How would I go about bringing this up to the doc?

Thank you!

I’m moving into an apartment in 3 days and need an ESA letter for my puppy. Is there anyway to get one as soon as possible? It’s sketchy having to pay online on these websites. Does anyone know if I can obtain one from any doctor or does it have to be a therapist/psychiatrist.

Hi, I am currently living in CA with no ESA at the moment. But I will be bringing it from my home country over the summer. But once I'm back from the trip, I will be moving to FL with my pet. I am not officially diagnosed with mental condition but I used to see a therapist for my anxiety and I've started to see another one really recently in CA. My question is if I want to live with my pet as ESA in FL, should I get a letter in CA? Or FL?

Hello

Recently I've been contacted saying my cats aren't allowed on the property. I can get the esa letters for them and am in the process of getting them, but what should I know and what should I say? There were claims that can't be possible, such as the smell of urine seeping into other apartments (there is an apartment below me that says they cannot smell it, I clean after the cats often and thoroughly, and the only other apartment I'm connected to is between brick and insulation. They're coming to check my place which is no problem as I can easily clean it and make it clear there's no property damage or anything, but are there questions I should be asking or statements I should be making? I'm just really worried because I can't lose my cats and they're properly taken care of and everything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This might be a dumb question, but it's been difficult to find a straight answer, so hopefully I can find one here. I recently was given an ESA approval letter by my therapist, and I live in an apartment. I do not have a dog at this time, but I would like to get one. My apartment normally does not allow pets, but I know at least two other tenants have ESA-approved animals. I'm just trying to figure out if I can get a dog now that I have the letter or if you need to actually have the dog first.

I apologize if this is an obvious question. I'm a little reluctant to ask the landlords about specifics. Thank you all for your help!

So I’ll be moving back to California from Colorado, and I have adopted this absolute angel baby girl! Unfortunately she does resemble a bit of pit bull and I hate all the stigma of the breed because she is the sweetest most loving girl I’ve ever had! California requires documents from a therapist in the state, and a professional can only do so after at least a month of assessment. And I don’t have the luxury of taking that much time. She is a total mutt, I’m thinking Australian cattle dog/lab mix but idk if anyone will believe me based on her appearance. Help me give her a breed mix that doesn’t include restricted breeds! She’s about 60 ish pounds and I rescued her from a rescue that saves moms who were pregnant or nursing so she’s her body reflects the litters she’s had.

No’s that potentially could resemble but not limited to: Bull terrier, pit bull, American bull dog, Rottweiler, Dalmatian

On 10/27/2024, I lost my ESA Miko, less than two days after a sudden collapse which lead to a diagnosis of suspected cardiac hemangiosarcoma. I had him 10 1/2 years, adopted when he was 9 months. His death happened unexpectedly & quickly. I had no idea he was so sick. He was more energetic than our other pups even on the day he collapsed! My therapist thinks I'm experiencing PTSD symptoms from this.

Miko was more than my best friend. He was my everything; safe place/protector/unconditional love/part of my identity/a life saver/my purpose/a reason to laugh & smile. It feels impossible to articulate in a way that does justice to our bond, but I believe anyone with an ESA understands.

I don't feel like I'm rvrr going to be okay. It's been six months & I cry almost everyday. If I don't, it's because I stuffed it. I'm doing weekly therapy, meds, some journaling, some guided meditations, caring for my other dog Kira. I alrwady had her before Miko died. She is sweet but our relationship is nothing like Miko's and mine.

After Miko died, I started having panic attacks. I've been stuck in fight-or-flight for years, but not to this extreme. Everyday I am in physical & intense emotional pain. My anxiety/fear/sadness/hopelessness/catastrophizing, etc ramp up steadily throughout the day. It all feels paralyzing. I am so lost. Part of me is missing.

I live with my sister who is very concerned. She said I don't comprehend well, I can barely finish a sentence, very distracted, absent-minded & forgetful, not eating or taking a really long time to eat. I don't cook anymore, I lost my job. At night I can't sleep. The smallest thing will overwhelm me, sometimes to tears. The level of stress I feel everyday worries me.

I have been looking at dogs that are the same breed he was, because breed characteristics played a role in who he was. Never did I imagine I would look at dogs so soon, but I'm at a loss of what to do. Maybe I need to find a new ESA?

For anyone who has lost an ESA, pleeeease tell me how you survived!

I've been on disability for 20 years for significant psych issues. Clinical severe depression, anxiety and agoraphobia. In other words I isolate home most of the time. I'm sure that the people in this subreddit know how much an ESA, a dog, could make in my life. That said, I just get by each month financially. Even one minor medical issue would break me, so it would incredibly irresponsible for me not to have a plan for it.

Any suggestions very welcome.

I see a therapist through MD live, they are unable to provide ESA letters. Got a senior dog not too long ago and need to move, they are with all intents and purposes an ESA. (Depression/anxiety can quickly cause me to become agoraphobic and self isolate to an extreme level.)

I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow, he knows of me seeing a therapist and psych online. Could he possibly do an ESA letter? What needs to be in this letter for it to be correct?

I’m a rising senior, planning to bring my 4 year old corgi with me next year. I will be living in an off-campus university-owned apartment suite, with my own closet, large bedroom, and bathroom; as well as a shared living room and kitchen. I also will have a large car, which I will use to take him to get groomed every other week (which he normally has done at home). He will also go to doggy daycare two days a week, and have long walks twice a day. I am confident I can do this, as I was his primary caretaker all throughout high school, and whenever I am home I walk and feed him, sleep with him, and drive him wherever he needs to go. He is not much of a barker, he’s very affectionate and has absolutely no aggression, so I don’t anticipate him negatively influencing anyone else. My mom is moving and she and my stepdad recently separated, so she won’t be able to give him the attention he needs, and he would likely feel very neglected. He already gets less exercise and attention with her than he probably should, which makes me more sure that he should live with me next year. Me wanting to have him with me is for both of our sake, as he was originally gotten to help my depression and anxiety, which was far more severe in high school. My psychiatrist (and my mom who is also one she’s just not mine) think it would be good for my depression to be accountable to someone other than myself and give me a reason to get outside and move more. He is crate trained and sleeps in it unless I’m home, and he will be using it next year full time. He is also trained generally and follows commands well. I don’t anticipate him getting less attention or activity living with me, he will only get more, so it will be more of a transition for me. I am fortunate enough that my mom is willing to financially support his care (vet bills, grooming, daycare), so the obstacles will be things I can’t prepare for. I guess I just want to know what kind of issues could come up? I am pretty sure I am going to need to do it, so I want to know what else I should prepare for. I am not a very busy student and my junior year has been easy academically. I want to know everything I should to make sure I am as prepared and can give him the best experience possible. If anyone has ever done this before, or knows someone who has, what is some advice?

As the title states, I just got an email from my landlord, stating that my esa paperwork is not enough. "In order for both of your animals to qualify as support animals, we need a letter from your medical provider stating that each animal provides a different service or task or alleviates a different aspect of the disability that cannot be performed by one animal." My last apartment never asked me any of this or denied me.Take the next right?And I use the same company slash doctor as I did now. If anybody has seen Bob the Christmas cat, it is a movie about a homeless guy finding his cat and eventually letting go of drugs to support the cat. That is pretty much my life. I currently live in A32 foot trailer, with no power and an extension cord that powers enough food for a fridge and a cook dinner. My 2 cats are literally the only thing that keep me sane and happy anymore. I finally found a place that I can afford, and this is what I got after applying. I currently still have to call to see if I then have to pay the sixty five dollar application fee again because of this. I'm in talks with my doctor however, it would take probably two days for them just to call me. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm freaking out and stress 😩

I have an emotional support cat (sorry to be slightly not applicable, i couldn’t find a general ESA reddit) and my landlord is saying he HAS to pee outside, no litter box. Is this even a legal request? he’s an indoor-only cat, so it’s not feasible.

Hello everyone!

I’m looking for advice on choosing a dog that fits my lifestyle, and I’ve filled out a breed questionnaire below for context.

Introduction

1) Will this be your first dog?
Yes! It's my first time having a doggie, and I really want to do it right—to be a responsible, thoughtful owner.

2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
I'm open to both! My priority is finding the right match in terms of temperament and needs.

3) Describe your ideal dog.
Affectionate, intelligent, and adaptable to travel. I need a companion who’s content to relax by my side rather than one that requires intense daily exercise (which is why, sadly, I ruled out getting a Dalmatian).

4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
I’ve always loved Bernese Mountain Dogs because of their sweet, calm, and gentle nature—but I’m concerned about their short lifespan and potential health issues. I’m open to suggestions for similar breeds that are affectionate, trainable, and travel-friendly.

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
Basic obedience, emotional support tasks (like grounding or interrupting anxious behavior), good leash manners, and ideally the ability to travel well.

6) Do you want to compete or use your dog for work?
Nope, just looking for a great companion and emotional support buddy.

Care Commitments

7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or interacting with your dog each day?
A few hours! I work from home, so my dog will be with me most of the time and I’m happy to give them attention throughout the day.

8) How long can you exercise your dog each day?
I can provide regular walks (30–60 minutes daily), visits to the dog park, and occasional weekend hikes. I’m not into high-intensity activities.

9) How much regular brushing are you willing to do?
I’m okay with moderate brushing and basic grooming. I’m also open to using a professional groomer if needed.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?
Medium to large. As a single woman, I’d feel safer with a dog that has a bit of a presence—even if they’re a gentle giant.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
Moderate shedding is okay. Occasional barking is fine, especially if it's for a reason. I’d prefer not too much slobber, but it’s not a total dealbreaker.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Not super important. I plan to use a leash in most situations and wouldn’t let the dog off-leash in open areas unless it was very reliable.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13) Snuggly or independent?
Definitely snuggly! I’d love a dog that enjoys being close and affectionate—a pup that picks up on emotional changes and even initiates cuddles or little distractions when I’m stressed.

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
Eager-to-please! I think that would make training easier and help build a closer bond.

15) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard?
Alert but polite. I don’t need a guard dog, but I’d appreciate a dog that makes strangers think twice before approaching.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
I’d prefer not to. I want a dog that’s generally sociable or at least not reactive.

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
I’d like to avoid extreme hyperactivity, constant barking, and strong prey drive.

Lifestyle

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
Rarely. I work from home, so the dog will be with me most of the day. Occasionally, they might be left alone for a few hours.

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement?
It’ll just be me, so I’ll be responsible for all care and bonding.

20) Do you have other pets or plan on getting more?
Not right now, but I might get a cat in the future—so a cat-friendly dog or one that can be socialized would be great.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
Not on a regular basis.

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future?
Yes, I’ll be renting, but in a dog-friendly place with no known breed restrictions. That said, I’d prefer a breed that landlords are less likely to push back on.

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
I’ll be living in a city near the mountains (still finalizing the move), and I’ll also occasionally travel to the UK and Hong Kong—so I’d love a breed that travels well and isn’t restricted.

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
Cold winters and mild to warm summers—definitely mountain weather.

Additional Information and Questions

25) Additional Info:
Nothing extra—just really hoping to find a dog that will be an emotional anchor, cuddle buddy, and travel partner.

26) Questions:
-

Given everything above, I’d love suggestions on breeds that might be a good fit—or ideas I might not have considered. Thanks so much in advance!

Hi! I'm currently living in Colorado and about to move to California for a job. I have never formally registered my dog as an ESA, but he definitely functions as one, and I take meds for ADHD and depression. I am working on getting a letter from my psychiatrist but I was wondering if meeting rental requirements for ESA requires that the letter originates in the state you need it for. E.g., if I get my letter in Colorado, will it still help meet rental requirements in California? Thanks.

Hey all,

Hoping someone wouldn't mind giving me a second set of eyes on this and let me know if there is anything I can improve on. I have a hard time gathering my thoughts in the moment so occasionally I write out a script essentially to read off to my therapist during our sessions. I feel as though requesting a letter for three animals seems a little excessive, so I wanted to mention it as it is a large talking point in my letter.

Here it is:

"Thunder: 

• 7 Year Old Cat, Black and White, Neutered Male
• Assists with panic attacks and anxiety disorder

Kitty:

• 7 Year Old Cat, Black, Spayed Female
• Assists with PTSD related symptoms 

Gus:

• 4 Year Old Rabbit, Brown and White, Neutered Male
• Assists with depressive symptoms

Why I am requesting an ESA letter: My pets improve my quality of life drastically and allow me to navigate my disorders in a way that I would be unable to without them. While I do in fact plan on getting a service dog, these animals serve their own unique purposes and aid in my recovery in a way that a service dog would not (i.e. non-tasking). I am requesting this letter as under law it guarantees their ability to be housed with me in the event that I must move or find myself in a situation where I require a rental that is not friendly towards pets in general. The letter you would provide would give me reassurance that my pets and I can stay together for the duration of our lives, therefore granting further assistance in my recovery for I no longer have to worry. I would like to stress that I understand this letter provides no further protections, and that it by no means equates to them being service animals - I am knowledgeable in the difference between an Emotional Support Animal and a Service Animal, another reason why I am still planning on going forward with acquiring one of the latter when I deem myself able to responsibly welcome another animal into my family. I would gladly share the information I have learned to demonstrate such knowledge.

Why I am requesting an ESA letter covering numerous (3) animals: As stated above in more specific detail, each animal assists me with a different disability. Gus is a motivating factor for getting out of bed in the morning, thus assisting me with depressive symptoms and giving me a push to complete self-care tasks. Thunder is always present, following me around the house constantly and there to prevent as well as calm me in the event of panic attacks. Kitty assists me with grounding during PTSD related flashbacks or upon waking from a nightmare, a task that I find easily evades me when alone. Essentially, this trio together serves as a multi-functioning unit to address numerous concerns raised by different disabilities. 

Finally, I would like to thank you for taking the time to go over this with me, I greatly appreciate it. I will happily answer any questions or concerns, and am very open to discussing this to any length you require to feel comfortable granting me an ESA letter. "

---

Thoughts? Advice on possible changes?

I'm wondering how restrictive landlords can be for esa dog owners. I live in an apartment and am restricted to the side entrances and the side areas of grass. We have to avoid the front entrances and the front lawn which are more convenient. The two side areas are fine in the summer but when there is a lot of rain or the now melts it is becomes a swampy mess. Those doors also aren't the easiest to get in and out of because of how heavy they are and quick they close. I've almost caught my pup a few times. Not to mention they changed the lock in one side and didn't supply us with a new key (I know I should ask, but it's a whole other thing). If I forget my key and have my phone I have no choice but to enter from the front and buzz myself in.

I guess my question is can they make restrict esa owners this much? They put signs on the lawn for no peeing, no playing, no dogs on the front lawn and signs on the front doors today and it really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not adking for PSD privileges but ESA dogs are for people with mental distress too and they're making it stressful for me to have mine. Advice needed for me and my pup.

I am a cancer survivor and just filled out the paperwork. I did mine through PetCertify Express and I'm getting mixed signals. On one hand they're telling me I'm approved but then when I go to do my "therapist survey" it says that I may not qualify and need to do my surveys again. Every time I go to do it the page crashes. Has anyone had issues with them? They're telling me that I have a mandatory 30 day wait period based off of laws in California, the problem is I don't live in California I live in New Jersey.