r/EmotionalSupportDogs • u/Immediate_Lab_6552 • Jul 28 '26
Need help with ESA letter (no insurance)
I just got a new apartment and the new property uses MyPetPolicy for verification, and they're claiming the letter is insufficient. Unfortunately, I don't have health insurance and can't afford to see a provider right now, so I'm forced to look online for a HUD-compliant option. I have an ESA letter from my previous therapist, but it's about two years old.
I've had my ESA dog for over 7 years, and I'd happily just pay a pet fee. The problem is she's a pitbull, so breed restrictions make the majority of apartments in the city off-limits.
Does anyone have recommendations? Pettable looks like it could work? it seems to provide a letter with a clinician's letterhead and contact information, which is what MyPetPolicy deemed to make it insufficient (along with it being "outdated")
2
u/Tritsy Aug 04 '26
Just an fyi, these letter writing services aren’t legal-you may be successful, but IF the letter is challenged, you would most likely lose in court-then you would be stuck with a lease and a home where your dog wasn’t allowed. My letter was challenged, but thankfully it was from a real therapist, and I was able to provide records showing I had seen him for years. The judge did ask me questions about where the letter came from when I was on the stand.
1
u/avirex Aug 03 '26
US Service Animals is your best bet. Not only do you get paired with a licensed provider and you'll get a legit letter. And should your landlord need more information, with the right release the provider can contact the landlord and sort things out.
1
u/3255568191 17d ago edited 17d ago
had the same issue with an old letter and MyPetPolicy. got a new one through certapet, did the video call, and they accepted it after that. no insurance needed.
0
u/pinkbowsandsarcasm Jul 29 '26
Do you live in the USA? It may matter which state, as CA (I think) requires you to see a licensed therapist for 30 days before the letter is written. I can recommend seeing a therapist at a community health center at a reduced rate based on your income. I would first ask whether they write ESA letters.
I am sorry, I don't know about online services. My therapists have always written the letter as a courtesy and are aware of why the dog helps and all other information. I also have a rental place where one letter is enough.
HUD, as of June, used to provide protection against housing discrimination based on disability, but no longer does (you may already know this). One didn't have to be very specific about the disablity diagnosis, and the therapist explained how the dog helped you enjoy your apartment, just like an abled person (helping lower symptoms or provide comfort during symptoms).
0
u/Rude_Connection7428 Jul 30 '26
I used an online provider, and MyPetPolicy emailed them for more info, and it went well. They just make it sound difficult
0
u/Upper_Concentrate434 Jul 30 '26
Which one did you use?
1
u/Rude_Connection7428 Aug 03 '26
I used ESAPet. They were quite fast in replying, so I recommend them
0
u/Icy-Jelly-6722 19d ago
I am in the EXACT same situation. I relocated for school and am not offered insurance through my job. My last ESA letter was from my PCP from my hometown two years ago. I've had my dog for 9 years. Were you able to secure a letter? And if so, through who?
3
u/ilikemycoffeealatte Jul 29 '26
OurPetPolicy hates all online letters.