An ESA is an animal that provides therapeutic emotional support for someone with a mental health condition. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t require specialized training — their presence alone offers relief from symptoms like anxiety, PTSD, or depression.

An ESA offfers emotional comfort at home and is covered under the Fair Housing Act only. Service Animals are trained to perform specific tasks and are protected under the ADA for public access and housing. I do not provide assessment or documentation for service animals.

If you qualify for an ESA under the Fair Housing Act and have proper documentation, your landlord must provide reasonable accommodation — even in “no pets” housing. They may not charge pet fees or impose breed/size restrictions.

Yes. Landlords may deny an ESA if:

• The building has 4 or fewer units and the landlord lives in one

• The animal poses a direct threat or causes significant damage

• The documentation doesn’t meet legal standards or appear legitimate

• The accommodation places an undue financial hardship on the landlord

• The animal is unreasonable for the dwelling (ex: an emotional support horse in a small city apartment)

No. ESAs are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That means public spaces (ex: stores, restaurants, etc) are not required to allow them unless they're otherwise pet-friendly.

In some cases, yes — but each animal must serve a distinct therapeutic purpose, and your letter must justify the need for more than one. I’ll help assess this during your evaluation.

University-owned housing (such as dorms or campus apartments) is also covered under the Fair Housing Act, which means you're entitled to request reasonable accommodation for an ESA. Many universities have their own internal processes — often requiring specific paperwork, documentation, or a verification form completed by your provider. I can support you through that process and complete the university's required forms as part of your ESA evaluation.

No, however it’s important that your pet be well-behaved and does not pose a safety threat. You must use discretion to ensure your pet is capable of being a safe companion.

Yes. The letter expires after one year, and most landlords and university housing departments require that ESA letters be updated annually. Renewal involves a brief check-in to confirm your continued need. Please email me directly if you’re needing an updated letter and I can walk you through that process.

Yes! Many apartment complexes now use digital systems (such as petscreening.com) or request that providers complete additional forms. I’m familiar with these processes and am happy to fill out any necessary housing verification forms after your letter is issued — at no additional cost.

In instances where a landlord does not honor your ESA letter, I will do my best to provide any updates to the documentation or consult with them in order to resolve the issue. In the event that they continue to push back and you need legal enforcement, I am unable to go to court or be involved in any legal processes regarding the matter. Please refer to my Resources page if looking for follow up measures you can take or to file a complaint with the state.

• Written by a licensed mental health provider (like an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or psychologist)

• On official letterhead with license number, date, and contact info

• Must confirm that you have a mental health-related disability and that the ESA alleviates symptoms

Nope — and in fact, those things are often scams. The only thing legally required is a letter from a licensed mental health professional. Vests and IDs are optional and not legally recognized.

No. I protect your privacy and follow HIPAA standards. The letter simply confirms that you have a mental health-related disability and that the animal supports your emotional well-being. No diagnosis is disclosed unless specifically requested by you.

ESA evaluations are not billable through insurance. However, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for the cost.

If, after reviewing your intake, I determine that an ESA letter wouldn’t be clinically or legally appropriate, I’ll let you know — and refund any payment made in advance. I never write letters unless they meet both ethical and legal standards.

Yes. So long as you were a Texas resident at the time the letter was provided, then it will work regardless of what state you move to. If you are no longer a Texas resident after the expiration of your letter and you’re wanting a renewal of your ESA letter, you must receive it from a therapist who is licensed in your state of residence.