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Learn how to qualify for an ESA and whether you meet the requirements for approval.
If your dog or cat helps calm your nerves, ease stress, or keep you grounded, you might be eligible to have them approved as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).
Support Pets offers ESA documentation only for cats and dogs. We connect you with licensed practitioners who evaluate your needs and determine eligibility.
*Substantial limitations apply. Not currently available in CA, CO, LA, or AR.
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal that offers comfort, connection, and a sense of calm to people navigating emotional ups and downs. This might include feeling overwhelmed, dealing with stress, having trouble sleeping, or going through periods of loneliness. While ESAs don’t require specialized training like service animals, their presence can bring real stability and support to everyday life.
Emotional support animals can be a variety of species, but at Support Pets, we provide ESA documentation exclusively for dogs and cats—the two most commonly accepted and protected under housing policies.
To be legally recognized as an ESA, you must have a letter of approval from a licensed health practitioner. This letter is what protects your rights under federal housing law. ESA status is not based on registration or the type of pet you have.
When approved, your emotional support animal may help you:
An ESA isn’t a label—it’s a tool for emotional wellness.
Wondering how to qualify for an emotional support animal? You may be eligible if a licensed health practitioner determines that your pet plays a meaningful role in supporting your emotional well-being. You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis or be in therapy already—many people qualify based on what they’re experiencing day to day.
You might qualify for an ESA if:
These signs may indicate that you’d benefit from having an emotional support animal letter from a doctor. This letter is what makes your ESA legally recognized and protected under federal housing law. It’s not the result of training or registration—only a valid letter from a licensed practitioner provides this protection.
At Support Pets, we help you take the first step through a secure online assessment, followed by review from a licensed practitioner.
If you believe your pet plays an important role in your emotional well-being, you’re not alone—and you’re not without support. Many people turn to their pets for comfort during tough moments, and getting the right documentation can open the door to the protection and peace of mind you deserve.
At Support Pets, we’ve created a simple, thoughtful process that connects you with a licensed practitioner who understands your needs—no waiting rooms, no judgment, no confusion.
Here’s how to qualify for an ESA through Support Pets:
It’s quick, confidential, and built around your emotional wellness—not bureaucracy.
Not everyone will qualify for emotional support animal approval—and that’s okay. ESA documentation is designed for individuals who have a genuine emotional need and whose pets play an active role in their mental wellness. If you’re simply looking to bring your pet along for convenience or bypass certain rules, this may not be the right fit.
You likely won’t qualify if:
Support Pets exists to help people with real emotional needs.
When your pet helps you through the hard days—when their presence gives you calm, stability, or the strength to leave the house—they’re doing more than just being a pet. They’re supporting your emotional well-being in a real and powerful way.
ESA approval helps turn that connection into something recognized and protected. It’s not about perks—it’s about peace of mind.
With ESA approval, you may be able to:
At Support Pets, we believe your relationship with your pet deserves protection. ESA approval helps make that possible, so you and your companion can stay together without added barriers.
Still wondering how you qualify for an emotional support animal? You’re not alone—and you deserve to feel supported. Take our free ESA assessment today to see if you’re eligible to receive documentation from a licensed practitioner.
You can qualify for an ESA through a remote evaluation with a licensed health practitioner. Support Pets offers a secure online process for this.
Yes. You don’t need a previous diagnosis. A licensed practitioner will assess your emotional needs during the ESA evaluation to determine eligibility.
Service dogs require specialized training and are limited to people with physical or psychiatric disabilities. ESAs don’t need training and help with emotional wellness.
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to complete the ESA evaluation through Support Pets. ESA approval must be based on an adult’s personal emotional needs.
Once approved, your ESA documents may allow you to live with your support animal in housing that typically restricts pets, including private rentals.
Not in detail. You only need to complete an emotional wellness questionnaire. The licensed practitioner reviews your responses to determine approval.
You may still qualify if your circumstances have changed. Support Pets offers a new, independent evaluation with licensed practitioners.
ESA protections apply under federal law (Fair Housing Act), but local policies vary. Support Pets provides documentation only in eligible states (not currently available in CA, CO, LA, or AR).
If your current provider can’t issue ESA documentation, you can use Support Pets to get evaluated by another licensed practitioner.
There are no breed, age, or training requirements. If your cat or dog provides emotional support, and you meet the criteria, they may qualify.
*Substantial limitations apply. Support Pets currently approves only dogs and cats. Not available in CA, CO, LA, or AR.
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“Official ESA®” is a registered trademark of Support Pets for branding purposes, which does not imply any endorsement, approval, or necessity by any government entity; nor are the company’s products or services required by law or affiliated with any government entity. Under current applicable federal law, regulations, and guidance, pets legally qualify as emotional support animals (ESA) only for persons who have an impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities and who need an ESA for their disability (not including impairments due to the current illegal use of drugs). For purposes of reasonable accommodations in terms of housing, waivers of no-pet policies and pet fees are only legally required for individuals who have qualifying disabilities. Many states, including Pennsylvania and others, make it a criminal offense punishable by significant fines to falsely or fraudulently misrepresent the need for a service or emotional support animal in connection with seeking reasonable accommodations in terms of housing.
