FAQ's

Question: How do I know if I qualify for an ESA?

An emotional support animal is a type of assistance animal that is recognized as a “reasonable accommodation” for a person with a disability under the federal Fair Housing Act. An emotional support animal is not a pet. An emotional support animal is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability.

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An individual seeking an ESA:

1. Must have a “disability and disability-related need for an assistance animal” that can be verified.

2. Has a disability that meets the law’s definition as having a “major impact on a life activity,” commonly referred to as a functional limitation.

3. Usually experiences the effects of the disability through difficulties with sleep, focus and social interaction.

4. Has an animal (dog or cat) that relieves the symptoms of the disability and its effect on major life activities.                          

Significant impacts on major life activities

In summary, a disability can be verified if it has a significant impact on major life activities (sleep, concentration, focus, social interaction). If an animal helps mitigate those symptoms (sleep better, etc.), then an individual can be recommended for an assistance animal.

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Question: What steps are taken to obtain an ESA letter? 

Step 1) Get pre-qualified. Call for your free consultation and a licensed therapist will provide a set of screening questions to determine qualification. 

Step 2) Schedule your appointment. Once qualification is met, a set of appointments will be scheduled to meet with the therapist. Appointments can be held in person or through our secure online system (Simple Practice).   

Step 3) Therapist will write up the letter and provide letter on last appointment. or mailed to you. 

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Question: What can I expect during appointment(s)

Appointments typically consist of filling out a few assessments to evaluate emotional symptoms. Therapist will followup with a series of questions to assess emotional/psychological state and ways that the ESA animal provides relief to everyday life. If you have any medical documentation (prescriptions, diagnosis, etc.) to support your need for an ESA animal, therapist asks that this documentation be provided. 

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Does my emotional support animal need specific training?

An emotional support animal provides comfort to support a customer’s diagnosed mental or emotional disorder. Emotional support animals need not have specific training for that function. All must be trained to behave appropriately in a public setting. Your emotional support animal must behave appropriately in a public setting. 

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Question: Why see a therapist when I can obtain a esa evaluation and letter online?

Throughout the years, federal regulations have become much more stricter to ensure appropriate use of ESA benefits. Housing offices often require forms to be completed by a mental health professional and request to speak to professional. These benefits are not offered through many online ESA service providers. We ensure to meet the requirements and needs being requested by your housing company and fill out all forms. 

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Question: Are there any regulations that I should know of? 

Recently, HUD updated their guidance (FHEO2020), applying new standards to the emotional support dog registration process, now requiring licensed mental health providers to have “personal client knowledge” and an “ongoing treating relationship.”

To comply, our Housing Evaluation Package provides multiple clinical sessions between client and an in-state licensed provider to comply with federal regulations. 

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