Frequently Asked Questions
Need help understanding Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letters?
We’ve answered the most common questions about qualifying, legal rights, and how to get a
legitimate letter through our licensed mental health professionals.
1. What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a pet that provides comfort and emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specialized training but are protected under federal housing laws with a valid ESA letter.
2. What is a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)?
A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) is a specially trained dog that assists individuals with psychiatric disabilities like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. PSDs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can accompany their handler in public spaces.
3. How can I qualify for an ESA letter?
To qualify for an ESA letter, you must be diagnosed with a mental or emotional disability by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). Conditions may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health disorders.
4. How do I get a legitimate ESA or PSD letter?
You can obtain a legitimate ESA or PSD letter by completing an evaluation with a licensed mental health professional who can assess your needs and issue an official letter compliant with federal and state regulations.
5. What’s the difference between an ESA letter and a PSD letter?
An ESA letter grants housing rights under the Fair Housing Act, allowing you to live with your support animal even in no-pet housing. A PSD letter certifies that your dog is a trained service animal, giving you broader public access rights under the ADA.
6. Are Emotional Support Animals allowed in public places like stores or restaurants?
No, Emotional Support Animals are not granted public access rights like service dogs. ESAs are primarily protected under housing laws but generally cannot enter businesses, restaurants, or airplanes unless specifically permitted.
7. Where are Psychiatric Service Dogs allowed?
Psychiatric Service Dogs are allowed in all public areas, including restaurants, hotels, stores, airplanes, and government buildings, thanks to their protection under the ADA.
8. How long does it take to get an ESA or PSD letter?
Once you complete your mental health evaluation, you can often receive your ESA or PSD letter within 24–48 hours, depending on the service provider and the thoroughness of the assessment.
9. Can any pet qualify as an Emotional Support Animal?
Most domesticated animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, can qualify as an Emotional Support Animal if their presence alleviates symptoms of a mental or emotional disability.
10. Can I register my dog as a Psychiatric Service Dog?
Registration is not required under the ADA. What matters is that your dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks that help with your psychiatric disability. A PSD letter can help confirm your need for a service dog.
11. Do ESA letters expire?
Yes, most ESA letters are valid for one year. You will need to renew your letter annually with a reassessment from a licensed mental health professional to maintain your housing rights.
12. How much does it cost to get an ESA or PSD letter?
Costs vary depending on the provider, but legitimate ESA or PSD evaluations. Beware of scams offering “lifetime registrations” without a real evaluation.
13. What are the legal protections for Emotional Support Animals?
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters. Airlines no longer must accept ESAs, but many housing rights still apply.
14. What tasks can a Psychiatric Service Dog perform?
Psychiatric Service Dogs can perform a range of tasks, including interrupting panic attacks, reminding owners to take medication, guiding owners to safe places during dissociation, and providing deep pressure therapy.
15. Why should I trust CertifyESA?
Our licensed mental health professionals provide legitimate, compliant ESA and PSD letters. We ensure thorough evaluations, quick turnaround times, and ongoing support to protect your rights.
16. Can my landlord deny my Emotional Support Animal?
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters. They cannot charge pet fees or deny your ESA unless the animal poses a direct threat to others or causes significant property damage.
17. Do I need to register my Emotional Support Animal?
No registration is required for an Emotional Support Animal. Only a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional is necessary to secure your rights under housing laws.
18. Can I have more than one Emotional Support Animal?
Yes, if your licensed mental health professional determines that multiple Emotional Support Animals are necessary for your mental health treatment, you may be approved for more than one ESA.
19. Is online ESA letter certification legitimate?
Online ESA letter services can be legitimate if they involve a proper mental health evaluation by a licensed provider. Be cautious of sites that offer instant approval without speaking to a licensed professional.
20. Can an Emotional Support Animal become a Psychiatric Service Dog?
Yes, if your dog is trained to perform specific tasks related to your psychiatric disability, it can transition from being an ESA to a Psychiatric Service Dog. PSDs must meet ADA training requirements.
21. What mental health conditions qualify for an ESA or PSD letter?
Common qualifying conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and other emotional or psychiatric disabilities.
22. Can I fly with my Psychiatric Service Dog?
Yes, under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), trained Psychiatric Service Dogs are allowed to fly with their handlers in the cabin at no additional charge. Airlines may require specific documentation before the flight.
23. What documents do I need to travel with my Psychiatric Service Dog?
Most airlines require a completed Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation form verifying that your PSD is trained to assist with your disability.
24. How do I train a Psychiatric Service Dog?
You can train your Psychiatric Service Dog yourself or with the help of a professional trainer. The dog must be able to perform tasks that mitigate your psychiatric disability and behave appropriately in public.
25. What are signs of an ESA or PSD letter scam?
Watch out for red flags like instant approvals, lifetime registrations, no contact with a licensed professional, or promises of guaranteed acceptance. A legitimate letter requires a proper mental health evaluation.
26. Why should I trust CertifyESA for my ESA or PSD letter?
At CertifyESA, we work only with licensed mental health professionals who conduct real evaluations based on your needs. We guarantee legitimate, legally compliant letters that meet federal and state regulations.
27. Is CertifyESA legit and compliant with the law?
Yes. CertifyESA follows all laws under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Our process includes genuine mental health assessments to ensure full legal compliance.
28. How does CertifyESA protect my personal information?
We prioritize your privacy with strict security measures and HIPAA-compliant practices. Your personal information and medical details are handled confidentially by licensed professionals.
29. What makes CertifyESA different from other ESA and PSD services?
Unlike companies that offer instant approvals or fake “registrations,” CertifyESA provides real evaluations, fast turnaround, personalized support, and ongoing assistance if you face landlord or airline issues.
30. Does CertifyESA offer support after I receive my letter?
Yes! We provide ongoing support after your letter is issued. If you need help communicating with landlords, airlines, or employers, our team is ready to assist at no extra charge.
31. Does CertifyESA offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. If you are not approved for an ESA or PSD letter after your evaluation, CertifyESA offers a full money-back guarantee — no hidden fees, no stress.
32. How fast can I get my ESA or PSD letter from CertifyESA?
Most clients receive their official letter within 24–48 hours after completing their mental health assessment. We also offer expedited services if you need it even faster.
33. Are CertifyESA’s letters accepted by landlords and airlines?
Yes. Our ESA letters are written by licensed professionals and meet the legal standards required by landlords under the Fair Housing Act. Our PSD letters comply with the ADA and DOT regulations for travel.
34. What if my landlord or airline questions my ESA or PSD letter?
We provide free follow-up support. If your landlord, property manager, or airline needs confirmation or additional paperwork, our licensed providers can communicate directly on your behalf when necessary.
35. Will I speak directly with a licensed mental health professional?
Yes. CertifyESA ensures that every client speaks directly with a licensed therapist, psychologist, or counselor who is authorized to issue ESA and PSD letters based on a professional evaluation.
36. Does CertifyESA use real, U.S.-licensed therapists?
Absolutely. All mental health providers we work with are licensed in the U.S. and in the same state where you live, ensuring your letter is valid and enforceable.
37. What states does CertifyESA serve?
CertifyESA operates nationwide! We match you with a licensed provider in your state to make sure your ESA or PSD letter is legally valid wherever you live.
38. How does CertifyESA make the process easy?
We designed our process to be fast, simple, and stress-free:
- Complete a short, secure questionnaire.
- Speak with a licensed professional.
- Receive your official letter in as little as 24 hours.
39. Why is working with CertifyESA safer than using free ESA letter templates?
Using random online templates or fake registrations can leave you legally unprotected. CertifyESA connects you with real licensed providers who issue legally recognized ESA and PSD letters that stand up to landlord or airline scrutiny.
40. Will CertifyESA treat me with compassion and respect during the process?
Absolutely. We understand that reaching out for mental health support takes courage. Every step of our process is designed to be compassionate, confidential, and judgement-free.
41. What if I’m nervous about speaking with a mental health professional?
That’s completely normal! Our licensed therapists are friendly, experienced, and sensitive to mental health challenges. They’re here to listen and support you — not to judge.
42. Does CertifyESA understand anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health struggles?
Yes. Our network of licensed providers has years of experience working with clients facing a wide range of emotional and psychological conditions. We deeply understand your needs and are here to help.
43. How personalized is the evaluation process with CertifyESA?
Every evaluation is 100% personalized to your unique experiences and mental health history. There are no “one-size-fits-all” letters — your letter will be tailored specifically to your situation.
