Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

There is no cost to have an animal as your ESA. All you need is a note from a licensed professional stating that one would be beneficial for you. If you show this to a landlord, usually there are no more questions asked. They might call the licensed professional to check to check it out but may not. Hope that helps!

Thanks for your response! Do you have any tips for finding a licensed professional who could write a note? I don’t have a PCP.
Thanks!

You'll need to find a PCP but not all of them write these type of notes. Some will refer you to behavioral health for a mental health professional to write that note.

If you’re moving into an apartment, I’d look into the ESA process before paying anyone for a “registration.” There isn’t an official federal ESA registry; for housing, the important part is having a legitimate disability-related need and documentation from an appropriate healthcare professional when the need isn’t obvious. HUD recognizes assistance animals as a possible reasonable accommodation, including an exception to a no-pet policy.

If you’re considering an online evaluation, My ESA Therapist is one of the options where you can speak with a licensed mental health professional about your situation and whether an ESA is appropriate. I’d also check your landlord’s accommodation process and make sure you understand what documentation they can legitimately request before moving in.