Emotional Support Animal Letter

  • What is an ESA?

    An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to help alleviate symptoms related to a mental or emotional disability. The ESA is an important part of a broader treatment plan but does not require specialized training or task-based assistance.

  • What Animal Can Be an ESA?

    While a dog or cat is most common, any animal may be considered an ESA, including birds, rabbits, or snakes. There is no requirement for training, and the animal's primary purpose is to provide emotional support to its owner, alleviating one or more symptoms of their disability.

  • Do I Need to Register My ESA?

    No registration, certificate, or vest is required for an ESA. While there are various websites offering "certification," these are not legitimate or necessary. What is required is an assessment and letter from a licensed mental health professional to confirm the presence of a disability and the therapeutic benefit of the ESA.

ESA Letter Policies

At Tranquil Seas Therapy, LLC, we provide ESA assessments to individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Mental Health Diagnosis: You must have a diagnosed mental health condition that qualifies as a disability under the Fair Housing Act or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Established Relationship: You must be an established client in ongoing therapy (with Tranquil Seas Therapy, LLC or another provider), or a new client seeking evaluation specifically for an ESA letter.

  • Assessment: The process includes a thorough evaluation, including a review of your mental health history and symptoms. Multiple sessions are typically required to ensure clinical appropriateness.

What’s Involved in an ESA Assessment?

  1. Initial Consultation: We will discuss your interest in obtaining an ESA letter and provide informed consent for evaluation.

  2. Clinical Evaluation: Includes a review of your mental health history, diagnostic interview, and clinical judgment to establish the link between your disability and the need for an ESA.

Multi-Session Requirement: Typically a minimum of three sessions to ensure comprehensive evaluation.


Rights for Emotional Support Animals

  • Housing: Under the Fair Housing Act, ESAs can be requested as a reasonable accommodation, allowing you to live with your animal in housing that does not typically allow pets.

  • Air Travel: As of 2021, airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs under the Air Carrier Access Act. However, many airlines still allow pets for travel; consult your specific airline for their policies.

Letter Issuance

An ESA letter will only be issued if the assessment supports its necessity. Issuance is not guaranteed. The letter will include:

  • Your name and the confirmation of a qualifying disability

  • Clinical justification for the ESA’s therapeutic role

  • My professional credentials and contact information

Fees & Documentation

Standard fees apply for assessments and ESA letters.

ESA letters will be issued only after a full assessment, and no refunds are provided for assessments, regardless of whether a letter is issued.