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Sample Letter from a Service Provider

[date]

Name of Professional (therapist, physician, psychiatrist, rehabilitation counselor)

XXXRoad

City, State Zip

Dear [Housing Authority/Landlord]:

[Full Name of Tenant] is my patient, and has been under my care since [date]. I am intimately familiar with his/her history and with the functional limitations imposed by his/her disability. He/She meets the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Due to mental illness, [first name] has certain limitations regarding [social interaction/coping with stress/ anxiety, etc.]. In order to help alleviate these difficulties, and to enhance his/her ability to live independently and to fully use and enjoy the dwelling unit you own and/or administer, I am prescribing an emotional support animal that will assist [first name] in coping with his/her disability.

I am familiar with the voluminous professional literature concerning the therapeutic benefits of assistance animals for people with disabilities such as that experienced by [first name]. Upon request, I will share citations to relevant studies, and would be happy to answer other questions you may have concerning my recommendation that [Full Name of Tenant] have an emotional support animal Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Name of Professional

Common mistakes

When filling out the Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter form, many individuals encounter common pitfalls that can lead to complications. One frequent mistake is providing insufficient information about the individual’s emotional or psychological condition. It is essential to clearly articulate how the animal alleviates symptoms and contributes to the person’s well-being. Without this context, the letter may lack the necessary depth to be considered valid.

Another mistake is failing to include the required professional credentials of the mental health provider. The letter should clearly state the provider's qualifications, including their license number and type. Omitting this information can raise questions about the legitimacy of the letter and its effectiveness in supporting an ESA request.

Additionally, some individuals neglect to specify the type of animal they wish to have as an emotional support companion. It is crucial to indicate whether the animal is a dog, cat, or another species, as this detail helps clarify the request. A vague description can lead to misunderstandings and potential denial of the ESA request.

People also often overlook the importance of the date on the letter. An outdated letter may not be accepted by housing providers or airlines. Ensuring that the letter is current and reflects the ongoing need for an emotional support animal is vital for its acceptance.

Moreover, some individuals fail to sign the letter or have it signed by the mental health professional. A signature serves as a verification of authenticity and intent. Without it, the letter may be deemed invalid, causing delays in securing the necessary accommodations.

Another common error involves not keeping a copy of the submitted letter. Retaining a personal copy is essential for reference and to address any future issues that may arise. Without documentation, it becomes challenging to prove the legitimacy of the request.

Finally, many individuals do not follow up with their mental health provider after submitting the letter. Communication is key in ensuring that any additional information or clarification needed by housing authorities or airlines is promptly addressed. Staying proactive can help prevent misunderstandings and facilitate a smoother process.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Emotional Support Animal Letter form, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Below are eight things to keep in mind:

  • Do provide accurate and truthful information about your mental health condition.
  • Do ensure the letter is written on a licensed mental health professional's letterhead.
  • Do include specific details about how the emotional support animal assists you.
  • Do keep a copy of the letter for your records.
  • Don't exaggerate your need for an emotional support animal.
  • Don't use a template letter without personalizing it to your situation.
  • Don't forget to check for spelling and grammatical errors before submission.
  • Don't submit the form without confirming that all required sections are completed.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your Emotional Support Animal Letter is effective and meets the necessary requirements.

Similar forms

  • Service Animal Letter: This document certifies that an individual requires a service animal to assist with a disability. Like the Emotional Support Animal Letter, it outlines the necessity of the animal for the person's well-being.
  • Therapy Animal Letter: Similar to the Emotional Support Animal Letter, this document indicates that an individual benefits from the companionship of a therapy animal. It emphasizes emotional support but may not provide the same legal protections.
  • Pet Prescription Letter: This letter is issued by a licensed mental health professional, stating that a pet is essential for the owner's emotional health. It shares the purpose of providing emotional support but may not be recognized under housing laws.
  • Disability Verification Letter: This document confirms that an individual has a recognized disability. It can be used in conjunction with an Emotional Support Animal Letter to establish the need for an animal for emotional support.
  • Housing Accommodation Request: This request is made to landlords or housing authorities for permission to have an emotional support animal. It often accompanies the Emotional Support Animal Letter to explain the need for the animal in a housing situation.
  • Medical Necessity Letter: Issued by a healthcare provider, this letter outlines the medical necessity of having an emotional support animal. It serves a similar function in validating the need for emotional support.
  • Mental Health Treatment Plan: This document details a patient's mental health treatment, including the role of an emotional support animal. It aligns with the Emotional Support Animal Letter by highlighting the importance of the animal in the treatment process.
  • Accommodations for Emotional Support Animals: This letter is used to request specific accommodations for an emotional support animal in various settings. It parallels the Emotional Support Animal Letter by emphasizing the need for support in different environments.