Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) play a vital role in the lives of many individuals who struggle with emotional or mental health issues. These animals provide companionship, comfort, and support to their owners, helping them navigate through their daily challenges. However, not everyone is eligible to have an ESA, as specific criteria must be met. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for an ESA or not, take this quiz to find out.

This quiz will help you determine if you meet the necessary requirements to have an ESA. It will assess various factors such as your current emotional or mental health condition, its impact on your daily life, and whether an ESA would benefit your well-being. By answering a series of questions honestly, you’ll better understand whether an ESA is a suitable option for you.

Remember, this quiz is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Suppose you believe an ESA would be beneficial for your mental health. In that case, it’s essential to consult with a licensed mental health professional who can guide you through obtaining an ESA letter.

Understanding Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort and support to individuals with emotional or mental health conditions. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, ESAs do not require any specialized training.

The primary function of an ESA is to provide companionship and alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Emotional support animal laws vary from country to country, even within different states or regions. In the United States, for example, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) allows individuals with disabilities to keep an ESA in their housing, even with pet restrictions. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) also permits individuals to travel with their ESAs in an aircraft cabin. However, it’s important to note that certain requirements and documentation are needed to qualify for these protections under the law.

Different types of animals can be registered as ESAs, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even miniature horses. The choice of animal depends on the individual’s preferences and needs. For example, dogs are commonly chosen as ESAs due to their loyal and affectionate nature. Cats, on the other hand, can provide a calming presence and help reduce stress. It’s important to choose an animal with which you have a strong bond and that can effectively help with your emotional well-being.

Which Emotional Support Animals Are Allowed on Airplanes?

Airline policies on emotional support animals have changed in recent years. While the Air Carrier Access Act used to allow more flexibility, most major airlines now treat ESAs like regular pets and have their own rules. Here’s what you should know:

• Only small pets allowed: Most airlines only allow small dogs or cats that can fit in a carrier under the seat. Larger animals and unusual ESAs, like miniature horses, are usually not permitted.
• Well-behaved animals only: Your ESA must be calm, quiet, and non-disruptive throughout the flight.
• You may need documentation: Some airlines may request a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
• Always check ahead: Policies vary by airline, so contact them in advance. Delta, United, and American Airlines may each have their own rules.

To avoid travel issues, confirm everything with your airline before you fly.

What to Do If Your Airline Doesn’t Accept Emotional Support Animals

Many airlines no longer accept emotional support animals under their ESA policies. If you’re planning to fly, here’s what you can do:

Check With the Airline First
Contact your airline directly to ask about their current rules for ESAs. Some may still allow them with an ESA letter, but most now treat ESAs as regular pets.

Prepare for Pet Travel
If ESAs aren’t accepted, your animal may need to travel as a pet. That usually means keeping them in a carrier under the seat, following size and crate rules, and paying a pet travel fee. Make sure to review your airline’s pet policy before booking.

Consider Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) Options
If your ESA is a dog and you have a qualifying mental health condition, you may be eligible to classify your dog as a psychiatric service dog. PSDs are allowed in airplane cabins under the Air Carrier Access Act—but only if the dog is trained to perform specific tasks related to your condition and behaves well in public. You’re allowed to self-train, but the training must meet service dog standards.

Taking these steps can help you stay compliant with airline rules while still traveling with the support you need.

Is There an Official Certification or Registration for ESAs?

There’s a lot of confusion online around ESA “certification” or “registration,” but the truth is, there’s no official government registry or certification required to make your pet an Emotional Support Animal in the U.S. Despite what some websites may claim, terms like ESA certification or registration are often misleading.

The only legitimate way to designate an animal as an ESA is by getting an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) after a proper mental health evaluation. If your provider believes an ESA can help with your condition, they’ll issue a letter explaining your need for emotional support. This letter is what gives you rights under laws like the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act.

Be cautious with websites offering instant ESA certificates or registry numbers without any evaluation—these are often not accepted by landlords or airlines. To ensure your ESA letter is valid, always go through a licensed professional.

Where Can You Get an Emotional Support Animal?

Emotional support animals can come from many of the same places as regular pets. Once you have your ESA letter, here are a few common ways to find the right companion:

• Animal shelters or rescues: A great place to adopt and give a second chance to a pet in need.
• Reputable breeders: Useful if you’re looking for specific traits, sizes, or allergy-friendly breeds.
• Pet stores: Be cautious here—make sure they follow ethical, humane practices.
• Friends or family: Sometimes a trusted connection has a pet that needs rehoming or a litter to adopt from.

No matter the source, the most important thing is choosing an animal that fits your lifestyle and provides the comfort and support you’re looking for.

Determining Your Eligibility for an ESA

Assessing your eligibility for an ESA involves determining if you meet the necessary criteria and could potentially receive the emotional support you need.

There are legal requirements that must be met in order to qualify for an ESA. In the United States, for example, you must have a diagnosed emotional or mental health condition that significantly impacts your daily life. This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or phobias.

In addition to meeting the legal requirements, it’s important to understand the different types of emotional disabilities that may qualify for an ESA. These can vary widely and may include conditions such as panic disorder, bipolar disorder, or social anxiety disorder.

Benefits of Having an ESA

Imagine all the benefits you’ll experience by having an ESA. Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide valuable companionship and emotional support to individuals struggling with mental health issues.

It’s important to note that ESAs are different from therapy animals. While therapy animals are trained to provide therapy to multiple individuals, ESAs are specifically designated to provide support to one individual. This means that an ESA can always be with you, offering comfort and emotional stability when you need it most.

The impact of emotional support animals on mental health is significant. Research has shown that having an ESA can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. They can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, as individuals have to care for their ESA’s physical and emotional needs. This can help individuals establish a routine and feel a sense of companionship, which in turn can improve their overall mental well-being.

Furthermore, emotional support animals can also help individuals with socialization. They can serve as a conversation starter and help individuals feel more comfortable in social settings. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with social anxiety or other social difficulties.

How to Find the Right Emotional Support Dog

If you’ve qualified for an ESA and want to get a dog, there are a few good paths to consider:

Adopt from a Shelter
Rescuing a dog from a shelter is a great option. Adoption is usually more affordable, and shelters often provide health checks and vaccinations. You’ll also have a wide variety of breeds, ages, and temperaments to choose from, helping you find a dog that matches your emotional support needs.

Work with a Reputable Breeder
If you have specific requirements like size, temperament, or allergy sensitivity, you may want to connect with a responsible breeder. Look for ethical breeders who offer transparency about health records and prioritize the well-being of their dogs.

Adopt from Friends or Family
Sometimes a friend or family member may need to rehome a dog or has puppies available. This can make for a smoother transition, since you may already know the dog’s personality and history.

What to Avoid
Stay away from puppy mills or backyard breeders. These sources often prioritize profit over health and may produce dogs with behavioral or medical issues.

Take your time, do your research, and choose a companion who fits your lifestyle and emotional needs.

What Is a Psychiatric Service Dog, and Who Can Get One?

A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is different from an emotional support animal. While ESAs provide comfort through companionship, a PSD is trained to perform specific tasks that help manage a diagnosed mental health condition, like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Examples of PSD tasks include:

• Interrupting panic attacks
• Providing grounding during flashbacks
• Reminding their handler to take medication

To qualify for a psychiatric service dog, you must:

• Have a diagnosed mental health disability that significantly affects your daily life
• Need a dog trained to perform tasks that directly assist with that condition

Unlike ESAs, PSDs are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This gives them broader public access rights, including entry into most places where pets aren’t allowed, such as restaurants, planes, and workplaces.

Training can be done by a professional or by the owner, but the dog must reliably perform tasks that support your condition. If you think a PSD might be right for you, speak with a licensed mental health professional to explore the next steps.

Do You Need a Letter for a Service Dog?

Unlike emotional support animals, service dogs usually don’t require a letter from a doctor. Their public access rights are granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) based on the tasks they’re trained to perform, not on documentation.

Here’s how it works in different settings:

• Public places: You don’t need to show paperwork. Businesses may only ask if your dog is required because of a disability, and what task they’re trained to perform.
• Air travel: Most airlines will ask you to complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) form confirming your dog’s training and behavior. A letter from a doctor is not required.
• Housing: Under the Fair Housing Act, you can live with a service dog even in no-pet housing. If your disability isn’t obvious, landlords may ask for simple documentation from a healthcare provider, but not a formal prescription or ESA-style letter.

The key difference: service dogs must be trained to perform specific tasks, and that training, not paperwork, is what protects your access rights.

Responsibilities of ESA Owners

One of the key responsibilities of an ESA owner is ensuring that their animal is properly trained. While ESAs don’t require specialized training like service animals, it’s still vital for them to have basic obedience training. This helps ensure they’re well-behaved and can handle different situations and environments. Additionally, training can help ESA owners establish a strong bond with their animal and improve their overall well-being.

Another responsibility of ESA owners is understanding their public access rights. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t have the same level of public access rights. However, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), ESA owners can have their animals in housing that otherwise doesn’t permit pets. This includes rental properties and housing communities. It’s important for ESA owners to be familiar with their rights under the FHA and to communicate with their landlords or housing providers about their ESA.

What Landlords Can and Can’t Do When You Present an ESA Letter

If you provide a valid ESA letter to your landlord, here’s what they’re legally allowed, and not allowed, to do:

What landlords can do:

• Ask to see your ESA letter to verify that you qualify for an emotional support animal.
• Confirm your eligibility by asking if you have a qualifying mental or emotional disability (but not the specific diagnosis).
• Ask how your ESA helps, in a general sense, such as whether the animal assists with symptoms related to your condition.
• Verify your letter by contacting the licensed mental health professional who issued it. They can only confirm its authenticity and your provider relationship—not details about your diagnosis or treatment.

What landlords can’t do:

• Demand details about your medical condition or history
• Require your ESA to have specialized training
• Charge pet fees or deposits that would normally apply to pets

These protections exist under the Fair Housing Act to help ensure that individuals with emotional or mental health needs have equal access to housing without unnecessary barriers.

How to Obtain an ESA Letter

The process of getting an ESA letter typically involves several steps. First, you’ll need to determine if you qualify for an ESA. This typically involves having a mental or emotional disability that’s recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Additionally, you must have a verifiable need for an ESA to alleviate symptoms of your disability.

Once you’ve determined that you meet the qualifications, you’ll need to find a licensed mental health professional to provide you with an ESA letter. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or other qualified professional. Ensuring that the professional you choose is licensed and experienced in providing ESA letters is important.

During your appointment with the mental health professional, they’ll assess your condition and determine if an ESA would benefit you. If they believe an ESA would be helpful, they’ll provide you with an ESA letter. This letter should include their professional opinion that you have a disability and that an ESA would assist in managing your symptoms.

Steps to Get an ESA Letter Through Telehealth

Getting an ESA letter online through telehealth is a simple process you can complete from home. Here’s how it usually works:

Fill Out an Online Assessment
Start by answering a few questions about your mental health. This helps the licensed mental health professional understand your symptoms and decide whether an ESA could be helpful.

Schedule a Virtual Appointment
Once you complete the assessment, you’ll book a phone or video consultation with a licensed professional.

Review and Sign Consent Forms
Before the session, you might be asked to sign basic intake and consent forms, which are standard for legal and ethical compliance.

Have Your Telehealth Session
During your appointment, the clinician will evaluate your situation and determine if you qualify for an ESA letter.

Get Your ESA Letter
If approved, you’ll usually receive your ESA letter digitally—sometimes within just 24 hours.

This process removes a lot of the guesswork and makes getting help more accessible, wherever you are.

How to Get an Emotional Support Cat

Cats can make wonderful emotional support animals. Their quiet, calming nature and affectionate companionship are especially comforting for people dealing with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.

To make your cat an official ESA, the first step is to consult with a licensed mental health professional. They’ll evaluate your mental health and, if they determine that a cat could help manage your symptoms, they’ll issue a valid ESA letter. This letter is what gives you certain legal protections under laws like the Fair Housing Act.

If you already own a cat, great news—you don’t need a specific breed or temperament. Your current cat can become your ESA with the proper documentation. If you’re looking to adopt, consider visiting a local animal shelter or asking around for available kittens. Finding a cat that matches your lifestyle and energy can help strengthen your emotional bond.

The key step is getting a legitimate ESA letter. Once you have it, your cat can officially support your emotional well-being in everyday life.

What to Watch Out for When Getting an ESA Letter

There are many websites claiming to offer quick ESA approval—but not all of them are legitimate. Here’s how to avoid scams and get a valid ESA letter that actually protects your rights:

• Avoid instant certifications
  There’s no official registry or certification for emotional support animals in the U.S. If a site offers to “register” your ESA for a fee, it’s not legit—and won’t be accepted under the Fair Housing Act.
• Work with licensed professionals
  A real ESA letter must come from a licensed mental health professional after a proper evaluation—either in person, by phone, or over video. Always check the provider’s credentials and make sure they’re licensed in your state.
• Look for personalized letters
  Valid ESA letters mention your specific need for emotional support and include your provider’s licensing details. Be cautious of generic templates that don’t mention your condition or provider info.
• Skip “guaranteed approval” sites
  No ethical provider can promise everyone will qualify. Your eligibility should depend on a real mental health evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all quiz.

Taking a little time to verify your provider and process can save you a lot of stress later—and help you get the real support you need.

Do You Need an Existing Relationship With a Mental Health Professional?

You don’t need to be an existing patient to get an ESA letter. While it can help if your therapist or counselor already knows your history, it’s not a requirement.

What matters most is that you have a live consultation—whether in person, by phone, or over video—with a licensed mental health professional. They’ll evaluate your mental health and determine if an emotional support animal would benefit your emotional well-being.

As long as the provider is licensed in your state and qualified to assess mental health, they can issue a valid ESA letter, even if it’s your first session with them.

Quiz: Do You Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

1. Understanding ESAs:
   • Which of the following best describes an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)? a) A pet that provides companionship b) A trained animal that assists people with disabilities c) An animal that provides emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions d) A wild animal kept for emotional support
2. Legal Requirements:
   • What is a necessary legal requirement to qualify for an ESA in the United States? a) Owning a pet for more than five years b) Having a diagnosed emotional or mental health condition that significantly impacts daily life c) Applying for a permit d) Owning a house with a backyard
3. Choosing an ESA:
   • What is an essential factor to consider when choosing an ESA? a) The animal’s color b) The animal’s ability to perform tricks c) Your personal bond with the animal d) The animal’s age
4. Benefits of Having an ESA:
   • How can having an ESA impact your mental health? a) It can increase feelings of anxiety b) It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress c) It has no impact on mental health d) It can make mental health conditions worse
5. Responsibilities of ESA Owners:
   • What is a key responsibility of an ESA owner? a) Providing specialized training for the animal b) Ensuring the animal has basic obedience training c) Teaching the animal to perform tasks for disabilities d) Ensuring the animal is always kept outdoors
6. ESA Letters:
   • Who can provide you with an ESA letter? a) Any pet owner b) A licensed mental health professional c) A friend or family member d) An animal trainer
7. Making the Decision:
   • Before deciding on getting an ESA, what is a crucial step to take? a) Buying an animal on impulse b) Consulting with a licensed mental health professional c) Taking an online quiz d) Asking a friend for advice

Answer Key:

1. c) An animal that provides emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions
2. b) Having a diagnosed emotional or mental health condition that significantly impacts daily life
3. c) Your personal bond with the animal
4. b) It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress
5. b) Ensuring the animal has basic obedience training
6. b) A licensed mental health professional
7. b) Consulting with a licensed mental health professional

Interpretation of Results:

• If you answered 5-7 questions correctly, you understand ESAs and the requirements for obtaining one.
• If you answered 3-4 questions correctly, you have a basic understanding but might need to do some more research or consult with a professional.
• If you answered less than 3 questions correctly, seeking more information and consulting with a mental health professional is recommended to understand ESAs better and determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions