Loading...
HIPAA Compliant
Official ESA Documentation
100% Risk Free Guarantee
FHA Compliant
Licensed Medical Doctor

How It Works

How to Get an ESA Letter for Housing

We keep the process simple, straightforward, and supportive from start to finish.

1

Book Your Appointment

Choose a same-day telehealth appointment and complete the intake process.

2

Speak With a Licensed MD

A physician evaluates whether an emotional support animal letter is clinically appropriate for your needs.

3

Receive Your Letter

If approved, most patients receive their ESA housing letter the same day with no rush fee.

Wondering if an ESA may be right for you?

Take the 2–3 Minute ESA Pre-Screen

This short check-in can help you decide whether it may be worth speaking with a licensed physician about an Emotional Support Animal for housing support. Your responses are private and used only to guide next steps.

No email required • No “instant approval” • Educational screening only
Welcome

If you feel that an emotional support animal’s company could make difficult days easier, this short check-in can help you decide whether it makes sense to speak with a licensed physician. Ready to begin?

1) Over the past 6–12 months…
2) Diagnosis or significant symptoms
3) Impact on daily functioning
0 = Barely notice 5 10 = Really interferes
4) Living situation
5) Does a pet help?
6) Pet type
7) Location
Licensing availability varies by state. If you are outside our current service area, we may still be able to point you toward trustworthy next steps.

Your Results

This pre-screen is educational and not a medical diagnosis or guarantee of qualification. A licensed physician can determine whether an ESA letter is clinically appropriate after an evaluation.

If you are in immediate danger or thinking about self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Wonder if you qualify for an ESA letter?

Talk to a doctor today!

Many people living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions don’t realize they may be able to request a housing accommodation for their emotional support animal. Please call us today and find out if you are eligible to get a letter for YOUR ESA!

Elderly man holding his emotional support cat

Senior Citizens

Many seniors living in senior communities or assisted living are eligible to have an ESA.

Read More
Girl hugging her emotional support labradoodle on a park bench

Children

Children can often benefit from Emotional Support Animals in many ways.

Read More
College student studying at a computer and biting her pencil

Students

College can be a stressful time for many students. An Emotional Support Animal may help.

Read More
Illustration of a person inside a green circle on a blue background

Anyone

People from all walks of life have improved their lives with ESAs. Learn if you are a candidate.

Read More

FAQ

A Few Frequently Asked Questions

We know getting an ESA letter can raise a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones we hear from our patients!

An ESA letter is a document written by a licensed healthcare provider recommending an emotional support animal to help alleviate suffering for an individual who has an emotional or mental disability such as PTSD or anxiety. At My ESA MD, all our letters are written by licensed MDs.

If a person has a legitimate letter of recommendation for an ESA from a doctor or mental health professional, they are typically allowed to keep their ESA with them even if there are “no pet” policies where they live (in most situations). Depending on their state, it may also help them ask that pet rent and pet fees be waived.

Many landlords do, but since 2026 it depends more on where you live. In May 2026, HUD changed how its federal enforcement office handles complaints about untrained emotional support animals. The Fair Housing Act itself didn't change, and many states have their own laws protecting ESAs. Our state-by-state guide explains what applies in your state, and we're always happy to walk you through it.

If your landlord has concerns about your letter, our staff and doctor will reach out to them directly and advocate for you. If they still refuse after we've had that chance, and there's documented correspondence showing it, you'll receive a full refund. See the full details here.

At My ESA MD, most letters are issued the same day, often within an hour after your consultation with the doctor. (California residents with dogs follow a 30-day process required by state law.)

If our doctor determines that you do not qualify for an ESA, you will receive a full refund, no questions asked.
Woman holding her dog in the sunset

There is hope!

If you are at risk of having to surrender your pet to an animal shelter or face homelessness due to no-pet policies, contact us today!

People who are suffering from emotional or mental disabilities often greatly benefit from the presence of their emotional support animal. That need is real, and the 2026 changes didn’t erase it. Depending on your state and your type of housing, you may still be able to request a reasonable accommodation to live with your emotional support animal, even where there’s a “no pets” policy, and to ask that pet fees be waived. Our state-by-state guide explains the protections where you live.

To make that request, you’ll usually need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider who has evaluated your need for the animal. Listed below are just a few of the disabilities someone might have if they qualify for a letter stating they need an ESA:

Anxiety

PTSD

Depression

Contact Us Now!

Why Choose Us

Get Your ESA Letter Within Just a Few Hours — No Extra Charge

Some companies may charge an extra fee to get their patients their ESA letter within 24 hours or don’t have a same-day option at all. At My ESA MD, most of our patients get their letter the same day, with no extra fee. It’s just what we do.

Emotional support turtle with its owner

How It Works

We walk you through the process step by step—from questionnaire to telehealth visit to letter in hand.

Australian Shepherd emotional support puppy with its person

Get Your Letter

Most patients receive their ESA housing letter the same day—no rush fees and no memberships.

Emotional support chicken being held by its owner

Who Qualifies?

If you don’t qualify for an ESA, we will give you a full refund—no questions asked.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Are Saying

Meet Our Team

Meet the Family Behind My ESA MD

Real people. Real support. A small family-run practice built around helping patients navigate ESA housing documentation with clarity and care.

Portrait of Dr. Rick Rieser, MD

Rick Rieser, MD

Medical Director, Lead Physician

Portrait of Ms. Mary

Mary

Marketing Director, Retired RN

Portrait of Joscelyn

Joscelyn

Co-Founder and Office Director

Portrait of Matt

Matt

Patient Services Director

Our Blog

Helpful Articles About ESA Letters and Housing

Explore educational resources about emotional support animals, housing questions, and common situations patients face.

Mom and daughter walking their emotional support dog on a path

APRIL 7, 2025

Vitamin D and Emotional Support Animals

How they are connected and what the science says. Mental health is often influenced by lifestyle, sunlight, and our relationship with animals.

Read More
Woman sitting on a couch with her emotional support dog

MARCH 4, 2025

More Than Just an ESA Letter

An ESA letter is more than paperwork. It can help protect a meaningful support bond and support housing stability.

Read More
Young girl holding her emotional support puppy

July 3, 2026

Emotional Support Animals on the Fourth of July

Let’s talk about how our ESAs support us on the Fourth of July this year and how we can support them too!

Read More