What Is an Emotional Support Animal?

Published November 14, 2024  |  By Mary Patrice

Meet Bob and Doppler

I see them frequently on my daily walks around a nearby pond – both with smiles. (Yes, it’s true, dogs smile.) They are quick to engage with anyone who wants to pet the dog or speak to the human. I have only seen Bob and Doppler together, but I can’t imagine one without the other. They are a team, perhaps inseparable – and so in sync, it’s hard to tell who is walking who.

Bob and Doppler made life better after the pandemic and continue to do so. There is no hint of concern about political affiliation, no raging bias. They are simply there for anyone who wants to enjoy their company. And they don’t seem to mind those that don’t.

They are perfect examples of an Emotional Support Animal and an Emotional Support Human. (I made that last term up, but it can be fitting for some people.)

Here is some advice, (not medical of course). If you want to feel better, maybe learn more about what life is about, turn off the news. Take a walk around the park with a dog. If you don’t have a dog, just walk around. Meet some people. Meet some dogs. You might learn that there are some wonderful conflict-free, non-dangerous zones in this world.

More Information on Emotional Support Animals

There is more to learn about the subject of ESAs in general. So, let’s continue with this blog and its story.

In a few words, an Emotional Support Animal is an animal that provides therapeutic comfort, stability, emotional support, and companionship for its owner. HUD (The Department of Housing and Urban Development) refers to these animals as “support animals”.

ESAs are not considered pets under fair housing rules, so a person with a disability can ask their housing provider for a reasonable accommodation to live with their Emotional Support Animal, even where there is a “no pets” policy, and to have pet deposits waived. Since May 2026, how those requests are handled depends more on your state. Our state-by-state guide explains what applies where you live.

That’s important to know if you want to live with your ESA.

It’s also important to know that to exercise your rights, you are going to need a letter from a doctor or licensed therapist. That’s where we come in. And we really love what we do.

There are many companies out there that provide ESA letters. Many are excellent and some – well, maybe not so good. Companies that determine and document ESA eligibility are not all equal. Even HUD recognizes that with their statement.

What HUD Says About Online Documentation

Some websites sell certificates, registrations, and licensing documents to anyone who answers a few questions and pays a fee. A housing provider may ask for reliable documentation when a disability or disability-related need isn’t obvious, and an online certificate or registration, by itself, is not an evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. HUD’s 2020 guidance said this kind of internet documentation was generally not sufficient on its own. That is why every letter we issue follows a real consultation with a licensed physician.

By contrast, HUD notes that many legitimate, licensed healthcare professionals deliver services remotely, including over the internet, and that a note from a person’s own healthcare provider – someone with personal knowledge of that individual – is one reliable form of documentation.

With My ESA MD, you will always speak to a doctor before getting ESA documentation.

This isn’t a scam. It’s our passion.

And if you don’t have an Emotional Support Animal, but feel you need one, we can help point you in the right direction. Which animal you choose is ultimately up to you.