Travel can be a stressful endeavour, whether it’s for leisure or business, particularly if you depend on your emotional support animal for comfort. While emotional support animals receive some level of protection for housing, how does this apply to short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb)? Are you able to bring your emotional support animal to your short-term rental without paying any additional fees or facing issues?
The answer is yes, assuming you have a legitimate ESA letter. In this guide, we will walk you through how to obtain an ESA letter for Airbnb, including what an ESA letter is and how ESAClinic makes the process quick and professional.
What is an ESA Letter?
An ESA letter (Emotional Support Animal letter) is a legitimate document that is created by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or licensed social worker. This letter acknowledges that you have a mental or emotional health condition that qualifies for emotional support, and the emotional support animal is part of the treatment plan.
Think of it like your prescription for emotional support! Just like a prescription helps one manage a physical or mental health condition, an ESA is a very important aspect of treatment to help maintain emotional well-being.
Without a bona fide ESA letter, your pet will be treated like any other animal, which means that Airbnb hosts are not obligated to accommodate your pet.
Why You Might Need an ESA Letter for Airbnb
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) allows ESAs to be housed in rental housing, but short-term rental sites like Airbnb are contractual relationships between you and the host. The host can have any rule about pets, but some hosts will accommodate an ESA if you present proper documentation.
An ESA letter:
- Justifies your need for emotional support
- Conveys legitimacy to Airbnb hosts
- Allows you to avoid pet fees in some cases
- Provides you with the comfort that your animal is recognised as an emotional support animal
If you do not have an ESA letter yet, ESAClinic is a fast and reliable way to receive a letter from a licensed professional.
Steps to Get an ESA Letter for Airbnb
Obtaining an ESA letter for Airbnb is easier than you may think. Here’s a checklist to follow:
- Assess Your Need
Before you apply for an ESA, you should think about your emotional or mental health needs. Some common qualifying conditions are:- Anxiety or panic disorder
- Depression
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- Bipolar disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
A licensed professional will help assess your condition to determine if an ESA is appropriate.
- Locate a Licensed Mental Health Professional
It is important to obtain your ESA letter from a licensed professional. Some Airbnb hosts will not accept just anything as proof for your ESA. For example, ESAClinic offers a way to connect you with licensed providers who will evaluate you online. - Complete an Evaluation Online
Numerous clinics, such as ESAClinic, will allow you to do the assessment online from home. You will answer questions about your mental health, what difficulties you have daily, and the role your animal plays in your care. - Get Your ESA Letter
When the licensed professional reviews your questionnaire, they will provide you with a completed, signed, dated, and official ESA letter. You will use this letter when you communicate that you have an ESA for an Airbnb stay. - Show your letter to the Airbnb Host
During the booking process, you will inform the host that you have a genuine ESA, and you will provide the ESA letter as proof. It’s important to mention that, depending on the property, hosts aren’t legally required to accept ESAs. However, if you provide the professional documentation, most will follow your request.
What Should Your ESA Letter Include?
A proper ESA letter will most likely have the following elements: your mental health professional’s name, prescribing (license) number, and signature; the date; an indication that you have a qualifying emotional or mental health condition; and a recommendation for an emotional support animal as part of treatment, contact information for the mental health professional so that an Airbnb host can verify, if needed. These issues will often be viewed by Airbnb hosts as assurance of your need. All of this is covered with the ESA letter prepared by ESAClinic.
Tips for Travelling to an Airbnb with Your ESA
Though you have a proper ESA letter, if you adhere to these tips, you will likely enjoy the experience:
- Notify the Host in Advance – Always let the host know your intention at the time you booked. You can include a copy of the ESA letter and describe how the emotional support animal helps you and what it does for you.
- Respect the Rules of the House – Keep in mind that the host may or may not allow pets. If the host has pet-related restrictions, follow the house rules so that goodwill is maintained.
- Bring Necessities and Food that the ESA Already Uses – Pack your pet’s food, bedding, and toys. A prepared ESA is a happy ESA and creates a better impression on your host.
- Cleaning Up Your ESA’s Waste – Candidly, be responsible for cleaning up your ESA’s waste. Good hosts appreciate thoughtful guests.
Following these tips increases your likelihood of approval and improves your experience.
ESA vs. Service Animals for Travel
Understanding the distinction between emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals is vital:
- Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities and are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
- Emotional support animals provide comfort and emotional support, but do not require any training, although they are recognised under some guidelines for housing and travel.
For Airbnb, you will leverage an ESA letter to establish legitimacy, as service animals have more protections under the law.
Why Use ESA Clinic?
An ESA letter through ESAClinic has many advantages:
- Legitimacy – A registered mental health professional issues all letters.
- Convenience – 100% of the evaluation is online, and you “normally” receive fast approval.
- Privacy – All evaluations are confidential and secure.
- Support – ESAClinic will guide you with any questions or concerns about using your ESA letter for Airbnb or housing.
- Affordability – More economical than going to a brick-and-mortar clinic.
By using their proven template at the ESA Clinic, you will have peace of mind knowing that your letter will be received with seriousness and respect from the Airbnb host.
FAQs
Can Airbnb hosts deny an ESA?
While hosts are private parties and can technically enforce their own policies, substantiating a legitimate ESA letter will likely give with a much better chance of being given approval. Many hosts will give a courtesy to your letter.
Do I need to renew my ESA Letter after travel?
Yes, as ESA letters are generally good for 12 months, it is a good idea to renew them on an annual basis if you want to be sure it is up to date.
Can my ESA letter be a digital document?
Yes, but most hosts will state they only accept the letter AFTER it’s been signed by your provider, and it should be verifiable. ESAClinic provides this format of letter.
Do I need to register my ESA?
No. There is no official federal ESA registry. A letter provided by a licensed professional is enough.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with an emotional support animal can bring less stress and more enjoyment to any trip, but having a legit ESA letter is crucial. It is even more important for things like Airbnb travel.
From proving you need it to showing the letter to hosts, it’s pretty easy as long as it’s done correctly. ESAClinic has taken the work out of securing valid, licensed ESA letters online so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
If you’re planning your next trip and want to ensure your ESA is accepted, don’t delay; start the ESA letter process today at ESAClinic. Your companion deserves recognition for just how supportive they are, and you deserve to enjoy your travels without any unnecessary worry!
