Get Your Emotional Support Animal Letter California
Living with a mental or emotional health challenge can make everyday life even more demanding. For many in California, pets are a source of more than just companionship—they’re a lifeline. Whether it’s your dog providing emotional comfort after a panic attack or your cat providing companionship against loneliness, emotional support animals (ESAs) provide actual mental health support. But, here’s the catch: without the right documentation, your landlord or housing provider may not consider your animal a valid ESA. This is where an Emotional Support Animal Letters (ESA Letter) comes into play. ESA letters in California have to meet stringent legal guidelines in AB-468. At , we make it simple, legal and stress-free to obtain your ESA letter online.
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How to Get an ESA Letter in California (Step by Step)
1. Complete Your Evaluation
Your provider will have an evaluation for your mental health needs and decide one way or another if you need an ESA.
2. Consult A Doctor
You’ll be connected with a California-licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who will guide you through your evaluation and establish the legally required 30-day relationship.
3. Receive your ESA letter
Once you have completed the 30- day waiting period and have been approved for an ESA, you will receive a digital copy of your ESA letter. You can print it out at any time or send it to your landlord.
What Constitutes an Emotional Support Animal Letter?
An ESA letter is a document, signed and written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), which details a verifiable mental health need of an emotional support animal.
Emotional support animals do not require training as they provide therapeutic comfort based on their mere presence. The ESA letter is your official documentation indicating your need for an ESA specifically for housing accommodations.
Alaska Emotional Support Animal Letter Sample
Testimonials of ESA Owners In California
Being married for over 10 years then going through a divorce was hard, but getting Bella my dog helped me tremendously, she was my lifeline. ESA Clinic made the entire process painless, and now my landlord has accepted Bella without any additional fees.
Janie Petit
I wasn’t really sure this was going to work, but ESA Clinic connected me with a licensed therapist in California, and within weeks I had my letter! I moved into a No Pets Allowed apartment and my landlord didn’t care!
Michael Arnold
As someone with anxiety, having an ESA has made a huge difference in my life. Thanks to this online service, I got my ESA letter without any stress or long waits. It was fast, reliable, and legit.
Kenneth Hines
Why Choose ESA Clinic?
An emotional support animal is an animal that a person owns and that provides some emotional or psychological comfort to the owner. It can bring consolation, care, and healing value to people with psychological disorders. Practically any kind of pet can be approved as an ESA, whether it is a cat, bird, rat, rabbit, or any other domesticated animal. Although they are helpful to an individual, they do not come under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They do not get Trained on particular tasks or activities, these workers are there to give your cosmic balance a helping hand.
Caroline Adler, MSW, LCSW
Caroline Adler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Resilience Trainer specializing in anxiety treatment and stress management. With advanced training in evidence-based wellness techniques and HeartMath certification, she provides workshops and customized programs for professionals and organizations seeking to improve emotional resilience, enhance performance, and reduce burnout. Caroline blends practical mind-body strategies with a compassionate approach, equipping individuals and teams with tools to thrive in high-pressure environments.
Olivia Raines, MSW, LCSW
Olivia Raines earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2021. With nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, she has worked across inpatient, outpatient, residential, and case management settings. Olivia is certified in Brainspotting, a powerful method for processing trauma and unresolved experiences at a deep level. She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and safety planning to support clients in healing, growth, and sustainable personal change.
Daniela Cortez, LCSW
Daniela Cortez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience across healthcare, community services, and family advocacy. She has served clients in hospitals, community clinics, and family support programs, giving her a well-rounded perspective on care. Daniela’s approach integrates her clinical expertise with her background in program coordination and leadership, allowing her to address both individual and systemic needs. She is passionate about helping individuals strengthen resilience, navigate life challenges, and create meaningful change while supporting organizations in fostering healthier environments.
California ESA Laws You Must Know
California updated its ESA laws in 2022 with Assembly Bill 468 (AB-468). The purpose of this law was to prevent the circulation of fake ESA letters and to allow only legitimate requests.
1. California-Licensed Provider
The ESA letter must be provided by a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other LMHP who is licensed in California.
2. 30-Day Relationship
The provider has to establish a minimum of a 30-day client relationship before issuing the letter.
3. Clinical Evaluation
A clinical evaluation of your mental or emotional health must take place.
4. Letter Requirements
The letter must include:
- The provider’s license number
- The type of license and jurisdiction
- The date of issuance, and how long the letter is valid
- A statement the ESA is not a service animal
5. Misrepresentation Warning
A fine can be imposed for misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal.
The Benefits of an ESA
Emotional stability – Reduces depression, anxiety, and stress.
Companionship – Pets combat loneliness.
Improved every day functioning – An ESA provides motivation and self-esteem.
Legal peace of mind – No landlord disputes relating to pets.
Details of Your ESA Letter
- LMHP’s name and license information
- Provider’s license number, type, and jurisdiction
- Date of issue and confirmation of compliance with AB-468
- An explicit statement stating your need for an ESA
- A statement clarifying that your ESA is not a service animal
All of the above will ensure legal compliance and maximum acceptance by landlords.
Who Receives an ESA Letter in California?
ESA letters can be written for individuals who are dealing with emotional or mental health issues, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Autism
- Phobias (WebMD)
- Epilepsy (especially when it leads to mental distress)
- Panic Attacks
- Partially Blind (or Deaf) (when it includes the emotional distress)
- Other conditions, including mental or emotional ones, which seriously interfere with daily functioning
Animal Rights with an ESA Letter in California
No pet fees or deposits
Landlords may not charge you excess pet fees, deposits, or monthly pet rent.
No breed or size restrictions
Landlords may not deny your ESA because of its size or based on breed discrimination whether large dog or small cat.
Right to reasonable accommodation
Landlords must accept your ESA no matter if the building has a “no pets” policy.
Fair Housing Act Protection
You have federally protected ESA rights by way of the FHA. Your animal presents a direct safety risk. Your ESA will create a significant risk to the property.
Works for Any Housing Situation
Your ESA letter is valid regardless of the type of housing, such as an apartment, house, or condo.
Full Money-Back Guarantee
We guarantee approval at each stage; otherwise, you will receive a full refund. That is how we manage to maintain a risk-free and trustworthy environment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can write an ESA letter in California?
In California, only a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist) can write an ESA letter. They must be licensed in California and have an established therapeutic relationship with you.
How long will it take to get my ESA letter if I am in California?
You can start right away online. However, due to California law, you must have a 30-day client relationship with the provider before getting your ESA letter. Your ESA letter will be delivered within 1-2 days once you finish the 30-day relationship.
Can my landlord deny my ESA?
The landlord may only deny an ESA if the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or will cause significant property damage. If the landlord denies for something less than that, it could be considered a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
If I received an ESA letter from a provider out of state, can I still use it in California?
No, according to California law, the provider must hold a California mental health professional license under AB-468.
Is there a time limit for an ESA letter?
Yes. An ESA letter is valid for one (1) year. The client will need to re-evaluate their needs annually if they would like to maintain their housing protections.
Can a landlord charge pet rent?
No, landlords are not allowed to charge pet deposits or pet rent while the letter is still in effect.