Homepage Fill in a Valid Emotional Support Animal Letter Form

Document Sample

Sample Letter from a Service Provider

[date]

Name of Professional (therapist, physician, psychiatrist, rehabilitation counselor)

XXXRoad

City, State Zip

Dear [Housing Authority/Landlord]:

[Full Name of Tenant] is my patient, and has been under my care since [date]. I am intimately familiar with his/her history and with the functional limitations imposed by his/her disability. He/She meets the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Due to mental illness, [first name] has certain limitations regarding [social interaction/coping with stress/ anxiety, etc.]. In order to help alleviate these difficulties, and to enhance his/her ability to live independently and to fully use and enjoy the dwelling unit you own and/or administer, I am prescribing an emotional support animal that will assist [first name] in coping with his/her disability.

I am familiar with the voluminous professional literature concerning the therapeutic benefits of assistance animals for people with disabilities such as that experienced by [first name]. Upon request, I will share citations to relevant studies, and would be happy to answer other questions you may have concerning my recommendation that [Full Name of Tenant] have an emotional support animal Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Name of Professional

Document Information

Fact Name Description
Definition An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a document provided by a licensed mental health professional that states an individual requires an animal for emotional support.
Legal Recognition Under the Fair Housing Act, individuals with ESA letters are allowed to have their emotional support animals in housing that may otherwise prohibit pets.
State-Specific Laws Some states have additional regulations regarding ESAs. For example, California law requires that the ESA letter be signed by a licensed mental health professional.
Validity Period ESA letters typically remain valid for one year, after which a new evaluation may be necessary to renew the letter.
Required Information The letter must include the mental health professional's license number, contact information, and a statement affirming the individual's need for the animal.
Not a Service Animal It is important to note that emotional support animals are not classified as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Emotional Support Animal Letter - Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Emotional Support Animal Letter form requires careful attention to detail. This process is essential for individuals seeking to obtain a letter that certifies the need for an emotional support animal. Follow these steps to ensure the form is completed accurately.

  1. Begin by entering your personal information at the top of the form. This includes your full name, address, and contact information.
  2. Provide the date on which you are filling out the form.
  3. Next, indicate the type of emotional support animal you are requesting a letter for. This could be a dog, cat, or another animal.
  4. In the designated section, describe your emotional or psychological condition. Be concise but thorough in explaining how this condition affects your daily life.
  5. Include any relevant medical history that supports your need for an emotional support animal. This may involve mentioning previous treatments or therapies.
  6. Sign and date the form at the bottom. Your signature confirms that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
  7. Finally, submit the completed form to the appropriate authority or organization as directed.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Emotional Support Animal Letter form, it's essential to approach the task thoughtfully. Here are seven things you should and shouldn't do to ensure a smooth process.

  • Do provide accurate information about yourself and your emotional support animal.
  • Don't exaggerate your emotional or psychological needs. Honesty is crucial.
  • Do ensure that your letter is written by a licensed mental health professional.
  • Don't submit a letter that lacks the necessary signatures or credentials.
  • Do keep a copy of the letter for your records.
  • Don't forget to check for any specific requirements your housing provider may have.
  • Do follow up with your mental health professional if you have questions or need clarification.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Emotional Support Animal Letter is completed correctly and effectively supports your needs.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Many individuals fail to provide all required details. This can include missing names, addresses, or other essential contact information. Omitting any part of the form can lead to delays or rejections.

  2. Incorrect Animal Type: Some people mistakenly indicate the wrong type of animal. It's crucial to specify the correct species and breed of the emotional support animal to ensure compliance with regulations.

  3. Lack of Supporting Documentation: A common error is not including necessary documentation. This may involve failing to attach proof of the animal's registration or medical records that substantiate the need for an emotional support animal.

  4. Not Following Format Guidelines: Some forms have specific formatting requirements. Ignoring these can result in the form being deemed invalid. Always check for any stated preferences regarding font size, spacing, and margins.

  5. Inaccurate Descriptions of Needs: When describing the emotional or psychological needs, people often provide vague or overly general statements. Clear and specific descriptions are necessary to demonstrate the necessity of the animal.

  6. Signature Issues: Failing to sign the letter or using an illegible signature is a frequent oversight. A proper signature is essential for validating the document and ensuring it is legally recognized.

  7. Not Updating Information: Some individuals submit outdated information. If there have been changes in circumstances or the condition of the animal, these should be reflected in the letter.

  8. Ignoring Legal Requirements: Many people overlook specific legal requirements related to emotional support animals. Understanding the laws in your state or local area is vital to ensure compliance and avoid complications.