Therapy Dog Letter Template
Reap the advantages of an ESA Dog Letter and learn how to secure emotional support through professional recommendations and legal rights.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What is an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits to individuals dealing with emotional or psychological challenges. Unlike service animals, trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, ESAs offer comfort, social interaction, and companionship through their mere presence.
The primary purpose of an emotional support animal is to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These animals can be of various species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, or even miniature horses, depending on the individual's needs and preferences for emotional disability.
To qualify for an emotional support animal, an individual typically needs a prescription or recommendation from a licensed mental health professional. This document, often in the form of an ESA letter, confirms that the person has a diagnosed mental health condition and that the presence of a service animal or an ESA is deemed beneficial for their well-being.
The role of emotional support animals goes beyond simple companionship; their calming and comforting presence can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. Individuals with ESAs often find solace in the unconditional love and support these animals provide, contributing to their emotional stability and mental well-being.
It's important to note that emotional support animals are granted certain legal protections under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act in the United States. In housing situations, landlords are generally required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with ESAs, allowing them to live with their animals even in residences with pet restrictions. Additionally, airlines are obliged to permit emotional support animals to accompany their owners during air travel.
However, the legal landscape surrounding emotional support animals has undergone changes, with some restrictions being implemented to address potential abuses of the system. Despite these challenges and limitations, the fundamental principle remains:
Emotional support animals play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, offering them companionship and therapeutic benefits as they navigate the complexities of daily life.
Printable Therapy Dog Letter Template
Download this Therapy Dog Letter Template to help clients secure emotional support animals.
Why would you need a therapy dog letter?
A therapy or service dog letter, also known as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter, is typically required for individuals seeking to have their pet designated as a therapy or emotional support animal. This letter is issued by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist. It documents the individual's need for the animal to alleviate symptoms associated with a mental health condition.
The primary reasons for obtaining a therapy dog letter include:
Emotional support
Individuals dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health disorders may benefit from the companionship and emotional support provided by a therapy dog. The letter serves as official documentation confirming the therapeutic role of the dog in the person's life.
Accommodation rights
Having a therapy dog letter can help individuals secure certain legal accommodations. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are generally required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with therapy dogs, even in residences with no-pet policies. This allows individuals to keep their therapy dogs in their homes, contributing to a more stable living environment.
Air travel accommodations
With an ESA letter, individuals may be allowed to bring their therapy dogs with them in the cabin during air travel. The Air Carrier Access Act recognizes the need for emotional support animals and permits their presence on flights, provided proper documentation is presented to the airline.
Reducing stigma
Having a therapy dog letter can help reduce the stigma associated with having a pet in places where animals might not typically be allowed. It serves as tangible evidence of the therapeutic value of the animal, emphasizing its role in supporting the individual's mental health.
It's essential to note that therapy dogs are distinct from service dogs, which undergo specialized training to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, focus on providing emotional support and comfort. While the therapy dog letter grants certain limitations and accommodations, it's crucial to be aware of the evolving legal landscape surrounding emotional support animals and to comply with relevant regulations and guidelines.
Qualifying emotional disorders for an ESA letter
Qualifying for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter typically involves having a diagnosed emotional or psychological disorder that significantly impacts your daily life. Common qualifying disorders include:
Anxiety disorders
Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder may qualify for an ESA letter. The calming presence of an emotional support animal can help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety.
Depressive disorders
Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or other depressive disorders may benefit from the companionship of an emotional support animal to provide comfort and motivation.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Trauma survivors experiencing symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance, may find emotional support animals helpful in providing a sense of security and calm.
Phobias
Severe phobias that significantly impair daily functioning may qualify for an ESA letter. Emotional support animals can offer support by providing a source of comfort and distraction.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Individuals dealing with OCD, characterized by persistent and unwanted thoughts leading to repetitive behaviors, may find emotional support animals helpful in reducing anxiety and providing a sense of routine.
Bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder, experiencing mood swings between depressive and manic states, may benefit from the emotional stability and companionship provided by an ESA.
Personality disorders
Certain personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or avoidant personality disorder, may qualify for an ESA letter if they significantly impact the individual's emotional well-being.
Stress-related disorders
Chronic stress, not necessarily tied to a specific diagnosed disorder or disability, may also be considered for an ESA letter if it impairs daily functioning.
It's important to note that qualifying for an ESA letter involves obtaining a recommendation from a licensed mental health professional. This professional will assess your specific condition and determine whether the presence of an emotional support animal is a suitable part of your treatment plan. Additionally, the laws and regulations regarding ESAs can vary, so it's crucial to understand and comply with relevant guidelines in your jurisdiction.
How to use this template
This emotional support animal letter template is designed to help you create an effective ESA letter request for your patient's housing provider or airline. Follow the steps below to create an emotional support dog letter:
Step One: Download the template
Access the free ESA letter template specific to housing by using the link provided on this page. You can also download it from the Carepatron app or the resources library.
Step Two: Fill in the required information
Fill in all fields with your patient's personal and health information. Be sure to include your name, contact information, and license number. You should also include the ESA's type, breed, and name in the letter. Sign the letter to certify that it is valid.
Step Three: Submit the letter
Submit the ESA letter to your patient's housing provider as legal documentation for their request for an emotional support dog. You can provide a printed hard copy or a digital form.
Therapy dog letter template example (sample)
This template comes with a handy prefilled sample emotional support animal letter for housing to help you better understand how to use the template for patients' ESA requests. This ESA letter sample holds fictitious information written from a therapist's perspective on behalf of a patient with anxiety. You can view the sample letter here or download the PDF as a reference.
Carepatron offers a suite of guides and resources. Here's is a link to the ESA letter template that encapsulates animals other than dogs and focuses on housing.
Download this free Therapy dog letter template example here:
Who can use this letter template?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter should be issued by a licensed mental health professional who is qualified to assess and diagnose mental health conditions. These professionals may include:
Licensed psychiatrists
Medical doctors specializing in psychiatry can evaluate and diagnose mental health disorders. They are authorized to issue ESA letters.
Licensed psychologists
Psychologists with a doctoral degree in psychology and a state license can assess mental health conditions and provide ESA letters.
Licensed therapists or counselors
Professionals such as licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, or licensed marriage and family therapists can also issue ESA letters. They must be legally recognized in their respective states.
It's important to note that online platforms and websites that offer ESA letters without a direct assessment by a licensed mental health professional are often considered questionable or even illegitimate. In many regions, a genuine ESA letter requires a thorough evaluation of the individual's mental health condition and a determination that the presence of an emotional support animal is part of an effective treatment plan.
Listed below are some key considerations to keep in mind:
In-person assessment
A legitimate ESA letter typically involves an in-person or, in some cases, a telehealth assessment where the mental health professional evaluates the individual's mental health condition and determines the need for an emotional support animal.
Valid license
The mental health professional issuing the ESA letter must have a valid and active license to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
Specific to individual needs
The ESA letter should specifically address the individual's mental health condition and explain how the presence of an emotional support animal is beneficial for their well-being.
It's important for individuals seeking an ESA letter to approach the process responsibly, ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, and seek documentation from reputable mental health professionals. Misuse of ESA letters has led to increased scrutiny, and regulations may vary, so it's crucial to be aware of the specific requirements in your area.
Why use Carepatron as your therapy software?
Are you a mental health professional searching for an efficient practice management solution? Look no further than Carepatron! Our user-friendly platform simplifies your workflow, allowing you to focus on delivering optimal care to your clients.
Equipped with practice management software features such as appointment scheduling, client notes, patient online payments software, automated reminders, secure messaging, and document management, Carepatron provides all the essentials to ensure the smooth operation of your practice. Additionally, rest assured that your data is secure and compliant with HIPAA regulations.
What's even better is our 24/7 support team, ready to assist with any questions or issues that may arise. With a design aimed at simplicity, even those less familiar with technology can quickly get started.
At Carepatron, we believe every mental health professional deserves tools to deliver quality care. Discover how Carepatron can streamline your practice—sign up today!
.png)
Commonly asked questions
A licensed mental health professional issues an ESA letter that is specific to individuals with diagnosed emotional or psychological disorders. It grants certain accommodations, such as housing and air travel benefits. On the other hand, service dog certification involves training a dog to perform specific tasks that enhance them for individuals with disabilities. Service dogs have broader access rights, including entry to public places where pets may be restricted.
While various licensed mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, can issue ESA letters, ensuring they are recognized and authorized to practice in your jurisdiction is crucial. Some states or regions may have specific requirements, and compliance with local laws is essential for the letter's validity.
ESA letters typically have an expiration date, and their validity can vary by jurisdiction. For example, ESA letters are often valid for one year in the United States. Renewal may be required to maintain legal accommodations. However, it's important to consult the specific regulations in your area, as requirements can differ. Additionally, mental health professionals may reassess the need for an ESA during renewals based on the individual's condition.
