Emotional support animals (ESAs) are some of the best companions that you can have. They help with mental health disorders, and you can even have them in your home if your landlord has a no-pet policy. That said, in order to have an ESA, you need to have an ESA letter, and if you have one already, you may be curious about how long it lasts.

So, how long does an ESA letter last? In this article, we’ll answer this question and much more. Read on to learn more.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An emotional support animal is a unique animal that offers emotional support for those who need it. Many ESAs can provide deep pressure therapy (DPT) or offer comfort just by being around. People who have mental health disabilities can improve their quality of life with an emotional support animal, and with an ESA letter, you can live in apartments that don’t usually allow pets.

Emotional support animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and many types of animals can be ESAs. The most common examples include cats, dogs, fish, and other small rodents. However, birds, reptiles, and other animals can also be ESAs if they’re approved by your licensed mental health professional and don’t damage a landlord’s property.

What Is an ESA Letter?

An emotional support animal (ESA) letter is a document that explains why you need an emotional support animal in your home. These letters need to be signed by a licensed mental health professional in order to be valid. Additionally, the licensed professional needs to have a license in the state where they plan on living with the ESA.

ESA letters also need to include information about you, your animal, and the mental health condition the animal is addressing.

How Do You Get an ESA Letter?

Getting an ESA letter isn’t challenging, and you have a few options. That said, the best way to get an ESA letter is to use a reputable online provider.

Getting the best ESA letter online is easy when you work with platforms that connect you with licensed mental health professionals in your state who fully understand the ESA letter process. All you need to do is provide information about yourself, your pet, and your mental health condition to get started.

From there, you can schedule a call with a licensed mental health professional who will help you get an ESA letter. When working with the best platforms, you don’t have to worry about the ESA letter containing the wrong information or missing anything.

Still, if you have a therapist you work with already or another type of licensed mental health professional, then there’s nothing wrong with getting an ESA letter from them.

How Much Does an ESA Letter Cost?

An ESA letter can cost around $100 to $200 if you get an ESA letter online. If you work with a therapist, you’ll have to spend more because you’ll have to go through multiple sessions before you can get an ESA letter. However, if you have insurance, you may get lucky, and it might be included in the cost.

Overall, expect to spend around $100 to $150 online and around $250 to $500 for in-person ESA appointments.

How Long Does an ESA Letter Last?

ESA letters don’t have an expiration date, and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) doesn’t have any guidelines for how often they need to be renewed. While there are no expiration dates, some landlords may request updated copies of the letter.

It’s also important to note that if you change doctors or introduce a new emotional support animal into the mix, you should consider a new ESA letter. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should have your letter updated annually for the best results.

When Should You Get a New ESA Letter?

You should only get a new ESA letter if your licensed mental health professional recommends that you need a new one. It’s also a good idea to get a new ESA letter if you plan on adding another ESA to your home. This is because you’ll need the letter to include information about both emotional support animals. If your ESA passes away, you’ll also need a new ESA letter if you adopt a new pet.

Stay on Top of Your ESA Letter

ESA letters don’t have a set expiration date, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t renew them. Landlords may ask for annual updates, and you may need another ESA letter if you plan on adopting another ESA or if your ESA passes away. If you’re ever in doubt, you can always ask your licensed mental health professional for more advice.