An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a legal document written by a licensed mental health professional that states your animal provides emotional support that helps alleviate symptoms of a mental or emotional condition. It can help you qualify for housing rights under federal law—like avoiding pet fees or breed restrictions—without needing to pay a pet deposit.

Yes — all evaluations are performed by licensed U.S. mental health professionals. If approved, your letter is legally valid under federal housing and air travel laws. No bots, no shortcuts — just real clinical care.

Anyone experiencing emotional or mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or stress-related disorders may qualify. The first step is taking our free wellness assessment to help determine your eligibility.

We’ve simplified the process into 3 easy steps:

1. Take the free wellness assessment – It only takes a few minutes and helps us understand your needs.

2. Get evaluated by a licensed professional – If you qualify, your responses are reviewed by a licensed provider in your state.

3. Receive your official ESA letter – If approved, you’ll receive your ESA letter quickly—often within 24 hours.

Our free ESA assessment is designed to help determine if you may qualify for an emotional support animal. It’s the first step in the process and mirrors many of the indicators that our providers use during evaluation. There’s no obligation and no payment required to take it. 

Once you complete the assessment:

• You’ll receive an Emotional Wellness Score.

• Your responses will be reviewed by a licensed provider in your state (if you choose to continue).

• If approved, you’ll get your ESA letter, often within 24 hours.

You’re always in control—and there’s no risk thanks to our money-back guarantee.

If your provider determines that an ESA letter isn’t the right fit, you won’t be charged. Every evaluation is risk-free — no approvals, no payment.

That’s exactly why we built the free wellness assessment. It helps identify signs of emotional distress, and you’ll get insights into whether you’re a strong candidate for an ESA. You’ll also see your score right away—no guessing or pressure.

We’re more than just a form. We built a platform dedicated to helping real people access legitimate ESA support:

• Trusted, licensed providers in your state

• Transparent pricing

• Fast turnaround (as quick as 24 hours)

• Full support from a U.S.-based care team

• Coverage for any animal that qualifies—big dogs, small dogs, cats and beyond

Yes. While we’re called JustBigDogs because we love big breeds, your ESA letter can apply to any animal that provides emotional support. That includes dogs (big and small), cats, rabbits, birds, and even less common pets. As long as the animal helps support your emotional wellness and is reasonable for your living situation, it may qualify. If you’re unsure, just start the evaluation — your provider will guide you.

Yes, ESA letters are typically valid for 12 months. We’ll send you renewal reminders before your letter expires, and we offer renewal discounts to make it easy to stay covered.

ESA letters are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which means landlords must provide reasonable accommodation. However, most airlines no longer recognize ESAs under the Air Carrier Access Act—so ESA letters apply primarily to housing situations, not travel. *Some international airlines do still allow, so we recommend you check with your airline directly prior to your travel date. 

Yes. With a valid ESA letter, landlords must typically waive pet-related fees and cannot enforce breed or size restrictions, as long as the animal doesn’t pose a direct threat or cause substantial damage.

An ESA supports emotional and mental health but doesn’t require specialized training. A service animal, on the other hand, is trained to perform specific tasks for someone with a disability (such as guiding the visually impaired). ESA rights apply to housing, while service animal rights apply to both housing and public places.

If you qualify, your letter is typically issued within 24-48 hours after provider approval. Rush options are available if you need it sooner.

Yes, in some cases. If you have more than one pet that provides therapeutic benefits, your provider may include both in your ESA letter—depending on your circumstances and their professional judgment.

JustBigDogs is a platform that connects individuals with licensed mental health professionals. Your ESA letter is issued by a licensed provider in your state—not by JustBigDogs directly.