“Sometimes the most profound healing doesn’t come from words or medicine, but from the quiet, steady presence of an animal by your side.”
What Is an ESA Evaluation?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluation is a clinical assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to determine whether an individual qualifies for an Emotional Support Animal under federal guidelines. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks, ESAs provide comfort and emotional stability through their presence and companionship.
Purpose of an ESA Evaluation
The primary purpose of an ESA evaluation is to assess whether the presence of an animal provides significant emotional benefit to someone with a mental health condition. If clinically appropriate, the provider may issue an ESA letter as documentation.
This letter is most often used to:
Request reasonable accommodations in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA)—such as waiving pet restrictions, deposits, or breed limitations
Please Note: Emotional Support Animals are no longer recognized under the Air Carrier Access Act for air travel accommodations. Airlines are not required to accept ESAs, and most have discontinued doing so. Only psychiatric service dogs (with proper documentation and training) may qualify.
Why Might Someone Seek an ESA Evaluation?
Individuals may consider an ESA evaluation if they:
Experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic disorder, or other mental health conditions
Notice a meaningful improvement in emotional regulation or stress relief in the presence of their animal
Need official documentation to request housing accommodations due to their mental health needs
An ESA evaluation ensures that your need for animal support is thoughtfully considered and appropriately documented within a mental health framework.