ESA Letter Missouri: How to Get It and ESA Laws in Missouri

Why Get an Emotional Support Animal in Missouri?

Get an emotional support animal in Missouri for health benefits. An emotional support animal is any animal whose presence offers comfort, support, and companionship. 

ESAs do not need special training and do not perform specific tasks for their owners. Emotional support animals benefit the owner via their physical presence. 

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is the primary federal ESA law, granting Missouri ESA owners the right to live in housing options with no pet policies and free of pet charges. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) do not cover ESAs. State-specific emotional support animal Missouri laws do not exist. 

Animals have a therapeutic effect on human emotional health. “Pets provide benefits to those with mental health conditions,” says a study, “The Power of Support from Companion Animals for People Living with Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of the Evidence,” published in BMC Psychiatry in 2018. 

Licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) and physicians are authorized to recommend ESAs as treatment additions for individuals with mental or emotional disabilities. The official recommendation is given in the form of an emotional support animal letter. 

Anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD, autism, age-related cognitive decline, depression, panic attacks, and phobias are among the conditions eligible for an ESA Missouri.

How do ESA Letters in Missouri differ from those in other States?

ESA letters in Missouri do not differ from those in other states. The ESA letter safeguards the ESA’s rights under federal and local laws. Federal laws apply to all states, while local directives vary. 

ESA letters by state are the same – they are issued by LMHPs, remain valid for 12 months, and are written on the doctor’s official letterhead. A valid ESA letter confirms a person’s need for an emotional support animal but does not disclose the specific diagnosis. 

The process of getting an ESA letter is slightly different in some states. For example, Montana, Iowa, and California mandate a 30-day patient-doctor relationship before giving an ESA letter. Missouri does not have such preconditions.  

Is Getting an ESA Letter Online Legal in Missouri?

Yes, getting an ESA letter online is legal in Missouri. Getting an ESA letter from a mental health professional licensed in Missouri is the sole requirement of having an ESA. 

The state allows its residents to obtain the ESA letter in person or online. Most prefer the online method because it is more practical and time-saving. 

Online ESA providers offer hassle-free ESA letter issuance. All steps required are completed electronically, and the consultation with a healthcare provider is done over a phone or video call. 

Always be cautious when choosing an online ESA service. Many providers are scams, offering fake ESA letters and services. 

Can you have Multiple Emotional Support Animals in Missouri?

Yes, you can have multiple emotional support animals in Missouri. The state allows its residents to have as many emotional support animals as necessary. 

A licensed mental health professional (LMHP) or physician must confirm the need for multiple emotional support animals. Multiple ESAs are usually suggested for individuals with more than one emotional or mental disability as each animal could help manage a specific symptom or improve a certain area of the patient’s life.

Missouri does not limit the number of ESAs per person, but some landlords see multiple ESAs as undue financial or administrative hardships, giving them the right to legally deny housing. 

What are the Advantages of Getting an ESA Letter in Missouri through CertaPet?

The advantages of getting an ESA letter in Missouri through CertaPet are listed below. 

• Valid ESA Documents: CertaPet’s Missouri ESA letters are issued in accordance with local and federal laws, ensuring legal compliance. 
• Straightforward Application Process: Using CertaPet is convenient and entails three steps. The process is guided on the website and completed 100% online. 
• Reasonably Fast Process: Candidates are contacted by LMHP in 2-3 business days and get their ESA letters immediately if approved. 
• Budget-Friendly Prices: CertaPet collaborates with health professionals licensed in different states but ensures that the ESA letter issuance service is budget-friendly. 
• ESA Rights and Benefits: Get an ESA letter online via CertaPet to live in properties with no-pet policies and be exempt from pet fees and rents. 

What are the Requirements for Getting an ESA Letter in Missouri?

The requirements for getting an ESA letter in Missouri are having a mental or emotional issue and getting an ESA treatment recommendation from a healthcare provider. 

A mental health professional, physician, or other accredited medical profile, such as a counselor or nurse practitioner, licensed in Missouri, must evaluate the ESA candidate. 

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, PTSD, autism, phobias, cognitive deficits, and ADHD are some of the mental and emotional disabilities qualifying for an ESA.  

Are there Scams in ESA Letters in Missouri?

Yes, there are scams in ESA letters in Missouri. Fraudulent ESA websites and companies offer fake ESA letters that are not compliant with the law. 

Always seek help from reliable services, like CertaPet. CertaPet is a legit online ESA provider whose letters are issued in sync with local and federal laws. 

The instructions on how to avoid scams in ESA letters in Missouri are given below. 

1. Double-Check the ESA Provider. Research the ESA service in-depth to confirm its legitimacy. A lot can be learned by reading reviews from other clients. 
2. Read the ESA Letter. A valid ESA letter is written on the doctor’s letterhead, features contact and credential information, and omits the diagnosis. 
3. Contact the Health Professional. Use the contact information provided in the letter to call the doctor and confirm his credentials (whether he is licensed in Missouri).
4. Have Reasonable Expectations. Getting an ESA letter takes time, and ESA letters last for a year. ESA services claiming otherwise are fraudulent.  
5. Compare ESA Letter Prices. Valid ESA letters are neither expensive nor cheap. Cheap ESA letters are often written by doctors who are not licensed in the US.  
6. Refuse Gifts and Free Offers. Providers offering gifts (ESA vests, ID tags) and free services (ESA certifications or registration) are likely to be illegitimate.

Can Apartments Refuse Emotional Support Animals in Missouri?

Yes, apartments can refuse emotional support animals in Missouri. The FHA obliges landlords to provide reasonable accommodations to ESAs. 

The FHA, however, excludes certain housing options. These include single-family homes rented or sold directly by the owner, properties owned by private clubs or religious organizations, and owner-occupied dwellings with fewer than four units.