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

Emotional Support Animals are pets that provide comfort, companionship, and alleviate the symptoms of people struggling with emotional or mental health disabilities. Having an emotional support animal letter in California allows ESA owners to be protected under federal and state laws and benefit from certain rights. An ESA letter in California serves as the legal documentation that proves a person’s need for an ESA and how the animal has a therapeutic effect on their owner. A California ESA letter is only granted when a mental health professional, or other licensed professional in the state assesses an individual’s need for an ESA as part of their treatment plan. An ESA letter gives the person the legal right to house their ESA regardless of an established “no-pet-policy” at no additional cost. The emotional support animal laws in California are based on The Fair Housing Act.

What is the Importance of ESA Letters for California Residents?

 ESA letters are important for California residents is the ability of protecting individuals struggling with mental health or emotional disabilities from wrongful discrimination when it comes to housing. An ESA letter California is a legal document that proves a person’s need to carry an ESA as a therapeutic animal for managing a disability. Having ESA certification California grants the holder the right to be accompanied by their animal during travel, entering establishments, and be provided with reasonable housing without paying for additional pet fees, provided that the specific requirements are met. Having an emotional support letter California is mandatory when applying for housing with an ESA, or traveling in certain circumstances, otherwise the ESA is not granted entry or benefits. 

If a person is wondering how to register an emotional support animal for free, they should know that ESA registrations do not hold any legal value, especially if they are free. People should beware of scams such as ESA registrations and ESA certifications so as to avoid potential fines and legal consequences.

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

ESA Letters in California differ from those in other states, primarily because to get an ESA letter, it is not sufficient to have a thorough evaluation with a licensed professional. ESA letters in California require that there be a 30-day established client-provider relationship prior to issuance.  The fundamental purpose of ESA Letters remains consistent nationwide—providing legal recognition and support for individuals with emotional support animals—there are notable differences in ESA Letters by state, including California.

How to Get an ESA Letter in California?

The indicative steps to get an ESA Letter in California are listed below. These are suggested steps as to how the process can work outside of CertaPet.

1. Consult a Licensed Professional. If an individual is already being treated by a licensed mental health professional, or other health care provider, they should consult with them about the possibility of adding an ESA as part of their treatment plan. A 30-day client-provider relationship will need to be established before an ESA letter can be issued. If a person is not seeing a licensed professional, they can look for one. Search for a mental health practitioner, or other authorized healthcare provider (physician, physician assistant) licensed in California. As a reminder, these professionals are the only individuals allowed to write an ESA Letter in California. They can assess a patient’s mental health status and determine whether the applicant qualifies for an ESA.
2. Establish a 30-day client-provider relationship. A California ESA letter requires that the applicant have at least a 30-day active relationship with their mental health practitioner according to California Law AB-468. Plan the application accordingly so that the letter arrives at the preferred time. 
3. Request an ESA letter. Approval for an ESA letter depends on the licensed professional's assessment of a patient’s mental health status and whether an ESA is the right fit for the person’s treatment plan. Personal pets are allowed to become ESAs when recognized as a part of an individual's therapeutic plan.
4. Receive the ESA Letter. After going through the previous steps, receive your California ESA letter. An ESA letter is the only official document that qualifies an animal as an ESA. The letter needs to be updated annually so as not to incur in loss of rights, such as when the landlord asks for renewed ESA letters. 

At CertaPet, getting an ESA letter is an easy 3-step process. The process starts with a quick, free online survey to determine whether an ESA is the right fit for the applicant. Once qualified, the LMHP is connected to the client for consultation. The ESA letter is issued after a 30-day client-provider relationship is established. 

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

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

1. One-stop service. CertaPet is a convenient one-stop site where an individual is able to get screened, connected to a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), and receive their ESA letter in one place. CertaPet’s goal is to make ESA applications as stress-free as possible without compromising the need for a consultation with an LMHP.  
2. Free Screening Test. A 5-minute free screening test is available online for anyone who wishes to check whether they are a good candidate for an ESA. CertaPet sifts through information to speed up the process of applying for the ESA. 
3. Finding an LMHP in your state. CertaPet makes sure that you are connected as soon as possible to an LMHP in California. This step makes it easier for applicants to meet an LMHP without having to find one themselves. CertaPet makes sure the providers are legitimate professionals who are licensed to practice in the state of California. 
4. Online and legitimate. CertaPet guarantees a 100% legal and compliant process to get an ESA letter online. Since many online ESA providers have developed scams to fool clients into giving private information or payment for ESA, CertaPet guarantees complete legitimacy and continuity of care.

CertaPet's Quick and Easy Process for ESA Letters

1. Free online assessment. A quick online screening test determines whether an ESA is a good fit for the applicant. The test is free of charge and takes only a few minutes. 
2. Consult with a therapist. CertaPet automatically searches for a mental health professional licensed in California with whom a patient will conduct their teleconsultations from the comfort of your own home. 
3. Get your ESA Letter. The CertaPet ESA letter provided by the LMHP is accessible online or is mailed directly to your address. 

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

The requirements for getting an ESA Letter in California include ESA applicants to abide by The California Law AB-486, which states that ESA candidates need to have at least a 30-day established relationship with a licensed professional before they can receive their ESA letter. First, an individual must have a diagnosed mental health or emotional condition, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, which substantially affects daily life. A licensed mental health professional (LMHP), or another health care provider must evaluate the owner’s condition and determine whether an emotional support animal is a necessary therapeutic support. The ESA letter must be written on the licensed professional’s official letterhead, including their contact information and license details.

Are ESA Letters Valid in California only if Issued by a Licensed Professional within the State?

Yes, ESA letters are valid in California only if issued by a licensed professional within the state. ESA letters that are issued by out of state providers are considered invalid and hold no legal value. Letters issued by therapists from other states are not legitimate because there might have not been a 30-day client-provider relationship before the letter was issued that can be proven. If a person moves to California, they will need to get a new ESA letter from a licensed professional in the state.

How to Avoid Online Scams in ESA Letters in California?

The steps to avoid online scams in ESA Letters in California are listed below.

1. Find a legitimate ESA Online Service. Find a service that employs real licensed mental health professionals. These services should not make wild claims such as free ESA registration, or lifetime ESA certifications.
2. Verify the Credentials of the Professional. Only work with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), or other licensed health care provider. Check their licensing information and professional credentials.
3. Look for Official Documentation. Ensure that the ESA letter is on official letterhead, includes the professional's contact information, and contains their state licensing details.
4. Research the Service’s Reputation. Check reviews and testimonials of any online service offering emotional support animal letters in California. Look for verified customer feedback and trusted sources.
5. Avoid Upfront Fees for Fake Services. Be cautious of websites asking for large upfront payments without a legitimate evaluation process. Genuine platforms charge reasonable fees for professional services.
6. Consult California ESA Laws Guidelines. Be familiar with the California emotional support animal laws, which outline the documentation requirements and housing protections for ESAs.

CertaPet is the world’s no. 1 emotional support animal service and the only online service offering a 100% legal and compliant process. They connect you to a licensed mental health professional quickly and easily with full transparency wherein you can access your ESA letter upon fulfillment of the necessary requirements.  

What are the Specific Emotional Support Animal Laws in California?

The specific emotional support animal laws in California are listed below.

1. California ESA Housing Laws

   Renters with ESAs are allowed to live with their emotional support animals which even in housing that does not typically allow pets, at no additional cost. Landlords cannot deny housing or evict a person on the basis of having an emotional support pet. ESA holders are not required to pay any pet deposit or pet rent fees. A valid California ESA letter is required as a supporting document to prove that the renter has a recognized need for their ESA. According to the emotional support animal laws of California, renters have to follow any rule set by the landlord for keeping cleanliness, order, and safety within  their property. Under the California ESA housing laws, landlords are allowed to deny housing to ESAs when they represent a threat to others, can cause severe property damages, or are an undue burden.

2. California ESA Employment Laws

   Employers in the state of California are not legally obligated to allow an ESA into the workplace. It is at the employer’s discretion whether or not to allow ESAs at their place of business. 

3. California ESA Laws for Public Places

   The California ESA laws state that public places such as restaurants, stores, and hotels are not required to allow entry to emotional support animals. It is within the management’s discretion to allow the ESA animals into public spaces. An ESA granted entry is allowed to be evicted if the animal poses a threat to the health and safety of others.

4. California ESA Travel Laws

   Federal law changes in 2021 removed ESA protections under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals, and in California, travel accommodations for ESAs depend on the carrier’s pet policy. ESAs are typically subject to fees for domestic flights within the US.

Is Getting an ESA Letter Online Legal in California?

Yes, getting an ESA letter online is legal in California. Legitimate websites are able to provide valid ESA letters online with ease. A screening is done to assess the applicant’s qualification, then they are connected to the best LMHP for them. The LMHP conducts a thorough consultation online prior to issuance of the letter. The letter is considered legal and legitimate if it is provided by a mental health professional licensed to practice in the state of California. 

What is the California Law AB-468 on Emotional Support Animals?

The California Law AB-468 on Emotional Support Animals states that an individual must have a 30-day minimum relationship with their licensed mental health professional (LMHP) before receiving an ESA letter. This law explains the distinct differences between emotional support animals and service animals. Under the federal and state laws, certain rights are awarded to service animals which ESAs do not have. Individuals who pass an ESA off as a service animal are fined up to $2,500 as it is considered a criminal offense. 

Can a Landlord Deny an Emotional Support Animal in California?

Yes, a landlord can deny an emotional support animal in California under certain circmustances. Landlords are allowed to deny ESAs when the animal has proven to pose a reasonable threat to the health and safety of others or cause substantial property damage. Renters that are unable to control the animal or follow pre-established protocols such as where the animal is allowed to walk, or picking up their feces, may be evicted by the landlord. Renters who refuse to comply with providing a valid and updated ESA letter may be denied reasonable accommodation. 

Can you have Multiple Emotional Support Animals in California?

Yes, you can have multiple emotional support animals in California. The California law does not limit the number of emotional support animals one can have, provided that they are properly documented. It is only within the LMHP’s clinical evaluation that an individual  is allowed to have multiple ESAs. Each animal must be specifically mentioned within the ESA letter and how they are necessary for providing therapeutic benefits for the individual. Having an undocumented ESA is considered illegal and is subject to hefty legal fees. 

Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Hotels in California?

No, emotional support animals are not allowed in hotels in California, unless the facility is already a “pet-friendly” hotel. It is within the hotel management’s rights to decline admission to an ESA since they are not granted the same federal rights as service animals. ESAs might be admitted according to the discretion of the hotel’s management. Having valid ESA documentation can help a person’s case.

Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Restaurants in California?

No, emotional support animals are not allowed in restaurants in California, unless the establishment is already “pet-friendly”. It is within the restaurant management’s rights to decline entry to an ESA since they are not granted the same federal rights as service animals. In most cases, animals are allowed to enter but are limited to spaces such as outdoor dining areas.