As a licensed mental health professional and experienced therapist, I’ve spent the last 10 years working in the ESA letter space and exploring the incredible life-changing bond between humans and animals. I call it the ‘pet-effect’ and it’s truly my passion.
Everyone who suffers from stress, anxiety or depression should be allowed to live with their furry friend and the Fair Housing Act guarantees this right.
This blog article is here to guide you in making an informed decision about the right ESA letter service for your needs.
Over the past decade, I’ve been thrilled to see the ESA market grow. Everyone dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression deserves the chance to live with their pet—after all, we all know the incredible healing power of animals!
Here’s what I’ve learned about ESA letter providers:
“There are about a dozen online ESA letter companies, and each one is unique. It’s essential to research their pricing, legitimacy, and the benefits they offer before making a decision.”
I’ve had extensive experience in this field, working for several online ESA letter services as both a contracted therapist and an advisor. During this time, I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of the rules and laws surrounding ESA accommodations, including protections under the Fair Housing Act. I’ve also had the opportunity to get to know the leadership teams of various ESA service providers. I’ve seen a lot.
Here’s what I’ve observed:
There are 3 major differences among the ESA letter service providers:
There are 3 major differences among the ESA letter service providers:
All ESA companies offer a similar service: a 20-minute mental health assessment conducted over the phone by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). These companies partner with LMHPs like me to provide these assessments and issue ESA letters to qualifying patients. On average, I’m paid about $31 for each assessment and letter.
However, some ESA companies charge over $160 for this service, which I believe is far too high. Such pricing can make it harder for people to access this important mental health accommodation. Be sure to compare prices and do your research before making a purchase.
“You should never pay more than $60 for your ESA letter.”
Most ESA letter providers only sell you a letter and leave it at that—you never hear from them again.
But the best online ESA letter companies do more than just issue a letter—they provide additional benefits for your pet and offer ongoing support. These companies build trust and loyalty by staying by their customers’ side all year long. Unfortunately, such companies are hard to find in the ESA letter market.
Flying and Public Spaces
Be cautious if an ESA letter company claims your pet can fly with you or access restaurants and retail stores. The ESA accommodation only grants the right to live with your pet—it does not provide the same access rights as service dogs. Airlines and retail establishments are not legally required to recognize emotional support animals.
National ESA Registry
Avoid any ESA letter company that mentions a registry or paid registration. There is no national registry for ESA pets—never has been. To legally live with your pet, all you need is a valid ESA letter. Landlords and property managers are not allowed to ask for proof of that your ESA is ‘registered’. Under the Fair Housing Act, they must accept your ESA letter and that is all you need.
No Therapist Meeting
If an ESA letter service offers a letter without a live phone or video consultation with a licensed therapist in your state, proceed with caution. Legally, anyone seeking an ESA letter must complete a live clinical evaluation with a licensed mental health professional.
Here’s what I like about Pets52: PRICE
No other ESA letter provider comes close to Pets52’s price of $49. A quick Google search will show that most companies charge well over $160. Pets52 keeps its price low by offering a unique membership model.
+membership fee
When you purchase your ESA letter through Pets52, you become a member, unlocking several valuable benefits that no other ESA service provides:
1- Virtual Vet
Pets52 offers unlimited 24/7 access to veterinary telehealth. Anytime you have a question or concern about your pet’s health, you can log into the member portal and connect with a veterinary professional in under a minute—for free. This benefit has saved many pet parents hundreds of dollars in vet bills.
“Pet parents can save hundreds of dollars on vet visits with the Pets52 Virtual Vet benefit, which offers unlimited 24/7 access to veterinary professionals.”
2- Lost Pet Finder
If your pet ever goes missing, Pets52’s Lost Pet Finder service will quickly blast a social media announcement to hundreds of shelters and a network of volunteers ready to help. This invaluable service could make all the difference in a stressful situation.
3- Exclusive Discounts
As a Pets52 member, you get significant discounts on all their current and future products and services, including their $49 ESA letter. They’re also developing a line of supplements for pets and plan to offer discounted pet insurance and low-cost pet pharmacy prescriptions in the future.
Pets52 is one of the most trusted and legitimate ESA letter providers in the market. Their transparency speaks volumes—their CEO’s name and photo are displayed prominently on their homepage. No other ESA company does that.
They ensure a high standard of service by offering live phone or video consultations with licensed mental health professionals. They never make misleading claims about traveling with your pet or selling fake ESA registrations.
Their customer service is another highlight, with live chat and email support available to assist customers whenever needed.
After more than a decade in the ESA letter market and experience working with several major companies, I can confidently say that Pets52 is a standout provider. They offer fair pricing, exceptional customer service, and a trustworthy approach to ESA accommodations.
“I like Pets52 and I trust their team. They consistently take care of their customers and do it at a fair and unbeatable price.”
But don’t just take my word for it—do your research. And no matter which ESA service provider you choose, I hope it works out well for you and your pet. Good luck!
Leslie Gamble, LMHP
Leslie is a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) who has spent 12 years as a therapist helping people improve their mental health and well-being. She has several years’ experience in the support animal documentation realm and is committed to enhancing her patients’ lives through the “pet-effect.” She joined Pets52 because she believes in their mission and commitment to be the most affordable option on the market to meet the needs of working pet-parents.
The Fair Housing Act provides the right to live with a pet for those suffering from mental health issues including stress, anxiey, depression or PTSD.
Pet parents who have an emotional support animal are responsible for curbing and training their animal to ensure a safe environment for their neighbors. ESA parents should never mis-represent their pet as a service dog. ESA laws ONLY cover housing, not air travel or public access in stores and restaurants.
ESA parents must familarize themselves with the requirements of their housing provider. Some landlords and property management companies will ask for additional health forms and additional information about your animal. In most cases this is legal and you must comply with their requests. An experienced ESA therapist can help you comply with all legal requirements for your ESA.
In addition to being a practicing mental health therapist, I also serve as an advisor to Pets52. In order to keep this blog free of advertisements I do receive a small commission on sales, however, all of my opinions and recommendations are based on my years of experience in the ESA letter market and are completely genuine. I encourage you to do your own research when selecting an ESA letter service provider.
