An emotional support animal letter is a letter from a licensed health care professional that supports a request to live with an animal.
Because federal housing rules changed in 2026, it helps to know exactly who can write the letter, what it should say and what a landlord may do.
This guide gives you 3 fictional sample letters that a licensed professional might write and 3 sample request letters a tenant can send to a landlord.
A free builder then lets you tap, edit, print or copy your own request letter.
Only a licensed professional who knows you can write and sign a provider letter, so the builder is for the letter you send to your landlord.
The people, animals, addresses and details in these letters are fictional. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. Rules differ by state and city, so check your local law or ask a fair housing agency or an attorney.
What Changed in 2026
HUD’s May 22, 2026 enforcement memo changed how federal fair housing complaints about animals are judged.
| What changed | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2025 | HUD withdrew nine guidance documents, including its 2020 notice on assistance animals, and said they should not be relied on while under review |
| May 22, 2026 | HUD’s fair housing office issued an enforcement memo that permanently replaces the old animal guidance |
| The new federal test | HUD will find reasonable cause only where the animal is individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to the person’s disability |
| Untrained emotional support animals | Requests to waive pet policies are not presumptively reasonable, and comfort or companionship does not count as work or tasks |
| Trained assistance animals | Requests to waive pet policies are presumptively reasonable |
| State and local law | The memo does not change state laws, which may protect emotional support animals more broadly |
| Private lawsuits | The Fair Housing Act has not been amended, and private lawsuits remain available |
| Next step at HUD | HUD says it intends to start notice and comment rulemaking on animal-related accommodations |
The memo covers federal Fair Housing Act complaints about animals. The ADA, Section 504 and state law are not changed by it, and the Fair Housing Act has not been amended.
6 Emotional Support Animal Letter Samples
Quick jump: Psychologist letterSocial worker letterNurse practitioner letterEmotional support dog requestService dog requestRequest before move-inFree emotional support animal request letter builder
The first three samples show what a licensed professional might write after treating a patient. They are for illustration only, and no one should copy, sign or send them as their own. The last three are letters a tenant can send to a landlord.
Provider Letter From a Psychologist (Emotional Support Dog)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Ohio
1200 Court Street, Suite 4
Columbus, OH 43215
(555) 010-0931
November 13, 2026
Mr. Robert Hayes
480 Main Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Re: Housing Accommodation Letter for Megan Hughes
Dear Mr. Hayes,
I am writing as a licensed clinical psychologist to support Megan Hughes’s request to live with her emotional support dog at 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B. I have worked with Ms. Hughes in therapy since March 2025 and know her well.
In my professional judgment, Ms. Hughes has a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Her dog’s presence helps ease the effects of that condition, and living with her dog supports her ability to use and enjoy her home. This letter does not disclose a diagnosis or treatment records.
I am available to answer reasonable questions about this letter. Thank you for considering Ms. Hughes’s request.
Sincerely,
Karen Mitchell, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Provider Letter From a Clinical Social Worker (Emotional Support Cat)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, North Carolina
4100 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27612
(555) 010-0942
November 13, 2026
Mr. Steven Cole
1100 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
Re: Housing Accommodation Letter for Kevin Walsh
Dear Mr. Cole,
This letter supports Kevin Walsh’s request to keep his emotional support cat at 77 Birch Court, Apt 204. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have provided counseling to Mr. Walsh since June 2025, and I am familiar with his daily needs.
Mr. Walsh has a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and his cat provides therapeutic support related to that condition. In my professional opinion, keeping the cat in his home is a reasonable part of his care. To protect his privacy, this letter shares no diagnosis or medical records.
I welcome reasonable questions about this letter and appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Linda Foster, LCSW
Provider Letter From a Nurse Practitioner (Trained Service Dog)
Family Nurse Practitioner, Arizona
1912 Desert View Drive, Suite 3
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(555) 010-0957
November 13, 2026
Ms. Patricia Nolan
3305 Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Re: Service Dog Accommodation Letter for Daniel Brooks
Dear Ms. Nolan,
I am writing as a licensed family nurse practitioner to support Daniel Brooks’s request to live with his service dog at 1420 Cactus Lane, Unit 12. I have been Mr. Brooks’s health care provider since January 2024.
Mr. Brooks has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. His dog has been individually trained to perform specific tasks related to that disability, including interrupting nightmares and applying calming pressure on cue. This letter does not share a diagnosis or medical records.
I am glad to answer reasonable questions about this letter. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Teresa Alvarez, FNP-C
Tenant Request Letter for an Emotional Support Dog
2208 Aspen Way, Apt 5
Denver, CO 80205
ashley.turner@email.com | (555) 010-0968
November 13, 2026
Ms. Janet Moore
950 Colfax Avenue, Suite 4
Denver, CO 80218
Re: Reasonable Accommodation Request, 2208 Aspen Way, Apt 5
Dear Ms. Moore,
I am writing to ask for a reasonable accommodation to keep my emotional support dog, Willow, at 2208 Aspen Way, Apt 5. A letter from my licensed healthcare provider, who knows me, is attached.
Willow is a 30-pound, spayed, vaccinated and licensed dog who has lived with me for four years. She will follow all community rules on leashes, noise and cleanup, and I will keep her vaccination and license records up to date.
I would be grateful for a response by December 1, 2026, and I am open to meeting to talk about any concerns. I understand that state and local laws may also apply. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Ashley Turner
Tenant Request Letter for a Trained Service Dog
615 Pine Street, Apt 9C
Seattle, WA 98101
olivia.bennett@email.com | (555) 010-0975
November 13, 2026
Mr. Gregory Allen
2300 Fourth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Re: Reasonable Accommodation Request, 615 Pine Street, Apt 9C
Dear Mr. Allen,
I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation to your pet policy so that I can live with my service dog, Scout, at 615 Pine Street, Apt 9C. Scout is individually trained to perform specific tasks related to my disability, and he stays under my control at all times.
Scout is vaccinated and licensed, and I will follow all community rules on leashes, noise and cleanup. I am glad to answer reasonable questions and to meet with you, and I will be responsible for any damage he causes.
Thank you for helping me keep a stable and supportive home.
Sincerely,
Olivia Bennett
Tenant Request Letter Before Move-In
3310 Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
rachel.torres@email.com | (555) 010-0983
November 13, 2026
Mr. Paul Jensen
3312 Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Re: Reasonable Accommodation Request Before Move-In, 3312 Lake Street
Dear Mr. Jensen,
I am applying to rent 3312 Lake Street, and I am writing before move-in to request a reasonable accommodation for my emotional support cat, Juniper. A letter from my licensed healthcare provider, who knows me, is attached.
Juniper is a spayed, vaccinated indoor cat who has lived with me for five years. I will keep her records current and respond promptly to any questions. I understand that state and local laws may also apply to this request.
I would be grateful to talk this over at any time that suits you. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Rachel Torres
Free Emotional Support Animal Request Letter Builder
Step 1. Which request fits you?
Step 2. Which animal description fits you?
Step 3. Tap the lines to add. Three to five keeps the letter short.
Step 4. Click any text in the letter below and type or modify to make it yours.
Replace the names, address and animal details with your own true information. Attach a real letter only if a licensed professional who knows you wrote and signed it, and do not describe your diagnosis. Check your state and local law, because federal rules changed in 2026.
215 Elm Street, Apt 3B
Columbus, OH 43215
megan.hughes@email.com | (555) 010-0931
November 13, 2026
Mr. Robert Hayes
480 Main Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Re: Reasonable Accommodation Request, 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B
Dear Mr. Hayes,
I am writing to ask for a reasonable accommodation to keep my emotional support dog, Maple, at 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B. A letter from my licensed healthcare provider, who knows me, is attached.
I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation to your pet policy so that I can live with my service dog at 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B. My dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks related to my disability.
I am applying to rent 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B, and I am writing before move-in to request a reasonable accommodation for my emotional support dog, Maple. A letter from my licensed healthcare provider, who knows me, is attached.
Maple is a 45-pound, spayed, vaccinated and licensed dog who has lived with me for three years.
My dog has been trained to perform tasks that help me with daily activities, and the dog stays under my control at all times.
Maple is a 45-pound, spayed, vaccinated and licensed dog who has lived with me for three years.
My healthcare provider’s letter is attached for your review.
Maple will follow all community rules on leashes, noise and cleanup.
His vaccinations and city license are current, and I can send copies.
I am glad to meet with you to talk about this request.
You can reach me by phone or email with any questions.
I would be grateful for a response by December 1, 2026.
I am open to working together on any concerns through a good-faith conversation.
I will keep Maple from disturbing my neighbors and will clean up after him right away.
I will be responsible for any damage Maple causes.
I understand that state and local laws may also apply to this request.
Thank you for helping me keep a stable and supportive home.
I will keep his vaccination and license records up to date.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Megan Hughes
To save your letter: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the letter prints. To copy it, select the text inside the letter and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Which Starting Point Fits You?
| Your situation | Builder choice | What to highlight |
|---|---|---|
| You live with an emotional support animal and your provider supports it | Emotional support animal | Your provider’s letter, the animal’s details, community rules and state law |
| Your animal is trained to perform tasks related to your disability | Trained assistance or service animal | The training and tasks, control of the animal and willingness to talk |
| You are applying to rent a new home | Request before move-in | Early notice, the provider’s letter and the animal’s records |
What a Provider Letter Should Include
| Part of a provider letter | What a licensed professional may include |
|---|---|
| Professional details | Name, credentials, license state and contact details |
| Relationship | How long the professional has treated or known the patient |
| Need | That the patient has a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, with no diagnosis |
| The animal | The type of animal and how it helps, or the tasks it has been trained to perform |
| Privacy | A statement that no diagnosis or records are shared |
| Signature | A signed and dated letter, with a way to answer reasonable questions |
Do and Do Not
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Ask a licensed professional who knows you and treats you | Buy an online certificate, registration or ID card and treat it as proof |
| Share only what a landlord needs, such as the need and the animal | Share a diagnosis, medical records or private details |
| Describe tasks if your animal is trained | Claim training your animal does not have |
| Check your state and local fair housing laws | Assume the 2020 rules still apply |
| Follow community rules on leashes, noise and cleanup | Let the animal disturb neighbors |
| Keep copies and send your request in a way you can prove | Rely on a phone call alone |
Emotional Support Animals Outside Housing
| Place | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Housing | Federal enforcement now focuses on animals trained for disability-related tasks; state and local laws may still protect emotional support animals |
| Public places (ADA) | A service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability; emotional support animals are not service animals, and the ADA does not require certification or registration |
| Airlines | Under the Department of Transportation’s rule, an emotional support animal is no longer considered a service animal; psychiatric service dogs are treated like other service animals |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying an online certificate. It is not proof, and it is not required by the ADA.
- Using a letter from a stranger. The professional should know you and treat you.
- Sharing a diagnosis. The letter does not need one.
- Relying on outdated rules. HUD’s 2020 guidance has been rescinded.
- Skipping state and local law. It may protect you more broadly than federal enforcement.
- Making it too long. One page is plenty.
Request Letter Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your letter is ready when the counter reaches 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an emotional support animal letter?
It is a letter from a licensed health care professional who knows you. It says you have a condition that substantially limits a major life activity and that the animal supports you, so you can ask a housing provider for an accommodation. It does not need to name a diagnosis.
Can I write my own emotional support animal letter?
No. A provider letter must come from a licensed professional who knows you and signs it. You can write a request letter to your landlord yourself, and the builder on this page helps you do that.
Do online emotional support animal certificates or registrations work?
No. The ADA does not require certification or registration, and online documents do not convey rights under the ADA. Law firm commentary on HUD’s 2026 change notes that housing providers may reject obvious fraud, including online certificates and generic letters from providers with no treatment relationship.
What changed for emotional support animals in housing in 2026?
On May 22, 2026, HUD’s fair housing office announced that it will find reasonable cause only where an animal is individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to a disability. Requests for untrained emotional support animals are not presumptively reasonable.
Can a landlord still say yes to an emotional support animal?
Yes. HUD’s change limits federal enforcement, and it does not stop a landlord from agreeing. Federal law has not been amended, state and local laws may protect emotional support animals, and private lawsuits remain available.
What is the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal?
Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. An emotional support animal provides comfort by its presence and is not a service animal under the ADA.
Can a landlord charge a pet fee for an emotional support animal?
Under the old 2020 guidance, no. After the 2026 change, law firm commentary says landlords may treat untrained requests as not presumptively reasonable and apply standard pet policies and fees. Check your state and local law.
Can I fly with an emotional support animal?
Under the Department of Transportation’s rule, airlines no longer treat emotional support animals as service animals. Psychiatric service dogs are treated like other service animals.
What should I do if my landlord says no?
Ask the landlord for the reason in writing, offer to talk and check your state and local fair housing laws. Private lawsuits remain available, so consider talking with a fair housing agency or an attorney.
Do I have to give my diagnosis to my landlord?
No. A provider letter can confirm the need and the animal’s role without naming a diagnosis, and you do not need to share medical records.
Conclusion
A good emotional support animal request is honest, short and respectful. Get a signed letter from a licensed professional who knows you, send a clear request to your landlord, and check your state and local law, because federal rules changed in 2026. Use the builder above to write your request today.
Related Reading
- Proof of residency letter from a landlord
- Letter stating that someone lives with you
- No income letter samples
- Personal reference letter for a friend
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Enforcement Guidance: Assessing Requests for the Use of an Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation (May 22, 2026); HUD, Notice of Withdrawal of Guidance Documents (September 17, 2025); ADA.gov, Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA; U.S. Department of Transportation, Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals; law firm commentary, Duane Morris, The End of an Era and Fisher Phillips, HUD Pulls the Plug on Emotional Support Animal Guidance. The people, animals, addresses and details in these letters are fictional. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice.