An emotional support animal (ESA) is a pet that provides comfort and companionship to a person living with a mental health condition. For many people, the steady presence of an animal eases anxiety, loneliness, and stress.

Stego, a black dog, standing on a trail
Meet Stego — a reminder of the everyday comfort an animal companion can bring.

ESAs vs. service animals

These are not the same. A service animal is specially trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. An ESA does not require special training — its support comes from companionship. Because of this, they have different legal protections.

How qualifying works

To qualify for an ESA, a licensed mental health professional evaluates whether an emotional support animal would meaningfully help with a diagnosed condition. If appropriate, they may provide an ESA letter. Under fair housing protections, a valid ESA letter can support reasonable accommodation requests with landlords.

Stego, a black dog, resting on a rock in the outdoors
Companionship, not special training, is what defines an emotional support animal.
Be cautious of websites selling instant “ESA letters.” A legitimate letter comes from a licensed provider after a real evaluation.

Talk with us

If you think an ESA might support your wellbeing, our bilingual clinicians can talk with you about whether it is the right fit.

Stego, a black dog, playing in a grassy park
The right companion can be a steady source of comfort in daily life.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional care. To learn about care at La Concordia, call our reception team.