Obtaining a Veteran ESA Letter—Requirements, Steps, and Challenges

Emotional support animals (ESAs) may not wear a uniform or have a rank, but they offer something that makes them worthy of any medal of honor—unconditional love and support, 24/7. If you’re a military veteran dealing with the challenges of life after service, having a furry companion by your side can make a world of difference to your mental health.

But before you can bring a support animal to live with you anywhere, you’ll need an official ESA letter, which acts as a kind of “prescription” for your furry friend. The good news is that getting one is straightforward when you understand the steps involved.

In this guide, we’ll explain the complete process of getting an ESA as a veteran, answering common questions like:

• Can you have an ESA as a military veteran?
• What are the requirements for an ESA letter?
• How do you get a veteran ESA letter?
• What are the potential roadblocks you might face along the way, and how can you overcome them?

Can You Have an Emotional Support Animal as a Military Veteran?

Yes—like all ESA owners, veterans are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This federal law allows ESAs in most housing, even with a “no pets” policy. This means you can live with your ESA whether you’re renting or living in certain types of veteran housing.

To qualify for these protections, you’ll need to get an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). This letter is like your ESA’s official paperwork, proving that your animal is more than just a pet—it’s a necessary part of your mental health care.

You don’t need any other fancy certifications or ESA registrations, despite what some sketchy websites and online services suggest. These confirmations are invalid under the law, and using fake documents from fraudulent websites could land you in legal trouble for misrepresentation.

Can Active Duty Military Have an Emotional Support Animal?

If you’re not a veteran just yet, here’s where things get tricky. According to Department of Defense guidelines, only service dogs specifically trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are allowed for active duty personnel.

The military’s policies are designed to prioritize animals that can help active duty service members with disabilities—such as recovering service members (RSMs)—with specific tasks. For example, a service dog might be trained to:

• Guide someone with vision loss
• Alert to seizures
• Help with mobility

ESAs, on the other hand, aren’t trained for tasks like these. They’re there to provide companionship and comfort, which, while incredibly valuable, doesn’t fit the DoD’s criteria for animal accommodations.

Another thing to consider is that to have an ESA, you need a diagnosed mental or emotional disability, such as PTSD or anxiety—and such a diagnosis could potentially affect your deployment status or even your ability to remain on active duty. It’s a tough spot to be in, and it’s one of the reasons an army emotional support animal isn’t typically an option for those still serving.

How Do You Qualify for a Veteran ESA Letter?

A survey of Vietnam War veterans revealed that over 30% of all retired soldiers developed symptoms of PTSD during their lifetimes. Another study found that 92% of veterans with PTSD reported significant levels of insomnia. These invisible wounds of service can linger long after the uniform comes off.

However, there’s a silver lining—these conditions may qualify you for an emotional support animal. That’s because, under the FHA, you’re eligible for an ESA if you have a disability outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

While every case is unique, here are some of the most common conditions that may qualify you for an ESA:

How To Get a Military ESA Letter for Veterans

If you have a qualifying condition, all you need to do to bring your furry friend home is complete the ESA letter process. It typically requires you to:

1. Talk to a licensed mental health professional (LMHP)
2. Get a professional evaluation
3. Wait for your ESA letter

Talk to a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)

Only an LMHP can legally prescribe an ESA, so the first step in obtaining your ESA letter is finding one and scheduling an appointment. LMHPs who can provide ESA letters include:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Licensed therapists
• Licensed clinical social workers
• Licensed professional counselors

You can go the traditional route and schedule an in-person appointment with a local healthcare provider or opt for an online telehealth consultation. Many licensed professionals offer virtual sessions, which can be a game-changer if you’re juggling a busy schedule or live in a remote area.

For veterans, it’s worth checking if your local VA clinic or veteran support organizations can connect you with an LMHP who has experience with military-specific issues. They’ll better understand the unique challenges you’ve faced and the ways an ESA might help.

Get a Professional Evaluation

While some providers might only require you to fill out an intake form, this isn’t enough to qualify for a valid ESA letter. Instead, you need to have an in-person or video-call consultation with your LMHP.

During your consultation, the LMHP will assess your mental health and determine if an ESA could benefit you. Most notably, your LMHP will evaluate whether:

• Your condition significantly affects one or more major life activities. This could include things like sleeping, working, or maintaining relationships
• An ESA would genuinely help alleviate your symptoms. For example, they’d consider if your animal buddy can help reduce anxiety, ease PTSD triggers, or provide comfort during tough moments

This session might include talking about your deployment experiences, transition difficulties, or service-related traumas, and the ways they impact your daily life. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your concerns—this step is all about ensuring you get the support you need.

Wait for Your ESA Letter

Once your LMHP completes the evaluation and determines an ESA would be beneficial, they’ll provide you with an official ESA letter on their letterhead. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on their process.

A valid ESA letter should include:

1. The LMHP’s license details (National Provider Identification Number and state license number)
2. A statement confirming you have a qualifying condition
3. An explicit recommendation for an ESA as part of your treatment plan
4. The professional’s contact details and signature

You can present this letter to your landlord to access housing-related accommodations under the FHA. Most landlords will comply since the FHA rules are strict, with serious legal consequences for landlords denying legitimate requests. If you still run into issues, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which will investigate your claim and take corrective action.

Potential Challenges of Getting an ESA Letter (and the Solution)

Getting a veteran ESA letter might seem like a straightforward task at first, but you might face a few bumps along the way. Here are some common challenges you need to be aware of:

• Finding the right LMHP—Not all mental health professionals are familiar with military-specific issues, and it can be tough to find one who truly understands your needs. Additionally, the LMHP should be willing to issue ESA letters and be licensed and practicing in your state, as requirements vary by location
• Time-consuming process—Between scheduling appointments, attending multiple sessions, and waiting for your letter, the traditional process can feel lengthy and exhausting
• Cost concerns—Mental health care isn’t always cheap, and the costs of evaluations and fees can add up quickly
• Scams and fake services—The internet is full of shady websites offering an “instant” or “free” ESA letter for veterans. Most of these services don’t connect you with an LMHP for a real medical consultation, making their letters non-compliant

Luckily, you can avoid all these pitfalls by choosing a reputable ESA letter provider from the get-go. Using a fully online service like Your Service Animal, you can make the process simple, fast, and stress-free—all while ensuring full compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Use Your Service Animal To Get a Legitimate ESA Letter

Your Service Animal helps you with the entire process of getting a military veteran ESA letter, from checking if you qualify and connecting you to an LMHP to digitally delivering your letter.

Plus, the platform prioritizes speed and convenience, so you can get the support you need without waiting weeks. Here are the core benefits you get with the service:

Get an ESA Letter in No Time

Ready to settle with your animal friend in your home quickly and without hassle? Here’s how to do it:

1. Find out if you’re a good fit for an ESA letter with our online quiz
2. Schedule an online appointment with a licensed mental health practitioner in your state
3. Attend the online call and receive your ESA letter if clinically appropriate
4. Receive a full refund if the therapist doesn’t issue an ESA letter or your landlord rejects your letter