Can veterinarians write an ESA letter?

Editor’s Note: Mention of specific services does not constitute endorsement.

Clients frequently ask veterinarians to write an emotional support animal (ESA) letter. While the request might appear simple, federal guidelines make an important difference. It actually involves legal and ethical implications that require careful consideration.

In order to protect both public safety and animal health, veterinarians are essential. However, this role does not include determining whether an individual has a qualifying mental health condition under federal housing law. As more clients search for online documentation, including online ESA letter services, such as My ESA Therapist and similar platforms, misunderstandings about who can legally provide this evaluation continue to grow.

Understanding what the law requires

The Fair Housing Act (FHA)

According to the FHA, emotional support animals qualify as assistance animals if they provide support to an individual with a disability.¹ ESAs do not have to perform specific tasks like service animals.

In 2020, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a statement stating that housing providers may ask for reliable documentation if the individual’s disability is not evident.² This documentation must be provided by a licensed healthcare professional acting within the scope of their practice who can assess the individual’s disability.

To qualify for an ESA letter under the Fair Housing Act, individuals must complete an evaluation with a licensed healthcare professional (often a mental health professional) who can assess whether they have a qualifying mental health-related disability. ESA letters cannot be issued automatically or without proper clinical review.

Air travel is no longer the same

The changes to the Air Carrier Access Act added more complexity to client expectations. The US Department of Transportation modified its regulation, enabling airlines to consider emotional support animals to be pets rather than service animals.³ This means that documentation for an ESA does not assure airline travel.

What veterinarians can (and cannot) do

Within scope

Veterinarians may record an animal's health, immunization history, and behavioral observations, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.⁴⁠ They can provide a generic health letter as long as it clearly covers the animal rather than the owner's health.

Outside scope

Veterinarians should avoid:

• Diagnosing or confirming a client’s mental health condition
• Stating that an animal is “medically necessary” for housing
• Writing letters that imply a disability determination

Veterinarians are necessary for client education and animal health, but determining ESA eligibility falls outside their professional scope of practice. By understanding federal guidance and clearly communicating boundaries, practitioners can respond confidently to ESA requests while protecting their license, supporting clients appropriately, and maintaining ethical, legally sound practice standards.

Addressing common client misconceptions

Some clients may think that after obtaining a certificate or ID card, they have achieved legal status for an emotional support animal. However, according to the HUD, there is clear guidance stating that the documents have to originate with a licensed medical professional within their scope of practice.²

When clients ask for help, a practical response may include:

• Explaining that ESA determinations must come from a licensed mental health professional
• Offering a health verification letter limited strictly to the animal’s medical condition
• Encouraging clients to seek an appropriate evaluation if they believe they qualify under the FHA

Clear communication protects the client relationship while safeguarding professional integrity.

Prince Sharma is the lead content strategist and editorial director at My ESA Therapist. He has experience in digital health communication, behavioral wellness, and emotional support animal (ESA) regulations. He focuses on producing evidence-based and accessible content that helps readers make informed decisions about their mental and emotional well-being. His work centers on bridging the gap between mental health education and practical support to help individuals better understand the role of emotional support animals in quality of life.

References

1. Fair Housing Act. US Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1
2. Assessing a Person’s Request to Have an Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act. US Department of Housing and Urban Development. January 28, 2020. https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PA/documents/HUDAsstAnimalNC1-28-2020.pdf
3. Traveling by Air with Service Animals. US Department of Transportation. https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals
4. Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA. American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/principles-veterinary-medical-ethics-avma