Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a pet that provides comfort and support to individuals living with emotional or mental health challenges. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. However, their mere presence can ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions.
ESAs are recognized by federal and provincial laws in certain contexts, giving individuals the right to live with their ESA in housing that otherwise does not allow pets, and in many cases, to travel with them.
To qualify for an Emotional Support Animal, you must have a verifiable mental or emotional disability that significantly affects your daily life. This can include conditions such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- PTSD
- Phobias
- Panic disorders
- Adjustment disorders
- And other diagnosed mental health conditions
Only a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist or licensed clinical social worker) can determine eligibility and provide an ESA letter. Contact Nancy – 514-953-8287 – admin@resolutionstherapy.ca
To officially recognize an ESA (emotional support animal), follow these steps:
- Book a Mental Health Assessment
You must be assessed by a licensed mental health professional who can determine whether an ESA would be beneficial for your well-being. This assessment can often be done virtually or in-person.
- Obtain an Official ESA Letter
If the professional determines you qualify, they will issue a formal letter stating:
- You have a diagnosed emotional or psychological condition
- An ESA is part of your treatment plan
- The therapist or doctor’s license number and contact information
- The letter’s issue date (usually valid for one year)
Important: There is no official registry or ID for ESAs. A valid letter from a licensed professional is the only documentation legally recognized.
- Know Your Travel Rights!
While airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs (as of changes to US regulations), some carriers still make exceptions. Always check the current airline policies before booking travel.
- Inform Your Landlord or Housing Provider
Under human rights laws and housing accommodation guidelines, landlords in Canada and the US may be required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with an ESA—even in no-pet housing.
ESAs are protected in certain areas, but not everywhere. Here’s what they are—and aren’t—allowed to do:
Area | ESA Access |
Housing | Yes (with a valid ESA letter) |
Air Travel | Must check airline regulations |
Public Places | Check location |
Restaurants, Stores | Check location |
- Myth: I can register my pet online and it’s instantly an ESA.
➤ False. There’s no official registry. Only a licensed mental health provider can certify your animal. - Myth: ESAs can go anywhere I go.
➤ False. Only service animals have public access rights. ESAs are protected primarily in housing. - Myth: Any pet can be an ESA.
➤ Partially true. While most ESAs are cats or dogs, other animals may qualify—but they must be safe, manageable, and not disruptive.
At Resolutions Therapy Center our licensed professionals are experienced in conducting mental health assessments for ESA (emotional support animals) eligibility. We provide compassionate, evidence-based evaluations and—if appropriate—issue valid ESA letters for housing, travel and documentation purposes.
Book your ESA assessment today
In-person or virtual options available
Contact: ☎ admin@resolutionstherapy.ca 514-953-8287
