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Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters for Pennsylvania Residents

An ESA letter guarantees your pet will always be welcome in your home
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How to Get an ESA Letter in Pennsylvania

To get an ESA letter in Pennsylvania you have a couple of options, ultimately you need to have a consultation with a mental health professional licensed in the state. If you already have an LMHP you speak with, explain to them that your pet provides support for your mental health condition and that you require an ESA letter. If the LMHP approves, they can write you a letter to make your ESA official.

For those who don't have access to an LMHP, you can look for one online for consultation. At Pettable, we can connect you with a Pennsylvania-licensed mental health professional who can assess your need for an emotional support animal. To get started, you can take our online quiz so we can figure out what your needs are and pre-qualify you for an ESA. At the end of the quiz, you can schedule a consultation for a time that works for you. After attending the consultation the LMHP will determine if you qualify for an ESA and write you an ESA letter if applicable. If you don't qualify, you will get your money back.

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Our fast and simple process:

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3-minute assessment

Answer a few questions about your ESA needs

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Consult with a therapist

We'll match you to a professional in your state

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Receive it within 24 hours of getting approved *

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We'll help with any extra forms you need signed and our therapists are available to talk to your landlord anytime, for an additional fee.

* For California residents, effective January 1, 2022, new law AB 468 requires those seeking an ESA letter for dogs to establish a client-provider relationship with the individual for at least 30 days prior to providing documentation, which will result in having two consultations before qualifying.

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If your ESA Letter is not approved, we will refund 100% of your payment.

Benefits of an ESA Letter Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, obtaining an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter can offer numerous benefits for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. 

Firstly, an ESA letter provides legal documentation that verifies the individual's need for an emotional support animal, granting them certain rights and protections under federal and state laws. With this letter, individuals can secure housing accommodations, allowing them to live with their emotional support animal even in residences with no-pet policies or restrictions. 

Moreover, possessing an ESA letter can foster greater understanding and acceptance from landlords, employers, and other entities, reducing discrimination and facilitating access to necessary accommodations. 

Overall, an ESA letter in Pennsylvania serves as a crucial tool in ensuring the well-being and support of individuals with mental health conditions, empowering them to live more fulfilling and independent lives.

Pennsylvania Emotional Support Animal Laws

Although under federal law, service animals are legally entitled to be admitted to most public venues (including workplaces), emotional support animals do not have the same protection. This includes shops, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, theaters, and libraries. If you wish to bring your ESA with you to one of these places, make sure to present your ESA letter to the owner or manager (or your boss) and ask whether they would consider accommodating your needs. 

Airlines are subject to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and their policies on emotional support animals are, in practice, similar to other establishments. They are not required to accept emotional support animals – only service animals. If you are planning a trip and want to take your ESA with you, contact the airline in advance to see whether they will allow your companion animal to board the aircraft. You should always provide your ESA letter as proof of your official status. Should the airline refuse, your emotional support animal may be able to travel with you as an ordinary pet – in the cabin, if they're small enough to fit in a carrier and the airline permits it, or in the cargo hold. You’ll have to read up on the airline’s usual pet policy. Otherwise, you could consider training your ESA as a psychiatric service dog (PSD) so that they will be permitted to join you in the cabin for future flights.

You’ll find that the laws surrounding housing in Pennsylvania are amenable to emotional service animals. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) stipulates that landlords must make reasonable accommodations for ESAs and their owners, as long as they can provide a valid ESA letter. This is the case even if your housing provider has a no-pets policy. Your ESA letter also exempts you from any pet fees and weight or breed restrictions that your landlord might otherwise impose.

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Emotional Support Animal Certification in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, obtaining an Emotional Support Animal letter is the only legitimate method for certifying an ESA. Other forms of certification such as ID cards, badges, vests, and alternative methods are not recognized as valid documentation. It's essential to understand the proper process for obtaining an ESA letter to ensure your rights and your animal's status are appropriately recognized.

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Emotional Support Animal Registration Pennsylvania not Required

Contrary to popular belief, there is no legal requirement for emotional support animals to be registered in Pennsylvania. While some online platforms may offer registration services, it's important to note that ESA registration holds no legal significance and is not recognized by federal or state laws. Relying on such services can leave individuals vulnerable to online scams.

Online scams targeting individuals seeking ESA documentation have become increasingly prevalent. Unscrupulous websites may offer quick and easy registration processes, promising official-looking certificates and ID cards for a fee. However, these documents hold no legal weight and do not provide any additional rights or protections under the law.

When seeking an ESA letter or certification, it's crucial to choose a reputable and legitimate provider. Look for licensed mental health professionals who are qualified to evaluate your need for an emotional support animal. A legitimate ESA letter will be issued by a qualified healthcare professional after a thorough assessment of your mental health condition.

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Who Qualifies for an ESA in Pennsylvania

Determining eligibility for an Emotional Support Animal in Pennsylvania is not a one-size-fits-all process. While certain mental health conditions may qualify individuals for ESA status, the only way to be certain is to consult with a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP). LMHPs, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed therapists, are qualified to assess an individual's mental health needs and determine if the presence of an emotional support animal would be beneficial.

Common Conditions that Could Qualify for an ESA:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Panic disorders

It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and other mental health conditions may also qualify for ESA status. Additionally, each individual's situation is unique, and eligibility for an ESA should be determined through a thorough evaluation by an LMHP. If you believe that an emotional support animal could benefit your mental health, schedule an appointment with a qualified professional to discuss your options and determine if you qualify for ESA certification.

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Benefits of an Emotional Support Animal for Pennslyvania Residents

Emotional support animals offer Pennsylvania residents vital companionship, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression, while fostering a healthy daily routine through their unwavering presence and support.

Provide Mental and Emotional Support

Emotional support animals offer invaluable companionship and comfort to Pennsylvania residents facing mental health challenges. Their unwavering presence provides a sense of security and emotional stability, helping individuals navigate through difficult times with reassurance and understanding. Whether it's a comforting nuzzle, a gentle paw, or simply the warmth of their presence, emotional support animals have a remarkable ability to lift spirits and alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Through their unconditional love and companionship, these animals offer a constant source of emotional support, serving as loyal confidants and trusted allies in the journey towards improved mental well-being.

Ease the Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression

For many Pennsylvania residents struggling with anxiety and depression, the presence of an emotional support animal can be profoundly therapeutic. These animals offer a sense of calm and tranquility, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Whether it's through their soothing presence during moments of heightened tension or their playful antics that bring moments of joy and laughter, emotional support animals have a remarkable ability to ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Their unconditional love and non-judgmental nature create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can find solace and peace amidst the challenges of their mental health journey.

Create a Healthy Daily Routine

Emotional support animals play a crucial role in promoting a healthy daily routine for Pennsylvania residents. Their presence encourages regular exercise through walks and outdoor activities, which not only benefits physical health but also enhances mood and mental well-being. Additionally, caring for an emotional support animal fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose, providing structure and stability to daily life. From feeding and grooming to providing affection and attention, the routine of caring for an emotional support animal instills a sense of routine and consistency that can be immensely beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. By integrating the presence of an emotional support animal into their daily lives, Pennsylvania residents can cultivate a sense of balance, purpose, and fulfillment that contributes to their overall well-being.

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Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, psychiatric service dog training is a vital resource for individuals with mental health conditions who require specialized assistance. These service dogs undergo rigorous training to perform tasks tailored to their handler's specific needs, such as alerting to impending panic attacks, providing grounding during dissociative episodes, or retrieving medication during times of distress. With the support of trained professionals, psychiatric service dogs are equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively mitigate the symptoms of mental illness and enhance their handler's quality of life. Through structured training programs and ongoing guidance, Pennsylvania residents can access the invaluable support and companionship provided by psychiatric service dogs, empowering them to navigate through the challenges of mental health with greater independence and confidence.

At Pettable, we offer an online psychiatric service dog training program that enables you to train a PSD on your own. To enroll in the course, start by taking our short online quiz by clicking the button below.

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Why Pettable? 

You can put your trust in Pettable. Our world-class therapists and our incredible customer support team will do everything in their power to make sure your ESA letter works for you. In the unlikely event that it doesn't, we'll provide you with a full refund as part of our customer satisfaction guarantee.

1. ESA Letters That Work, Guaranteed
Your peace of mind matters to us, which is why we stand by our assurance that your letter will effectively serve its purpose, or we'll refund your money.

2. World-Class Mental Health Professionals
We've assembled a team of top-tier mental health professionals who can provide you with an ESA letter prescription that's guaranteed to be accepted wherever you reside in The United States.

3. Unmatched Customer Support
Navigating the process of getting your pet approved to live with you can be stressful. That's why we've heavily invested in a dedicated team of support specialists to ensure you receive the care and assistance you need.

4. Licensed Nationwide
Our extensive network of mental health professionals spans all 50 states, ensuring nationwide coverage. We've also built a deep bench of professionals to meet any deadlines or requirements.

5. Personal Connection and Rigorous Evaluations
For your letter to be effective, a live consultation with a mental health professional is a must. At Pettable, we ensure our clinicians adhere to HUD standards and conduct comprehensive phone consultations to truly understand your mental health situation.

Why Pettable?


1. We Guarantee Our Letters Will Work For You
We believe you should not have to worry about your letter working or not. That's why at Pettable we offer a satisfaction guarantee - meaning your letter works or you get your money back.

2. World Class Mental Health Professionals
We have built a team of world class mental health professionals who can write you a PSD Letter prescription guaranteed to work anywhere you go.

3. Unparalleled Customer Support
We know getting your animal approved to travel or live with you can be stressful, which is why we invest so much in our team of dedicated support specialists to make sure you are always taken care of and have the support you need!

4. Licensed in all 50 states
Our network of mental health professionals is deep and spans across the entire country. Additionally, we have a deep team of mental health professionals to make sure we can meet any timeline.

5. Best In Class Legal Support
We are here to make sure your housing and travel needs are taken care of so you don't worry. Our legal team is dedicated to having your back should you need it!

6. Human Connection & Legitimate Evaluations
In order for your letter to work you need to have a live consultation with a mental health professional. At Pettable we make sure our clinicians adhered to HUD standards and conduct consultations over the phone to get to know you and your mental health situation well.

Why Pettable Is the Best Online ESA Letter Provider in Pennsylvania

It's easy to see that Pettable is the best choice when it comes to online ESA letter providers. With our user-friendly online services, you’ll receive a live consultation with a highly experienced LMHP, our 100% satisfaction guarantee, and transparency every step of the way. Take a look at our glowing customer reviews and see for yourself how we compare with our competitors! 

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Reviews

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Verified Reviews: 4.8/5
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Trust Pilot: 4.7/5
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Facebook: 4.6/5
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What our pet parents are saying

Verified customers. Real reviews.
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I had an incredible experience with Pettable. I had just moved and was looking for a new therapist, but knew an ESA would really help me with the transition, so I came to Pettable to get documentation so I didn’t have to wait months to get approval from my landlord to bring a pet home. The process was straightforward, timely, and made me feel so valid in my journey. Now I am raising a puppy and never been happier and healthier! I can’t recommend Pettable enough! 
“The process was straightforward, timely, and made me feel so valid in my journey.
Maddee W. Dog parent
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5.0
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My pup provides relief in stressful situations, particularly when I'm away on necessary travel. Pettable was an amazing resource, connecting me with a therapist who listened to my situation and provided advice above and beyond. I could hear Rhiana's compassion over our call and appreciated her patience. Grateful for this service!"
“I could hear Rhiana's compassion over our call and appreciated her patience.
Austin K. Dog parent
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5.0
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You were very attentive and I’m very satisfied with the provider I was assigned with, thank you again for helping relieve the stress of not being able to take my furry baby to our new home."
“Thank you again for helping relieve the stress.
Lauren M. Cat parent
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5.0
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Meet Our Top Licensed Clinicians

Jennifer Bronsnick

MSW, LCSW

Jennifer Bronsnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Anxiety Treatment Specialist, & Heartmath Certified Trainer. She provides customized workshops and trainings to working professionals and teams to help build resilience and reduce stress with practical strategies.

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Emilie Kay

MSW, LCSW

I graduated with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before obtaining my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2021. I have eight years of experience in the mental health field working in and with various populations, including case management, intake coordination, and residential, inpatient, and outpatient programs. I am certified in Brainspotting to help individuals deeply process negative emotions and trauma/significant life events. Additionally, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and safety planning in sessions/groups.

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Marvy Beckman

LCSW

As a clinical social worker, I have been able to work within multiple types of settings, such as hospitals, community centers, and family welfare. I enjoy having the clinical and administrative experience to holistically serve those I work with.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Emotional Support Animal Overview
What would count as an emotional support animal?
How do I know if I qualify for an Emotional Support Animal?
What does the ESA process look like at Pettable?
How do I know my letter will work?
Can you confirm that this is legal?
What makes your ESA Letters legitimate?
What happens if my landlord wants to validate that my letter is legitimate?
How long does the process take from start to finish and how quickly will I get my ESA letter?
If I qualify, how would I go about getting an emotional support animal?
Are there benefits to having an Emotional Support Animal?
What is on your ESA letter?
I'm not familiar with the Fair Housing Act – what is it?
Do I need to renew my ESA letter?
How do your consultations work?
To get an ESA Letter, do I have to talk with a mental health professional?
Would an existing pet qualify as an Emotional Support Animal?
Can I qualify multiple pets with the same ESA letter?
My landlord says I can't keep my pet despite having a legitimate ESA letter. What do I do?
What does an ESA Letter let me do?
How does the Money Back Guarantee work?
Are there scams out there I need to be aware of?

Life feels so much better with an emotional support animal.

At Pettable, we understand at a personal level the positive impact an animal can have on your life.

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