In general, I don't recommend going through an "Emotional Support Animal" website in order to get your ESA letter. Most, if not all, are scams. Instead, it's better to go straight to a licensed medical professional instead of risking it with an unnecessary middle-man. Either way, it's important to be educated on how to spot these fake ESA websites and documents. There is no official ESA registry/database. There is also no officially recognized "quiz" or certificate process that automictically makes your dog an ESA. All the ones advertised online are scams. The only official way to "certify" an ESA is to have a letter of prescription from a licensed professional. If you receive an ID card for an ESA, it is a fake. There is no ID card for ESAs or Service Animals. The biggest dead ringer these are fake is the usual presence of a registry number on them.
If you meet someone you believe to be impersonating a Service Animal, remind them that it can be a criminal offense. Learn more about specific state charges here.
How do you spot a fake website before wasting time going through the process?
The site claims to provide ESA registration - One common misconception about ESAs (and Service Animals) is that they need to be “registered.” That is not true! There is no official ESA registry/database. A registration number will not qualify your pet as an emotional support animal.
The site claims to “certify” your ESA with a certification process - There is no official “certification” program or online quiz that properly qualifies emotional support animals. Registrations and certifications are not acceptable forms of documentation to prove your animal companion is an ESA. You must have an ESA letter of prescription from a medical professional!
The promise of instant turnaround - An ESA letter cannot be issued automatically. You must work with a healthcare professional who is licensed in your state. The professional will assess your condition and determine whether an ESA is appropriate for you.
The healthcare professional is not properly licensed - Your healthcare professional must be actively licensed to help you. An ESA letter will have the contact information, license number, and signature of the doctor.
The promise of cheap rates - As the old saying goes: you get what you pay for. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. The help of an actual licensed mental health professional is never bargain-basement cheap. Be ready to pay at least $75 for an ESA letter. FYI: this goes both ways. Many fake sights claim you must continue to pay them monthly or yearly to continue your pet's "registration". This is a scam: ESA letters are a one-time purchase.
There is no client support - The ESA approval process does not just end with the ESA letter. Landlords can sometimes be reluctant to accommodate ESAs, even with a valid letter. They may also demand additional information and documentation. Your medical professional should be able to provide client support throughout any troubles you come across.
More than just a prescription letter - A letter of prescription from a licensed medical professional is the only form of official ESA documentation. Many websites advertise ID cards, certifications, and extra documents. These are all truly unnecessary and are considered fakes.
Encourages breaking the law - Many fake ESA websites and ads promote taking ESAs into non-pet-friendly establishments (such as grocery stores). This is actually illegal. ESAs do not have Public Access Rights like Service Dogs do (nor do they have Air Carrier Access rights as of 2021). The only law that officially covers ESAs is the Fair Housing Act.
If you come across what you believe to be a fraudulent ESA website, I found this website you can report them to: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
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