Emotional Support Dogs: Best Breeds, Rights, and Responsibilities

An emotional support dog (ESA) offers therapeutic companionship to individuals diagnosed with mental or emotional conditions and is legally protected under U.S. housing laws, though it does not have public access rights under the ADA like service dogs. 

To qualify, a licensed mental health professional must issue an ESA letter, and while no special training is required, basic obedience, emotional responsiveness, and good social behavior are essential for an ESA to be effective. 

Certain breeds—such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—are especially well-suited for emotional support due to their calm temperaments, intelligence, and strong human bonds. 

When it comes to air travel, small ESA breeds like the Havanese, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu often qualify for in-cabin travel, while larger breeds may need to fly in cargo, and all ESAs are subject to standard pet airline policies following the ACAA 2021 regulatory change.

What Is an Emotional Support Dog?

An emotional support dog (ESD/ESA Dog) is a dog that provides emotional comfort, companionship, and a stabilizing presence to an individual diagnosed with a mental or emotional disability. Emotional support dogs require no specialized task training unlike service dogs.

Emotional support animals do not have public access rights per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Title II and III).

ESA dogs are legally categorized as “assistance animals.” by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requiring housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for them to live with their ESDs, regardless of breed, size, and breed specific legislation unless the dog poses a documented threat or causes substantial damage.

How to Get an Emotional Support Dog? Make Your Dog an ESD

To get an emotional support dog or make your pet dog recognized as an emotional support animal, you follow a 3-step legal process:

1

Take Free
Pre-Screening

2

Connect With A
Licensed Therapist

3

Receive
Your Letter

 

Consult with a Licensed Health Care Professional

The first step is to speak with a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or another qualified licensed health professional. During this consultation, the health care provider will assess whether you have a qualifying mental or emotional health condition, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or similar disorders that can benefit from the support of an ESA.

Get a Legitimate ESA Letter

If the LMHP determines that an emotional support animal would benefit your mental health, they can issue a formal ESA letter. An emotional support animal letter must include:

• Your full name
• A statement confirming your need for an ESA due to a diagnosed mental or emotional disability
• The professional’s license number, license type, and issuing state
• The date of issuance
• A recommendation for an emotional support dog as part of your treatment plan. This letter serves as your official documentation and is required to claim ESA-related protections under U.S. federal housing laws.

Submit the ESA Letter for Housing Accommodations

When requesting reasonable accommodation to live with your dog in housing that normally restricts pets or charges pet fees, provide your ESA letter to your landlord or property manager. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), housing providers must allow emotional support animals without charging pet fees or imposing breed or weight restrictions, as long as you present a valid ESA letter.

10 Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds

The 10 best emotional support dog breed based on temperament, intelligence, trainability and acceptance in housing and air travel are:

Golden Retriever: Golden Retrievers are emotionally intuitive, gentle, and highly trainable, making them ideal for individuals seeking stable and affectionate support.

Labrador Retriever: Labradors are emotionally stable, loyal, and eager to please, offering consistent companionship and ease of training as an ESA.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This affectionate and calm toy breed thrives on human connection and excels in apartment settings, making it a good choice for emotional support.

Poodle (Standard/Miniature/Toy): Poodles are among the most intelligent and trainable breeds, with Toy and Miniature types especially suited for close emotional bonding and small-space living.

Havanese: The Havanese is cheerful, sociable, and adaptable, providing comforting companionship in compact, urban environments.

Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkies are small, affectionate, and people-oriented, offering strong emotional bonds and easy travel compatibility.

Shih Tzu: Known for their calm, loyal nature, Shih Tzus provide steady emotional comfort and thrive in quiet home environments.

Corgi (Pembroke/Cardigan): Corgis are highly intelligent, loyal, and expressive, offering emotional support with the right mental stimulation and early training.

Boxer: Boxers combine strong emotional sensitivity with loyalty and protective instincts, making them comforting companions in structured homes.

Great Dane: Despite their size, Great Danes are gentle, affectionate, and calm, offering a reassuring presence for those needing quiet, grounded support.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever, consistently ranked among the top 3 American Kennel Club (AKC) breeds, is known for its affectionate temperament and high trainability. As a large breed (55–75 lbs), ownership costs are substantial—averaging $52,000 over a lifetime due to food, vet care, and grooming needs. Golden Retrievers are emotionally intuitive and thrive in structured routines, making them excellent emotional support dogs. However, they require more space and daily exercise, which makes apartment living less ideal unless paired with an active lifestyle.

Golden Retriever Traits

• Trainability: Highly trainable and eager to please.
  
• Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and people-oriented.
  
• Intelligence: Ranked among the most intelligent dog breeds.
  
• Apartment Living: Adaptable with enough space and daily exercise.
  
• Air Travel: Too large for cabin travel, must fly in cargo with proper accommodations.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are not restricted by breed-specific legislation (BSL) and face no public housing bans, owing to their reputation as non-aggressive and friendly.

Flying With Golden Retriever

Due to their size, they cannot fly in-cabin. Airlines like Delta and American allow cargo travel for large dogs in climate-controlled compartments, with strict kennel requirements.

Labrador Retriever

Topping AKC rankings for years, the Labrador Retriever is beloved for its sociable and obedient nature. Weighing 55–80 lbs, Labs incur lifetime costs around $50,000, driven by higher food consumption, vet visits, and grooming. Their loyalty and emotional stability make them excellent support animals. Though their size makes apartment living less ideal, they adjust with regular activity and stimulation.

Labrador Retriever Traits

• Trainability: Quick learners, highly responsive to training.
  
• Temperament: Outgoing, stable, and loyal.
  
• Intelligence: Highly intelligent and task-oriented.
  
• Apartment Living: Manageable in apartments with daily activity.
  
• Air Travel: Cabin travel not possible; must fly in cargo.
  

Breed Specific Legislation Against Labrador Retriever

There are no legal restrictions against Labs in housing or public areas, reinforcing their widespread popularity.

Flying With Labrador Retriever

Labradors are too large for in-cabin travel and must be checked as cargo in an airline-approved crate. United and Alaska Airlines accommodate large dogs with proper planning.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, ranking in the AKC’s top 20, is a toy breed (13–18 lbs) ideal for close companionship. Lifetime ownership costs are moderate—around $25,000–$29,000, mainly due to manageable food portions and minimal grooming needs. Their affectionate personality and compact size make them perfect for apartment dwellers and frequent flyers.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Traits

• Trainability: Quick learners with a desire to please.
  
• Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and calm.
  
• Intelligence: Moderately intelligent and adaptable.
  
• Apartment Living: Excellent apartment dogs due to size and temperament.
  
• Air Travel: Ideal for in-cabin travel due to small size.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs are not included in any breed-specific legislation or housing bans, making them broadly accepted.

Flying With Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Their size makes them perfect for in-cabin air travel on all major U.S. airlines. Soft carriers that fit under the seat are sufficient for transport.

Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)

The Poodle, in its Standard (40–70 lbs), Miniature (10–15 lbs), and Toy (5–10 lbs) varieties, is ranked in the AKC top 10 for intelligence and hypoallergenic traits. Lifetime costs vary by size—from $25,000 for Toy Poodles to over $45,000 for Standard Poodles, due to grooming and medical maintenance. Highly trainable and emotionally in tune, they’re excellent for support roles. Toy and Miniature types are perfect for apartment living and air travel.

Poodle Traits

• Trainability: Among the easiest breeds to train.
  
• Temperament: Alert, affectionate, and calm.
  
• Intelligence: Ranked #2 in working intelligence.
  
• Apartment Living: Toy and Miniature thrive in small spaces; Standard needs room.
  
• Air Travel: Toy and Miniature fly in-cabin; Standard requires cargo transport.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Poodle

No jurisdictions restrict Poodles, and they aren welcomed in all public and housing environments.

Flying With Poodles

Toy and Miniature Poodles are ideal for in-cabin flights, while Standard Poodles require air cargo arrangements due to size restrictions.

Havanese

The Havanese, weighing 7–13 lbs, is a cheerful toy breed recognized for its affectionate behavior and hypoallergenic coat. With lifetime care costs of $16,000–$25,000, they are one of the more budget-friendly options. Their size, trainability, and calm nature make them perfect for small homes and urban environments. Their social personality also enhances their effectiveness as emotional support dogs.

Havanese Traits

• Trainability: Responsive and eager to learn.
  
• Temperament: Cheerful, social, and affectionate.
  
• Intelligence: Intelligent and quick to adapt.
  
• Apartment Living: Excellent; quiet and compact.
  
• Air Travel: Fully compliant with in-cabin airline pet policies.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Havanese

There are no breed bans or restrictions against Havanese, making them accessible for most living environments.

Flying With Havanese

Due to their small size, they are ideal for in-cabin travel and meet airline regulations for soft-sided carriers under the seat.

Here’s the final set of dog breeds, now including 2025 cost data alongside their emotional support suitability:

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier ranks high on the AKC toy breed list and is known for its bold personality in a tiny package. Weighing 4–7 lbs, this breed incurs a lifetime ownership cost of around $16,000–$23,000, thanks to its small food requirements and manageable grooming needs. 

Yorkies are alert, affectionate, and thrive on close companionship—making them excellent emotional support animals in both homes and during travel.

Yorkshire Terrier Traits

• Trainability: Intelligent and learns quickly with positive reinforcement.
  
• Temperament: Affectionate, alert, and people-centric.
  
• Intelligence: Above-average, especially in obedience tasks.
  
• Apartment Living: Ideal for small spaces and urban life.
  
• Air Travel: Meets in-cabin requirements for all major airlines.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are not targeted by any BSLs or housing restrictions, making them one of the safest and most accessible choices for renters and travelers.

Flying With Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are well-suited for in-cabin airline travel. Their small size fits under-seat requirements, and they are accepted by all major U.S. carriers.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, a toy breed known for its calm demeanor and loyal nature, is a popular companion dog weighing 9–16 lbs. Ownership costs over a lifetime average $20,000–$26,000, mostly due to regular grooming needs. Their affectionate personality and laid-back attitude make them excellent emotional support animals, especially in smaller living spaces.

Shih Tzu Traits

• Trainability: Moderate, with patience and consistency.
  
• Temperament: Calm, loyal, and people-focused.
  
• Intelligence: Average, but highly responsive to bonding.
  
• Apartment Living: Excellent choice for apartment dwellers.
  
• Air Travel: Small enough to qualify for in-cabin travel.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are not restricted by breed-specific legislation, making them a common fixture in pet-friendly apartments and public housing.

Flying With Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus meet all in-cabin airline travel requirements, and their calm nature makes them well-suited for longer flights in carriers.

Corgi

Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are beloved for their intelligence and quirky charm. Weighing 22–30 lbs, Corgis are considered medium-sized, with lifetime care costs ranging from $29,500–$33,700. Their loyalty, expressive faces, and intelligence make them excellent support companions. However, their herding instincts may require early training for ideal behavior in busy environments.

Corgi Traits

• Trainability: Highly trainable with strong obedience.
  
• Temperament: Loyal, energetic, and affectionate.
  
• Intelligence: Very intelligent; ranks in the top 10.
  
• Apartment Living: Adaptable if given mental stimulation.
  
• Air Travel: May be too large for in-cabin travel; case-specific.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Corgi

Corgis are not banned or restricted in any public housing or legislative frameworks.

Flying With Corgi

Most adult Corgis exceed the in-cabin size/weight limits (20 lbs max in many airlines). Some puppies may qualify, but most adults require cargo transport in a climate-controlled crate.

Boxer

The Boxer, a medium-to-large breed weighing 50–80 lbs, is known for its loyalty and strong emotional intuition. Lifetime ownership costs are higher—about $50,000–$52,000, driven by food needs, vet visits, and potential hereditary health concerns. Their protective yet affectionate temperament makes them comforting companions, though their size and energy may require more space and structure.

Boxer Traits

• Trainability: Responsive but needs consistent training.
  
• Temperament: Loyal, confident, and emotionally in tune.
  
• Intelligence: Intelligent and alert, with high emotional intelligence.
  
• Apartment Living: Possible with structure and daily exercise.
  
• Air Travel: Too large for cabin; must fly in cargo.

Breed Specific Legislation Against Boxer

Boxers are banned in several public housing policies, including in Georgia, Indiana, and Rhode Island due to their size and perceived aggression.

Flying With Boxer

Boxers are often restricted from flying cargo due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) nature, which poses risks during flights. Special arrangements and vet clearance are required, and some airlines may refuse transport altogether.

Great Dane

The Great Dane, one of the largest AKC-recognized breeds, is often called a gentle giant. Weighing 100–175 lbs, lifetime care costs range from $50,000–$55,000, largely due to high food intake and medical needs. Their calm, gentle, and loyal demeanor make them surprisingly suited to emotional support, though their size poses challenges for housing and travel.

Great Dane Traits

• Trainability: Surprisingly compliant and gentle.
  
• Temperament: Calm, affectionate, and loyal.
  
• Intelligence: Moderate but very responsive to structure.
  
• Apartment Living: Possible in spacious units with low activity levels.
  
• Air Travel: Not permitted in-cabin; difficult to fly even as cargo.
  

Breed Specific Legislation Against Great Danes
Great Danes are not included in BSLs, though housing limitations may exist due to size restrictions rather than aggression concerns.

Flying With Great Danes

Most airlines do not accept dogs over 100 lbs in cargo, making air travel extremely difficult. Specialized pet transport services may be required for interstate or international relocation.

The table below compares 11 popular emotional support dog breeds based on weight, lifetime cost, suitability for apartment living, breed-specific legislation, and air travel eligibility. It offers a practical overview for individuals considering an emotional support animal that fits their lifestyle, housing, and travel needs.

Traits to Consider When Choosing a Dog for Emotional Support

There are 5 important dog traits to consider when choosing an ESD:

Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression

The best emotional support dogs for people suffering from anxiety and depression are:

1. Golden Retriever: Loyal, calm, and empathetic, Golden Retrievers are excellent ESA dogs for both anxiety and depression, offering steady companionship and emotional attunement.
2. Labrador Retriever: Friendly and energetic, Labradors support both anxiety and depression by encouraging physical activity and providing loyal, uplifting companionship.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: As a gentle and affectionate lap dog, the Cavalier excels in soothing anxiety but may be less stimulating for individuals managing depression.
4. Poodle (and Doodles): Highly intelligent, emotionally sensitive, and hypoallergenic, Poodles and Doodles are ideal for both anxiety and depression support in various environments.
5. Corgi: Alert and emotionally grounding, Corgis help ease anxiety through loyalty and presence, though their high energy may require careful management for those with depression.
6. Havanese: Friendly and compact, the Havanese is best suited for depression support with its cheerful personality and adaptability to apartment living.
7. Boxer: Emotionally attached and playful, Boxers can uplift individuals with depression, though their high energy may not suit every anxiety-related lifestyle.

Emotional Support Dogs can provide vital comfort and companionship for individuals coping with anxiety and depression. While each person’s needs are unique, certain dog breeds tend to be particularly well-suited for supporting these mental health conditions due to their temperament, intelligence, and affectionate nature.

• For anxiety, ideal ESA dogs are usually calm, steady, and highly attentive to their owner’s emotional state. They help reduce panic attacks by offering a soothing presence and stability.
• For depression, ESA dogs often have an energetic and cheerful disposition that encourages activity and social interaction, while also providing consistent affection and emotional support.

Below is a table comparing some of the best ESA dog breeds for anxiety and depression, highlighting their key traits and suitability for each condition.

Breed	Best for Anxiety	Best for Depression	Key Traits
Golden Retriever			Loyal, calm, empathetic, great with families
Labrador Retriever			Friendly, playful, motivates physical activity
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel		(more passive)	Gentle lap dog, affectionate, calming presence
Poodle (and Doodles)			Intelligent, sensitive, hypoallergenic
Corgi		(energetic)	Alert, loyal, small, provides emotional security
Havanese	(less vigilant)		Compact, friendly, great for apartments
Boxer	(energetic)		Playful, protective, emotionally attached

Is Emotional Support Dog Certification Necessary?

There’s no legal certification required for emotional support dogs—only a valid ESA letter issued by a licensed professional. Be wary of:

• Online platforms selling “certificates” or ID cards
• Lifetime ESA registrations without mental health evaluation

Is Emotional Support Dog Registration Necessary?

You do not need to pay for an ESA registry. Here’s what you actually need:

• An ESA letter from a licensed provider
• (Optional) If you already see a therapist, they may issue the letter at no extra cost
• There’s no fee to “register” your dog—because official registration doesn’t exist

Emotional Support Dog for Sale: What to Know Before You Buy

You don’t need to buy a pre-certified ESA. Any dog that provides emotional support and is approved by a mental health professional can qualify.

Beware of scams selling:

• “Pre-trained emotional support dogs” at high prices
• “ESA puppies” that come with fake certificates
• “Registered” dogs without evaluation or letter

Instead, adopt or choose a dog that fits your emotional and lifestyle needs — and then pursue ESA qualification legally.

Training Emotional Support Dogs: Essential or Not?

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs (ESAs) are not legally required to undergo specialized training. Their main role is to provide comfort and companionship to individuals dealing with emotional or mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. 

However, even though advanced training isn’t mandatory, basic obedience and good behavior are essential — especially in shared living spaces, public areas (when permitted), or travel situations.

A well-behaved ESA enhances emotional stability rather than creating stress or disruptions. Landlords can also deny your emotional support dog if it’s destructive, aggressive, or too disruptive,

Recommended Training Aspects:

• Leash Manners:
  Teaching your ESA to walk calmly on a leash is important for daily outings and reducing triggers such as loud noises or crowded areas.
• House Training:
  Proper potty training ensures your dog can coexist peacefully in homes or apartments — especially where housing laws protect ESAs under the Fair Housing Act.
• Recognizing Emotional Cues:
  While ESAs aren’t trained to perform specific tasks, they can learn to pick up on your emotional states through consistency, repetition, and positive reinforcement. For example, they may come closer when you show signs of distress or anxiety, offering natural emotional grounding.
• Socialization:
  Calm exposure to various environments, people, and other pets helps prevent fear-based behavior and encourages emotional stability — both for the dog and their handler.
• Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Come):
  These commands provide structure, safety, and easier communication between you and your ESA, particularly in unfamiliar or potentially overwhelming settings.

6 Benefits of ESA Dog: How Does It Help?

Emotional support dogs offer a range of mental and emotional benefits, here are six research backed benefits of ESA dogs:

1. Reduction of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Panic Symptoms
2. Increase in Positive Neurotransmitters
3. Lowering Cortisol Levels (Stress Hormone)
4. Encouragement of Routine and Responsibility
5. Promotion of Physical Activity
6. Facilitation of Socialization

1.Reduction of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Panic Symptoms

Emotional support dogs can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety-related conditions by providing a calming and grounding presence. Their companionship is especially beneficial during emotional distress or panic attacks, offering a sense of safety and nonjudgmental support.

A study by Barker, S. B., & Dawson, K. S. (1998) found that individuals undergoing therapy with the presence of a therapy dog reported significant reductions in anxiety levels compared to those without animal-assisted intervention.

2.Increase in Positive Neurotransmitters

Interactions with emotional support dogs, such as petting, cuddling, and playing, stimulate the release of serotonin and oxytocin—neurotransmitters linked to happiness, emotional bonding, and decreased stress.

According to Odendaal, J. S. J., & Meintjes, R. A. (2003), human-dog interaction can elevate levels of oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, and endorphins, while simultaneously reducing cortisol. This hormonal balance supports emotional resilience and well-being.

3.Lowering Cortisol Levels (Stress Hormone)

Scientific evidence supports that petting or interacting with dogs can reduce the secretion of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress responses. Lower cortisol levels contribute to a calmer nervous system, improved cardiovascular health, and reduced feelings of anxiety.

A study by Handlin, L. et al. (2011) observed that even brief physical interaction with a familiar dog led to decreased cortisol levels and increased oxytocin in both humans and dogs, reinforcing the reciprocal emotional benefit.

4.Encouragement of Routine and Responsibility

Caring for an ESA involves daily tasks such as feeding, walking, and grooming. This structured routine can help individuals—especially those struggling with mental health—establish a sense of control, stability, and purpose.

Serpell, J. A. (1991) highlighted that pet ownership provides a meaningful structure to daily life and has been linked to psychological and physiological improvements in individuals recovering from stress-related disorders.

5.Promotion of Physical Activity

Emotional support dogs naturally encourage physical movement, whether through daily walks, outdoor play, or general activity. Exercise is closely associated with improved mental health due to its ability to stimulate endorphin release and regulate mood.

According to a study by Cutt, H., Giles-Corti, B., & Knuiman, M. (2008), dog owners are more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity, and this regular activity has a direct impact on reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing emotional well-being.

6.Facilitation of Socialization

Having a dog can act as a social catalyst, easing interactions and making it easier to connect with others in public spaces. For individuals with social anxiety or depression, this can foster meaningful conversations and reduce feelings of isolation.

McNicholas, J., & Collis, G. M. (2000) found that people walking with dogs experienced significantly more social encounters and conversations, demonstrating the dog’s role as a social facilitator.

Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Dog?

To legally qualify for an emotional support dog, you must:

• Have a diagnosed emotional or psychological condition, such as: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD or trauma-related disorders, and Social anxiety or phobias;
• Be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who can confirm that an ESA would assist in your treatment.

Misconception: You don’t need to have a disability that affects mobility — mental health conditions are legally valid for ESA eligibility.

Emotional Support Dog Owners: Housing and Travel Rights

If you have an emotional support dog (ESA dog) accompanied by a valid letter from a licensed mental health professional, you are protected under several laws—most notably in housing. However, it’s important to understand that emotional support dogs do not have the same public access or air travel rights as service dogs, which affects where you can bring your dog and the accommodations airlines provide.

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

Under the FHA, landlords are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for emotional support dogs, even in properties with strict no-pet policies. This means you can live with your ESA dog without facing pet-related restrictions. 

Additionally, landlords cannot charge pet fees, deposits, or require additional payments for keeping an emotional support animal. This protection helps ensure that individuals with mental health needs can maintain stable housing alongside their ESA dogs.

Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

Since 2021, the rules around flying with emotional support dogs have changed significantly. Airlines are no longer obligated to treat ESAs as service animals, meaning emotional support dogs are generally considered pets by most carriers. This shift results in several important implications for travelers:

• You may be required to pay a pet fee, similar to any other animal traveling with you.
• Your dog will likely need to stay in a carrier placed under the seat during the flight.
• Some airlines may still require additional documentation or advance notice, but the protections are far more limited than before.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA distinguishes between service dogs and emotional support animals, and only service dogs are granted extensive public access rights. Emotional support dogs do not have the right to accompany you in most public places that do not allow pets, such as:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Retail stores and shopping malls
• Offices and workplaces (unless the employer grants specific accommodations)

This means that while emotional support dogs provide crucial emotional benefits, their access is limited compared to service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.

When Can a Landlord Reject an Emotional Support Dog?

Yes, a landlord can legally deny ESA dogs when there’s no verified disability-related need, insufficient or fraudulent documentation, a direct threat to health or property, or if the animal is unmanageable. Requests may also be rejected if they impose undue financial or administrative burdens. 

FAQ about Emotional Support Dog

Do I need a vest for my emotional support dog?

No, emotional support dogs are not legally required to wear a vest. The law does not mandate any specific identification for ESAs, as they are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Many owners choose to use a vest to signal the dog’s role and reduce questions or misunderstandings in public or housing situations. While it may help avoid awkward interactions, only a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional provides official recognition of your emotional support dog.

Can I claim my emotional support dog on taxes?

No, you can’t claim your ESA on your taxes because expenses for emotional support animals are generally not tax-deductible, as the IRS does not classify them as qualified medical expenses. While ESAs offer meaningful emotional support, their care and related costs typically do not meet the criteria for medical deductions.

Some emotional support animal (ESA) expenses may be tax-deductible if they meet IRS guidelines for qualified medical expenses. According to the IRS, deductible medical costs must be directly related to the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a diagnosed condition, and total qualifying expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). To qualify, you typically need documentation from a licensed medical professional confirming the ESA is part of your treatment plan.

Can I get an ESA letter before I get a dog?

Yes, you can obtain an ESA letter even before adopting a dog. An emotional support animal (ESA) letter is issued by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) based on your psychological or emotional needs—not the identity of a specific animal. Eligibility for an ESA letter applies whether or not you currently own a pet.

Where Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog Anywhere?

Emotional support dogs do not have the same legal public access rights as service dogs and are typically not permitted in pet-restricted public places such as restaurants, retail stores, or transportation hubs. While ESAs are protected under housing laws—allowing them to live in no-pet residences—they are not guaranteed entry into public spaces that prohibit animals.

Can I Fly With My Emotional Support Dog?

Yes, you can fly with an emotional support dog, but only as a pet, and subject to the airline’s policies because unlike service animals, airlines aren’t legally required to accommodate emotional support animals.

Should You Get an Emotional Support Dog?

An emotional support dog can be a life-changing companion for individuals living with anxiety, depression, or trauma. While they don’t have the same legal access as service dogs, they do offer meaningful comfort and protection under housing law—with minimal barriers to entry.

To get started, the most important step is to obtain a valid ESA letter from a licensed professional. Avoid scams, understand your rights, and choose a dog that fits your emotional and lifestyle needs.

Need help getting an ESA letter?
We connect you with licensed professionals and begin your ESA process safely and legally today. Get your ESA Letter here