What are the Fair Housing Act Emotional Support Animal Law?

The FHA classifies ESAs as assistance animals, so housing providers must grant reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities who need an ESA. Providers may not: Charge pet fees. Impose breed or weight restrictions. Deny accommodation based on a “no pets” policy. Denial is only permissible if the ESA poses a documented threat or causes undue burden.

Can an Apartment Deny an Emotional Support Animal?

Yes an apartment can deny an ESA, but only if: The ESA poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety. The accommodation causes undue financial or administrative burden. The animal’s presence would fundamentally alter the housing provider’s services. Each case must be assessed individually. Generalized fears about breed, size, or stereotypes do not justify denial.

Where Do Healthcare Providers Need 30 Days Before Writing ESA Letters?

Six states have enacted statutes to curb fraudulent ESA documentation by requiring an established provider-patient relationship: California: Requires a 30-day clinical relationship and a written notice from ESA sellers (Health & Safety Code § 122318). Montana: Mandates a 30-day relationship and clinical evaluation (MCA 70-24-114; 70-33-110). Florida: Prohibits letters from “online-only” providers; requires one in-person or telehealth appointment (Fla. Stat. § 760.27). Iowa: Requires a 30-day relationship with a treating provider (Iowa Code § 216.8C). Arkansas: Documentation must come from an established, treating provider (Act 268, § 20-14-1003). Colorado: Provider must have met the patient, be licensed, and qualified to assess disability needs (CRS § 12-245-229). These laws enhance ESA legitimacy while upholding the FHA standard for “reliable third-party documentation.”

Emotional Support Animal Laws 2026: FHA Requirements & ESA Rights by State

OUR EXPERT

Medically reviewed by Joanna Martin

Joanna Martin, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and Virginia with 23 years of experience specializing in anxiety and depression. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in Community Counseling, along with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Joanna is passionate about helping clients reach their full potential and enjoys supporting individuals who live with companion animals. Outside of work, she loves spending time at the beach with her husband, son, and their pets—a Black Lab named Abby and a hamster named Ham-Ham.

Updated on

July 14, 2026

by Isys Bastos

Written by Beatriz Santos

Fact Checked by Sandra Carretero

OUR EXPERT

Medically reviewed by Joanna Martin

Updated on

July 14, 2026

by Isys Bastos

Written by Beatriz Santos

Fact Checked by Sandra Carretero

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) laws are shaped by an intersection of federal law and state and local laws, which vary widely in scope, terminology, documentation standards, and enforcement practices.

While federal law establishes foundational protections for emotional support animals, state-specific regulations expand, refine, or penalize ESA use, especially in housing, public access, fraud prevention, and accommodation request contexts.

Understanding how emotional support animal laws apply at both levels helps a person with a disability avoid discrimination and secure proper accommodations.

These overlapping legal frameworks require ESA owners to understand both federal rights and state-specific obligations, including ESA restrictions that apply differently in housing, public access, and air travel. ESA owners also need to meet state-specific ESA letter requirements to make sure their accommodation request is legally valid.

What Are Emotional Support Animal Laws (ESA Laws)?

New emotional support animal laws have been introduced at the state level to build on federal rules, clarifying how ESAs are handled in housing, travel, and public settings. ESA laws provide critical protections for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to accommodations and support.

ESA laws are shaped by an intersection of federal statutes and state-specific regulations, which vary widely in scope, terminology, documentation standards, and enforcement practices.

While federal laws establish foundational protections, state laws expand, refine, or penalize ESA use, especially in housing, public access, and fraud prevention contexts.

Federal ESA Laws

There are 3 main federal laws that govern emotional support animal definitions, rights, and responsibilities:

Fair Housing Act (FHA) & Rehabilitation Act: These laws require housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including allowing emotional support animals as assistance animals, regardless of pet restrictions.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This law grants access rights to trained service animals in public spaces but explicitly excludes emotional support animals from its definition of service animals.
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA): This law governs air travel and allows airlines to treat emotional support animals as pets, providing access only to service dogs trained to assist individuals with disabilities.

These rules are enforced by different federal agencies, including HUD (housing), the DOJ (public accommodations), and the DOT (air travel).

Fair Housing Act (FHA) & Rehabilitation Act

The Fair Housing Act is the primary federal law that protects individuals who rely on emotional support animals in housing. Under this law, landlords and housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities who require an assistance animal, including emotional support animals, even in buildings that otherwise prohibit pets.

Unlike service animals, ESAs do not need specialized training. However, landlords may request documentation from a licensed mental health professional confirming that the animal provides disability-related support.

Fair Housing Act ESA Documentation Requirements

Under Fair Housing Act and HUD guidelines, housing providers may request documentation when the disability or the disability-related need for the ESA is not obvious. The FHA ESA documentation requirements are:

Source: Documentation must come from a licensed healthcare provider — typically a licensed mental health professional, physician, or other licensed healthcare provider — who has personal knowledge of the individual’s condition. HUD refers to this as a “reliable third party.”
Content: The documentation must confirm that the person has a disability (a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity) and that there is a disability-related need for the animal.
Format: There is no required format. An ESA letter, a prescription-style note, or a statement on provider letterhead all qualify, provided they meet the content requirements above.
Recency: HUD does not specify an expiration date for ESA documentation. However, housing providers may request updated documentation if the original is significantly outdated and the circumstances have changed.
State-level additions: Several states add requirements beyond HUD’s baseline. California, Montana, Florida, Iowa, and Arkansas require an established therapeutic relationship (typically 30 days) before a provider may issue ESA documentation.

Housing providers may not request medical records, a specific diagnosis, or documentation beyond what is necessary to verify the disability-related need. Requests that go beyond these HUD emotional support animal documentation requirements may themselves constitute a fair housing violation.

Learn more about what disabilities qualify for an emotional support animal.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes accessibility rights for individuals with disabilities in public spaces, businesses, and government facilities. Under ADA rules, only trained service animals that perform specific tasks for a person with a disability qualify for public access protections. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA because they provide comfort through companionship rather than task-based assistance. However, individuals who rely on ESAs may still receive housing protections under the Fair Housing Act.

Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulates disability accommodations in air travel. Following regulatory updates by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2021, airlines are no longer required to treat emotional support animals as service animals. As a result, most airlines now classify ESAs as regular pets and apply standard pet travel policies and fees. Only trained service dogs must be accepted under federal air travel disability regulations.

State ESA Laws

States may enact laws to further expand on the provisions of federal esa laws. While federal rules set the baseline, documentation requirements and enforcement details often depend on state or local laws. There are 3 main state laws that govern emotional support animals:

ESA Documentation Regulations: States can govern the qualifications of the person who writes ESA letters.
Fraud and Misrepresentation Laws: Some states have laws that penalize the misrepresentation of pets as emotional support animals.
Breed–Specific Legislation (BSL) & ESA Protections: States can pass breed specific legislations, but ESAs are exempt per the FHA regulations.

State ESA laws refine federal standards through documentation requirements, fraud penalties, and breed-specific legislation (BSL).

Important:

Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana mandate a 30-day therapeutic relationship before issuing ESA letters.
States like Wisconsin and Kentucky forbid ESA-related breed exclusions, reinforcing FHA protections.
Seventeen states have penalties for ESA fraud, including fines and misdemeanors. Although federal law preempts breed bans in housing, local BSLs still affect ESAs in public or municipal contexts unless explicitly restricted by state law.

These overlapping legal frameworks require ESA owners to understand both federal rights and state-specific obligations, including ESA restrictions that apply differently in housing, public access, and air travel.

ESA owners also need to meet state-specific ESA letter requirements to make sure their accommodation request is legally valid.

ESA Documentation Regulations

Several states legislate who may issue ESA documentation and under what conditions:

California (Health & Safety Code § 122318): Requires a 30-day provider-client relationship and clinical evaluation.
Montana (MCA § 70-24-114, 70-33-110): Imposes similar documentation and evaluation standards.
Florida (Fla. Stat. § 760.27): Prohibits reliance on online-only providers; mandates in-person or valid telehealth assessments.

These state statutes build upon HUD’s flexible “reliable third-party” standard by adding procedural safeguards to reduce fraud.

Fraud & Misrepresentation Laws

Unlike federal laws, which lack criminal fraud penalties, 17 states enforce ESA fraud laws, and 34 states have service animal misrepresentation laws. Let’s look at 4 examples:

Alabama (§ 13A-11-230 to -235): Class C misdemeanor, $500 fine, and 100 hours of community service.
Texas (§ 38.151): Class B misdemeanor for falsely identifying an animal as a service dog.
Florida (§ 817.265): Second-degree misdemeanor for falsifying ESA need or documentation.
Tennessee (§ 39-14-208): Class B misdemeanor for ESA or service animal fraud.

These laws empower states to punish false claims, protect genuine ESA users, and deter abuse of public and housing protections.

Do Breed Restrictions Apply to ESA Dogs?

No. Breed restrictions do not apply to emotional support animals under the Fair Housing Act. The FHA prohibits housing providers from denying an ESA accommodation request based on the animal’s breed, size, or weight. This means a landlord cannot reject an ESA request simply because the dog is a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, or any other breed targeted by a building’s pet policy.

The FHA requires housing providers to assess each animal individually based on whether it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others — not based on breed stereotypes. Generalized assumptions about breed behavior are not a legally valid basis for denial.

Does an ESA Letter Override Breed Restrictions?

An ESA letter does not technically “override” breed restrictions — but it activates the Fair Housing Act’s requirement that landlords make an individual accommodation assessment. Once a valid ESA letter is presented, the landlord must evaluate whether this specific animal poses a direct, documented threat. A breed restriction in a lease or building policy cannot substitute for that individual assessment.

Practical implications:

In housing covered by the FHA: Breed restrictions cannot be enforced against an approved ESA. A landlord who denies an accommodation solely based on breed may be liable under the FHA.
In public spaces: ESAs do not have public access rights under the ADA. Breed restrictions in stores, restaurants, or hotels apply to ESAs the same as to pets.
Local breed-specific legislation (BSL): Some municipalities enforce breed bans in public or municipal contexts. While FHA preempts breed bans in housing, local BSLs may still affect ESA owners in non-housing settings.

States like Kentucky and Wisconsin have reinforced FHA protections through state law, explicitly prohibiting landlords from denying ESA accommodation based on breed, size, or weight.

Emotional Support Animal Laws By State (ESA Laws by State)

ESA laws by state vary significantly in three areas: who may issue ESA documentation and under what conditions, what fraud penalties apply to misrepresentation, and how state law interacts with breed-specific legislation. While federal law sets the baseline under the Fair Housing Act, individual states expand or tighten those rules in ways that affect ESA owners directly.

The table below covers all 50 U.S. states. For each state, it summarizes the statutory definition of an ESA, documentation requirements, fraud penalties, and breed-specific legislation status.

ESA letters (the recognized document to identify an emotional support animal) must be written by licensed health professionals, with states like California, Montana, Iowa, and Arkansas requiring a 30-day therapeutic relationship.

Fraud laws also differ across states with different penalties for misrepresenting ESAs or service animals, including fines, misdemeanors, or mandated community service. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is restricted under federal housing law, which bars breed bans for ESAs unless the animal poses a direct threat. States like Wisconsin and Kentucky further protect ESAs by prohibiting breed, size, or weight-based exclusions in housing.

Let’s look at how each state defines ESAs, the state’s specific requirements for an ESA letter to be valid, the state’s fraud laws relating to emotional support animals and service animals, and the nature of breed specific legislation in the state and its municipalities.

State	ESA Laws Summary
ESA Alabama Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as assistance animals under housing law (Code of Alabama §24-8A-2).
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation may result in a $500 fine or misdemeanor (§24-8A-4).
	Breed laws: No statewide ban; local restrictions may exist.
ESA Alaska Laws	Definition: No state ESA statute; federal housing protections apply.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud law.
	Breed laws: Local restrictions reported in Juneau and Sitka.
ESA Arizona Laws	Definition: Arizona emotional support animal laws recognize ESAs as comfort animals and allow civil fines up to $250 for misrepresentation (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1318). Arizona state law prohibits breed-specific bans statewide.
	Fraud penalties: Civil fines up to $250 for misrepresentation (Ariz. Rev. Stat. §33-1318).
	Breed laws: State law prohibits breed-specific bans.
ESA Arkansas Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as animals providing emotional or cognitive support (§20-14-1001).
	Fraud penalties: Civil penalties for false ESA housing claims (§20-14-304).
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Maumelle and Lonoke.
ESA California Laws	Definition: California emotional support animal laws require a 30-day established therapeutic relationship before a licensed provider may issue an ESA letter (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 122318), making California one of the most regulated states for ESA documentation.
	Fraud penalties: Civil penalties up to $1,000 for fraudulent ESA claims (§122318).
	Breed laws: Local restrictions exist in San Bernardino and Lancaster.
ESA Colorado Laws	Definition: ESAs classified as assistance animals under housing law (§24-34-803).
	Fraud penalties: Petty offense with fines up to $500 (§18-13-107.3).
	Breed laws: Statewide ban on breed-specific legislation.
ESA Connecticut Laws	Definition: ESAs follow the federal assistance animal definition.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud law identified.
	Breed laws: Local restrictions reported in New Britain and Windsor Locks.
ESA Delaware Laws	Definition: ESAs recognized under federal housing protections.
	Fraud penalties: Civil liability for false ESA housing claims (§6-4504A).
	Breed laws: Local restrictions reported in Greenwood.
ESA Florida Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as animals providing disability-related support (Fla. Stat. §760.27).
	Fraud penalties: False ESA claims may result in fines and misdemeanor charges.
	Breed laws: Pit bull ban historically enforced in Miami-Dade County.
ESA Georgia Laws	Definition: ESAs recognized under federal assistance animal standards.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation classified as misdemeanor (§16-11-107).
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Albany and College Park.
ESA Hawaii Laws	Definition: ESAs recognized under federal assistance animal protections.
	Fraud penalties: Civil fines up to $500 for repeated offenses (HRS §347-2.6).
	Breed laws: Breed restrictions reported in Honolulu and Maui County.
ESA Idaho Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied under housing law.
	Fraud penalties: False claims considered misdemeanor (§18-5811A).
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Blackfoot and Rexburg.
ESA Illinois Laws	Definition: ESAs protected under federal housing standards.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation treated as misdemeanor (720 ILCS 5/17-33).
	Breed laws: Breed restrictions reported in Chicago and North Chicago.
ESA Indiana Laws	Definition: Indiana emotional support animal laws define an ESA as a companion animal providing therapeutic benefits to a person with a disability (Ind. Code § 22-9-7-6).
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation is a Class A infraction under Indiana Code § 35-46-3-11.5.
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Gary and Marion.
ESA Iowa Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition used.
	Fraud penalties: Fraudulent ESA documentation prohibited (§216.8B).
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Council Bluffs and Muscatine.
ESA Kansas Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied in housing cases.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation considered a misdemeanor (§39-1112).
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Overland Park and Topeka.
ESA Kentucky Laws	Definition: Kentucky ESA laws prohibit landlords from denying ESA accommodation based on breed, size, or weight (KRS § 383.085), making Kentucky one of the states that explicitly reinforces the FHA's breed restriction preemption at the state level.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud statute identified.
	Breed laws: Local restrictions reported in Lexington.
ESA Louisiana Laws	Definition: ESAs are defined as animals providing disability support (§46:1952).
	Fraud penalties: False ESA documentation criminalized (§46:1956.1).
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in New Orleans and Leesville.
ESA Maine Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: Civil penalties up to $1,000 for misrepresentation.
	Breed laws: State law bans breed-specific legislation.
ESA Maryland Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition used.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud statute identified.
	Breed laws: Pit bull restrictions reported in Prince George’s County.
ESA Massachusetts Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud law identified.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Boston and Lynn.
ESA Michigan Laws	Definition: ESAs are protected under federal housing standards.
	Fraud penalties: False ESA affidavits are punishable as a misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Waterford and Melvindale.
ESA Minnesota Laws	Definition: ESAs are defined as animals providing emotional support (§504B.113).
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation may result in civil action.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Minneapolis and Edina.
ESA Mississippi Laws	Definition: ESAs recognized as comfort animals (§43-6-153).
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation treated as misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Brandon and Magee.
ESA Missouri Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition used.
	Fraud penalties: False ESA housing claims prohibited (§209.204).
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Independence and Florissant.
ESA Montana Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as emotional support animals without task training (§70-24-114).
	Fraud penalties: Fraudulent ESA claims prohibited (§49-2-121).
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Glasgow and Hardin.
ESA Nebraska Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation considered misdemeanor (§20-127).
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Seward and York.
ESA Nevada Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: Fraudulent service animal claims illegal (§426.805).
	Breed laws: State law discourages breed-based dangerous dog designations.
ESA New Hampshire Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition used.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation considered violation offense.
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Manchester and Nashua.
ESA New Jersey Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: Civil fines up to $500 for misrepresentation.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Garfield and Jersey City.
ESA New Mexico Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as animals providing emotional support (§28-11-2).
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation considered misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: Statewide ban on breed-specific laws.
ESA New York Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud statute identified.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in New York City and Hempstead.
ESA North Carolina Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: Civil penalty up to $250 (§168-4.5).
	Breed laws: Local bans reported in Lumberton and Thomasville.
ESA North Dakota Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition used.
	Fraud penalties: Fraudulent ESA documentation punishable by fines up to $1,000.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Beulah and Mandan.
ESA Ohio Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud statute identified.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Reynoldsburg and Lakewood.
ESA Oklahoma Laws	Definition: ESAs excluded from service animal definition in state law.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation treated as misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Harrah and Pauls Valley.
ESA Oregon Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud statute identified.
	Breed laws: Statewide ban on breed-specific laws.
ESA Pennsylvania Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as assistance animals providing disability support (§405.2).
	Fraud penalties: False ESA housing claims prohibited (§405.6).
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Wilkes-Barre and Allentown.
ESA Rhode Island Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation may require community service.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Pawtucket and Providence.
ESA South Carolina Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as companion animals providing reassurance (§31-21-70).
	Fraud penalties: Escalating fines up to $1,000 (§47-3-980).
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Greenwood and Latta.
ESA South Dakota Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: Fraudulent ESA documentation treated as misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Aberdeen and Madison.
ESA Tennessee Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition used.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation is a Class B misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Dyersburg and White House.
ESA Texas Laws	Definition: ESAs included as assistance animals under housing law.
	Fraud penalties: Fine up to $300 and community service.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Garland and Missouri City.
ESA Utah Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as housing accommodations under state law.
	Fraud penalties: Fraudulent ESA documentation considered misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: Statewide ban on breed-specific laws.
ESA Vermont Laws	Definition: Federal ESA definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud statute identified.
	Breed laws: Local restrictions possible in some municipalities.
ESA Virginia Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition used.
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation considered Class 4 misdemeanor.
	Breed laws: State law discourages breed-specific restrictions.
ESA Washington Laws	Definition: Washington state emotional support animal laws do not have a separate state ESA statute; federal FHA protections apply directly. The Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW § 49.60) provides additional housing anti-discrimination protections.
	Fraud penalties: Housing providers may require documentation.
	Breed laws: Statewide prohibition on breed-specific bans.
ESA West Virginia Laws	Definition: Federal assistance animal definition applied.
	Fraud penalties: No specific ESA fraud statute identified.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Bluefield and Fairmont.
ESA Wisconsin Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as animals providing emotional support (§106.50).
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation prohibited under housing law.
	Breed laws: Statewide ban on breed-specific laws.
ESA Wyoming Laws	Definition: ESAs defined as animals alleviating disability symptoms (§35-13-201).
	Fraud penalties: Misrepresentation prohibited under housing law.
	Breed laws: Restrictions reported in Casper and Evansville.

State	Official ESA Definition	ESA Letter Requirements	ESA and Service Animal Fraud Laws	Breed Specific Legislation
Alabama	Alabama classifies Emotional Support Animals in the broader category of assistance animal that is defined as an animal, other than a service animal, that qualifies as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, Public Law 90-284, 42 U.S.C. § 3601, et seq., or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112, 29 U.S.C. § 794. This is codified in Code of Alabama 1975 § 24-8A-2.	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Code of Alabama 1975 § 24-8A-4: Intentional misrepresentation to obtain documentation or falsely claim ESA usage is unlawful. Penalties:• First offense: $500 civil penalty or Class C misdemeanor• Second/subsequent offense: Class B misdemeanor	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Alabama: There is no state law banning specific breeds, and the state does not prohibit local breed-specific laws. Municipalities may have BSL. No explicit state preemption cited.
Alaska	Alaska does not have a specific statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals. However, they are recognized as animals that provide companionship and comfort but are not trained service animals.	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	Alaska does not preempt breed-specific laws. Municipalities such as Juneau and Sitka restrict certain breeds including Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
Arizona	Arizona does not provide a specific ESA definition in statute. ESAs are described as animals offering comfort but not trained for specific tasks.	ESA Letter must be from a licensed health professional with a provider–patient relationship of at least 30 days. The licensed health professionals must have knowledge of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the emotional support animal’s ability to alleviate the condition’s symptoms.	Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1318: Misrepresenting a pet as an ESA is a civil offense. Penalties: Fines up to $250	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Arizona per Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-499.04 and § 11-1005: “A city or town may regulate the control of dogs if the regulation is not specific to any breed.”
Arkansas	Arkansas defines Emotional Support Animals as an animal that provides emotional, cognitive, or other similar support to an individual with a disability and does not need to be trained or certified per Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-14-1001.	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Arkansas Code § 20-14-304: Misrepresentation includes false documentation or statements to obtain ESA housing access. Penalties: Civil fines and possible housing denial	Arkansas does not have a preemption law; local jurisdictions may enact BSL. Examples include restrictions on Pit Bulls and Rottweilers in cities like Maumelle and Lonoke.
California	California defines an emotional support animal as an animal that provides emotional, cognitive, or other similar support to an individual with a disability and is not a service animal under federal law. This is codified in Cal. Health & Safety Code § 122319.5(a).	ESA Letter must be from a licensed health professional with a provider–patient relationship of at least 30 days. The licensed health professionals must have knowledge of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the emotional support animal’s ability to alleviate the condition’s symptoms.	California Health and Safety Code § 122318: Prohibits businesses from selling ESA letters unless conditions are met, and punishes misrepresentation Penalties: Civil penalties of up to $1,000 for fraudulent claims	California does not have a state-level preemption; local BSL is permitted. Jurisdictions such as San Bernardino, Lancaster, and Yucaipa have BSL restricting breeds like Pit Bulls.
Colorado	Colorado defines emotional support animals as assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act or Section 504 that do not require training and provide emotional support. This is found in Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-34-803(2).	ESA Letter must be from a licensed health professional with a provider–patient relationship of at least 30 days. The licensed health professionals must have knowledge of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the emotional support animal’s ability to alleviate the condition’s symptoms.	Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-13-107.3: Makes it illegal to misrepresent an animal as an ESA or service animal Penalties: Petty offense, fine up to $500	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Colorado per C.R.S. § 31-15-103: “A local government shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance or resolution that regulates dogs in a manner that is specific to breed.”
Connecticut	Connecticut does not define Emotional Support Animals in statute so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws identified in the documents	Connecticut has no statewide preemption. Some towns such as New Britain and Windsor Locks regulate breeds like Pit Bulls.
Delaware	Delaware does not provide a statutory ESA definition so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Delaware Code Title 6 § 4504A: False claims to housing providers regarding ESAs are violations Penalties: Civil actions or denial of accommodation	Delaware does not prohibit BSL. Towns like Greenwood have BSL ordinances targeting Pit Bulls.
Florida	Florida defines an Emotional Support Animal as an animal that does not require training and provides support that alleviates one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. This is defined in Fla. Stat. § 760.27(1)(b).	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Florida Statutes § 760.27: Prohibits false ESA claims and penalizes providers issuing fraudulent letters Penalties: Up to $500 fine and misdemeanor charges for false documentation	Florida has no state-level BSL ban. Municipalities like Miami-Dade County ban Pit Bulls (County Code § 5-17.1).
Georgia	Georgia does not provide a statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Georgia Code § 16-11-107: Illegal to misrepresent a pet as a service animal or ESA Penalties: Misdemeanor offense	Georgia has no state-level preemption. Cities such as Albany and College Park have bans or restrictions on Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
Hawaii	Hawaii does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals. So ESAs are defined by federal law under Assistance Animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	HRS § 347-2.6: Misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is prohibited Penalties: Civil fine up to $100 for first offense, $250 for second offense, $500 for third/subsequent	Hawaii has no state preemption. The City and County of Honolulu and the island of Maui have BSL ordinances targeting breeds like Pit Bulls.
Idaho	Idaho does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Idaho Code § 18-5811A: Falsely claiming an ESA or service animal is a misdemeanor offense Penalties: Misdemeanor charge	Idaho does not have a breed-neutral law; cities like Blackfoot and Rexburg have Pit Bull bans.
Illinois	Illinois does not define Emotional Support Animals by statute so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	720 ILCS 5/17-33: Makes misrepresentation of a service animal a misdemeanor Penalties: Class C misdemeanor	Illinois does not prohibit BSL. Municipalities like Chicago and North Chicago regulate Pit Bulls.
Indiana	Indiana defines an ESA as a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits to a person with a disability. Codified in Ind. Code § 22-9-7-6.	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Indiana Code § 35-46-3-11.5: Unlawful to misrepresent an ESA or service animal Penalties: Class A infraction; landlord may evict if misrepresentation is proven	Indiana does not have a statewide ban. Local jurisdictions such as Gary and Marion have Pit Bull bans.
Iowa	Iowa does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Iowa Code § 216.8B: Prohibits fraudulent ESA documentation or requests Penalties: Eviction or civil liability possible; criminal charge not specified	Iowa has no preemption law. Cities like Council Bluffs and Muscatine restrict or ban Pit Bulls.
Kansas	Kansas does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Kansas Statutes § 39-1112: Misrepresenting an ESA is illegal under housing law Penalties: Misdemeanor; specific fines not stated	Kansas does not prohibit BSL. Cities like Overland Park and Topeka have breed-specific ordinances.
Kentucky	Kentucky defines Emotional Support Animals as companion animals that do not require training to perform specific tasks. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.085)	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	Kentucky has no statewide restriction on BSL. Towns like Lexington and Shepherdsville restrict Pit Bulls.
Louisiana	Louisiana defines an ESA as a type of support animal that provides emotional or other support that ameliorates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. (La. Rev. Stat. § 46:1952(11))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	La. Rev. Stat. § 46:1956.1: Criminalizes knowingly providing false documentation for ESA accommodations Penalties: Misdemeanor; exact fine not specified	Louisiana does not have a preemption law. Cities like New Orleans and Leesville regulate Pit Bulls and other breeds.
Maine	Maine does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17, § 1314-A: Fraudulently representing a service animal is illegal Penalties: Civil violation; up to $1,000 fine	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Maine per Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 7 § 3950: “A municipality may not adopt breed-specific ordinances for dogs.”
Maryland	Maryland does not provide a statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	Maryland does not prohibit BSL. Towns like Prince George’s County ban Pit Bulls.
Massachusetts	Massachusetts does not provide a statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	Massachusetts allows local jurisdictions to enforce BSL. Towns such as Boston and Lynn have restricted breeds like Pit Bulls.
Michigan	Michigan does not provide a statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	MCL § 752.61–62: Prohibits false ESA affidavits for housing Penalties: Misdemeanor; fine up to $500	Michigan does not preempt local BSL. Towns such as Waterford and Melvindale have ordinances targeting Pit Bulls.
Minnesota	Minnesota defines ESAs as animals that provide emotional support that alleviates the effects of a person’s disability and do not require training. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.113)	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.113: Prohibits misrepresentation of ESAs in housing Penalties: Civil action, possible housing denial	Minnesota does not ban BSL. Cities like Minneapolis and Edina enforce BSL targeting breeds such as Pit Bulls.
Mississippi	Mississippi defines ESAs as comfort animals that do not require training. (Miss. Code § 43-6-153)	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Miss. Code § 43-6-155: Unlawful to misrepresent an assistance animal or service animal Penalties: Misdemeanor offense	Mississippi has no state-level BSL restriction. Towns such as Brandon and Magee have Pit Bull regulations.
Missouri	Missouri does not provide a statutory definition for ESAs so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 209.204: Prohibits false statements to obtain ESA housing access Penalties: Class B misdemeanor	Missouri does not prohibit BSL. Cities like Independence and Florissant regulate Pit Bulls and other breeds.
Montana	Montana defines ESAs as animals that provide emotional support and are not individually trained to perform tasks. (Mont. Code § 70-24-114(10)(a))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Mont. Code Ann. § 49-2-121: It is unlawful to misrepresent entitlement to an ESA in housing contexts Penalties: Civil remedies; fines and denial of accommodation possible	Montana does not have a breed-neutral law. Municipalities such as Glasgow and Hardin have Pit Bull restrictions.
Nebraska	Nebraska does not provide a statutory ESA definition so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 20-127: Prohibits misrepresentation of an ESA as a reasonable accommodation Penalties: Class III misdemeanor	Nebraska has no statewide BSL restriction. Cities like Seward and York ban Pit Bulls.
Nevada	Nevada does not provide a statutory ESA definition so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	NRS § 426.805: It is unlawful to fraudulently represent an animal as a service animal Penalties: Misdemeanor; fines and potential jail time	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Nevada per Nev. Rev. Stat. § 202.500(8): “A dog may not be found dangerous or vicious based solely on breed.”
New Hampshire	New Hampshire does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	RSA § 167-D:8: It is unlawful to knowingly misrepresent a service animal Penalties: Violation-level offense; specific fines not listed	New Hampshire does not have preemption; towns such as Manchester and Nashua have BSL provisions.
New Jersey	New Jersey does not define Emotional Support Animals by statute so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	N.J. Stat. § 10:5-29.5: Fraudulent representation of ESA or service animal subject to penalties Penalties: Civil fine up to $500	New Jersey does not prohibit BSL. Cities like Garfield and Jersey City have breed-based restrictions.
New Mexico	New Mexico defines an Emotional Support Animal as an animal that does not require specific training to perform tasks. (N.M. Stat. § 28-11-2(A))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	N.M. Stat. § 28-11-6: Misrepresenting the need or status of an assistance animal is a misdemeanor offense Penalties: Misdemeanor	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in New Mexico per N.M. Stat. § 77-1-18.2: “A rule shall not regulate a dog based solely on its breed.”
New York	New York does not provide a statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	New York does not prohibit BSL. Cities like New York City and Hempstead regulate Pit Bulls and other breeds.
North Carolina	North Carolina does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 168-4.5: Knowingly misrepresenting an animal as a service or support animal is unlawful Penalties: Civil penalty up to $250	North Carolina does not preempt local BSL. Municipalities like Lumberton and Thomasville restrict breeds like Pit Bulls.
North Dakota	North Dakota does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.6: Falsifying ESA documentation for housing is a criminal infraction Penalties: Fine up to $1,000	North Dakota does not ban BSL. Cities like Beulah and Mandan have breed-specific ordinances targeting Pit Bulls.
Ohio	Ohio does not provide a statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	Ohio does not prohibit BSL. Cities such as Reynoldsburg and Lakewood have Pit Bull bans or restrictions.
Oklahoma	Oklahoma excludes ESAs from the definition of service animals. (Okla. Stat. tit. 4, § 801(A)(1))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	4 Okla. Stat. § 13.2(A): Makes it a misdemeanor to misrepresent ESA or documentation if issued without proper professional relationship Penalties: Misdemeanor; exact fine not specified	Oklahoma does not have a breed-neutral law. Cities like Harrah and Pauls Valley restrict breeds like Pit Bulls.
Oregon	Oregon does not provide a statutory ESA definition so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Oregon per ORS § 609.115(2): “Local ordinances may not regulate dogs based solely on breed.”
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania defines an ESA as an assistance animal that alleviates symptoms or effects of a person’s disability and does not require training. (68 Pa. Stat. § 405.2)	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	68 Pa. Stat. § 405.6: Prohibits false ESA claims to housing providers Penalties: Summary offense or misdemeanor	Pennsylvania does not prohibit BSL. Cities such as Wilkes-Barre and Allentown regulate Pit Bulls and other breeds.
Rhode Island	Rhode Island does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-9.1-3.1: Misrepresenting a service animal requires 30 hours of community service Penalties: Community service only; no criminal fine stated	Rhode Island allows local BSL. Pawtucket and Providence have breed-specific dog regulations.
South Carolina	South Carolina defines an ESA as a companion animal that provides reassurance to a person with a disability. (S.C. Code Ann. § 31-21-70(6))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	S.C. Code § 47-3-980: Prohibits ESA or service animal misrepresentation Penalties:• First offense: $250• Second offense: $500• Third and subsequent: $1,000	South Carolina does not prohibit BSL. Cities such as Greenwood and Latta regulate Pit Bulls.
South Dakota	South Dakota does not provide a statutory ESA definition so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	S.D. Codified Laws § 20-13-43: Misrepresenting an ESA or falsifying documentation for housing is unlawful Penalties: Misdemeanor; fine up to $1,000	South Dakota does not prohibit BSL. Cities like Aberdeen and Madison restrict or ban Pit Bulls.
Tennessee	Tennessee does not provide a statutory definition for Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Tenn. Code § 39-16-304: Illegal to knowingly misrepresent a service animal or ESA Penalties: Class B misdemeanor and up to 100 hours community service	Tennessee does not preempt BSL. Cities such as Dyersburg and White House enforce breed-specific rules targeting Pit Bulls.
Texas	Texas includes ESAs within “assistance animals” as defined under the Fair Housing Act. (Tex. Hum. Res. Code § 121.002(1))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Tex. Human Resources Code § 121.006: Falsely representing an animal as a service or support animal is unlawful Penalties: $300 fine and 30 hours of community service	Texas does not prohibit BSL. Cities like Garland and Missouri City restrict Pit Bulls.
Utah	Utah defines ESAs as animals that provide emotional support and qualify as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. (Utah Code § 26B-6-801(6))	ESA Letter must be from a licensed health professional with a provider–patient relationship of at least 30 days. The licensed health professionals must have knowledge of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the emotional support animal’s ability to alleviate the condition’s symptoms.	Utah Code § 26B-6-805: Prohibits misrepresentation or obtaining ESA documentation fraudulently Penalties: Misdemeanor offense	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Utah per Utah Code § 10-8-65.7 and § 18-2-1: “A municipality or county may not adopt or enforce a breed-specific rule.”
Vermont	Vermont does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	Vermont has no state preemption. Some localities may enforce BSL ordinances (specific examples not listed).
Virginia	Virginia does not provide a statutory definition of Emotional Support Animals so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be from a licensed health professional with a provider–patient relationship of at least 30 days. The licensed health professionals must have knowledge of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the emotional support animal’s ability to alleviate the condition’s symptoms.	Va. Code § 51.5-44.1: Misrepresentation of service or support animal is a Class 4 misdemeanor Penalties: Fine of up to $250	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Virginia per VA. CODE ANN. § 3.2-6540.1(C) and § 3.2-6540(K)(1): “No canine or canine crossbreed shall be found to be a dangerous dog solely because it is a particular breed…”
Washington	Washington does not provide a statutory definition for ESAs so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.222(5)(a): Housing providers can require reliable documentation; misrepresentation not directly penalized under this code	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Washington per Wash. Rev. Code § 16.08.110(2): “A city or county may not prohibit possession of a dog based solely on its breed.”
West Virginia	West Virginia does not provide a statutory ESA definition so ESAs are defined by federal law as assistance animals that “work, provide assistance, or perform tasks that benefit persons with disabilities, or provide emotional support to alleviate a symptom of effect of a disability”	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	No ESA or Service Animal Fraud Laws	West Virginia does not prohibit BSL. Cities such as Bluefield and Fairmont have breed-specific dog laws targeting Pit Bulls.
Wisconsin	Wisconsin defines an ESA as one that provides emotional support or companionship and is not trained for specific tasks. (Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r)(br))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Wis. Stat. § 106.50(2r): Prohibits misrepresentation to housing authorities Penalties: Housing denial; civil consequences possible	No Breed-Specific Legislation allowed in Wisconsin per Wis. Stat. § 66.0433(1m): “A political subdivision may not prohibit or regulate a dog based solely on breed.”
Wyoming	Wyoming defines ESAs as animals that provide emotional support alleviating symptoms of a disability and do not require training. (Wyo. Stat. § 35-13-201(a)(iv))	ESA Letter must be written by a licensed health professional with a provider-patient relationship with the client. The health care professional must know of the patient’s emotional or mental disability and the ability of the emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of the conditions.	Wyo. Stat. § 35-13-203: Misrepresentation of need for ESA accommodation or falsifying documentation is unlawful Penalties: Not specifically defined in statute	Wyoming does not preempt BSL. Cities such as Casper and Evansville regulate Pit Bulls.

Differences Between ESA Laws and Service Animal Laws

Federal and state laws classify emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals under distinct legal frameworks. These classifications directly define ESA restrictions, particularly regarding public access, documentation requirements, and air travel accommodations.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are defined as dogs (and in limited cases, miniature horses) individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability.

The ADA explicitly excludes public access accommodations from dogs whose only function is to provide emotional comfort, meaning Emotional Support Animals do not have the same public access rights as Service Animals.

Public access generally applies as long as the service animal behaves appropriately and remains under the handler’s control.

Sevice Animals’ ADA protections apply in public accommodations, such as restaurants, hotels, schools, and government buildings. These settings must allow access for service animals, and staff may only ask limited questions about the animal’s function.

In contrast, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act recognize ESAs as “assistance animals,” even if they are not task-trained. This means individuals with disabilities may live with ESAs in housing that otherwise prohibits pets. Housing providers must make reasonable accommodations without charging pet deposits or imposing breed or weight restrictions.

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), updated by the Department of Transportation in 2021, no longer classifies ESAs as service animals. Airlines are allowed to treat ESAs as pets, enforcing fees, carrier restrictions, and documentation requirements. Some airlines are still ESA friendly, and will accommodate emotional support animals in their policies.

GO DEEPER

Emotional Support Animal vs Service Animal: Differences, Rights, and Laws

Emotional support animals provide comfort; service animals perform trained tasks under the ADA. Compare rights, training, housing, and air travel.

Service Dog vs Emotional Support Dog Laws

A service dog is legally recognized under the ADA when trained to perform specific tasks related to an individual’s disability, such as alerting to seizures or guiding a person with visual impairments. These dogs are granted public access rights and may accompany their handlers nearly everywhere.

In contrast, an emotional support dog offers psychological comfort through companionship but lacks specialized task training. ESAs are not recognized as service animals under the ADA or ACAA. However, under the FHA, they may qualify as necessary support for housing accommodations.

Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) sit in a middle ground. They are task-trained—e.g., interrupting panic attacks—and are legally considered service animals under ADA and ACAA. In everyday guidance, these are often referred to as psychiatric service animals, but under the ADA they are typically service dogs trained to perform specific tasks.

What Disabilities Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal?

To qualify for an ESA, an individual must have a disability as defined by federal law—specifically, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, working, or concentrating. Common qualifying conditions include anxiety, PTSD, depression, and phobias.

There must be a disability-related need for the ESA. This means the animal must alleviate symptoms or effects of the disability. If this need is not obvious, housing providers may request documentation from a licensed healthcare provider familiar with the individual’s condition.

If the need is not obvious, housing providers may request reliable documentation from a licensed mental health professional familiar with the individual’s condition.

What are Emotional Support Animal Rights?

The FHA mandates that housing providers offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities who have a legitimate need for an ESA. This often leads to common questions such as can you have two emotional support animals, which depends on whether each animal is necessary to alleviate distinct symptoms of a disability. This includes waiving pet bans, breed restrictions, and extra pet fees.

Outside of housing, ESAs have no legal right to public access under the ADA. Businesses are not required to admit ESAs. Airlines may also deny ESA travel under the updated ACAA, treating them as pets instead of service animals.

Some states reinforce federal law by protecting ESA housing rights and penalizing misrepresentation or fraudulent documentation.

What to Do If Your ESA Rights Are Violated?

If a landlord or housing provider unlawfully denies ESA accommodation:

File a complaint with HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).
Contact the U.S. Department of Justice or a state civil rights agency (e.g., California Civil Rights Department).
Seek legal representation to pursue civil litigation for discrimination.

Documentation and credible evidence will be critical. Ensure that the healthcare professional providing the ESA letter meets all applicable ESA letter legal requirements, as failure to do so may lawfully justify denial based on documented ESA restrictions under federal or state law.

Note: Depending on the issue, you may need to contact different federal agencies or a state civil rights office, so keep copies of your request and supporting documentation.

Responsibilities of an Emotional Support Animal Owner?

ESA ownership carries legal and ethical responsibilities, even though the animal does not need specific training.

Behavior and Control

The ESA must be well-behaved, housebroken, and not pose a threat. Landlords may remove animals that are dangerous or disruptive.

Supervision

The owner is solely responsible for the animal’s care and supervision; housing providers are not obligated to assist.

Damage Liability

ESA owners may be held liable for any damage caused by the animal to the property or other tenants.

Vaccination and Licensing

Compliance with local licensing and vaccination laws is mandatory.

What is Emotional Support Animal Training?

ESAs do not require formal training. Their role is to alleviate psychological distress through presence and companionship. However, good behavior and basic obedience are often expected, especially in housing situations.

Unlike service animals, which must be trained to perform specific disability-related tasks, ESAs offer passive emotional support. No federal or state law mandates specialized ESA training.

Emotional Support Animal Registration and Certification

There is no federal registry or certification requirement for emotional support animals. Online registration services offering ID cards or certificates have no legal authority.

What matters is documentation from a licensed mental health professional (or other qualified clinician) who can confirm:

The individual’s disability.
The therapeutic role of the ESA in mitigating symptoms.

Documentation is particularly necessary when the disability or need is not immediately observable. Housing providers are prohibited from requiring specific forms, notarized letters, or medical records disclosing diagnoses.

Common Misconceptions About Emotional Support Animals

Because emotional support animal laws can be confusing, misinformation about ESA registration, certification, and legal rights is widespread. Understanding the facts can help individuals avoid scams and ensure they comply with federal and state requirements.

1. Emotional Support Animals Must Be Registered

One of the most common misconceptions is that an emotional support animal must be registered in a national database. In reality, there is no federal emotional support animal registration system in the United States. Neither the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) nor any other federal agency maintains an official ESA registry. While private companies may offer ESA registration services, registration alone does not create legal rights or qualify an animal for housing accommodations.

2. An ESA Certificate or ID Card Is Required

Many websites sell ESA certificates, identification cards, badges, and vests. However, these products are not recognized by federal law and are generally not sufficient to support a housing accommodation request. What matters under Fair Housing Act guidelines is reliable documentation from a licensed healthcare professional who can verify that the individual has a disability-related need for the animal. A legitimate ESA letter carries significantly more legal weight than any online certificate or ID card.

3. Emotional Support Animals Have Public Access Rights

Unlike service animals, emotional support animals do not have automatic access rights to restaurants, stores, hotels, shopping centers, or other public accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only trained service animals that perform specific disability-related tasks qualify for public access protections. Emotional support animals provide comfort through companionship and are therefore treated differently under federal law.

4. Landlords Can Always Deny an ESA

Many people incorrectly believe that landlords may reject any emotional support animal request. Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers generally must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who have a valid disability-related need for an assistance animal. However, accommodation requests may be denied in limited circumstances, such as when the animal poses a direct threat to health or safety, causes substantial property damage, or when the housing provider qualifies for a specific exemption under federal law.

5. Any Online ESA Letter Is Automatically Valid

Not all ESA letters meet legal requirements. Housing providers may evaluate whether documentation comes from a licensed healthcare professional who has personal knowledge of the individual’s condition and disability-related need for the animal. Several states have adopted additional requirements regarding ESA documentation, including rules governing provider-patient relationships and clinical evaluations. Individuals should ensure their ESA letter complies with both federal guidance and applicable state laws.

6. Emotional Support Animals Require Special Training

Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals are not required to complete specialized task training. Their therapeutic value comes from companionship and emotional support rather than performing specific disability-related tasks. Although training is not legally required, ESA owners remain responsible for ensuring that their animal is well-behaved, under control, and compliant with local health, licensing, and vaccination requirements.

Emotional Support Animal Laws FAQs

Yes, but only in housing under the Fair Housing Act. ESAs do not have public access rights under the ADA, nor do they qualify as service animals for air travel under the ACAA.

The FHA classifies ESAs as assistance animals, so housing providers must grant reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities who need an ESA. Providers may not:

Charge pet fees.
Impose breed or weight restrictions.
Deny accommodation based on a “no pets” policy.

Denial is only permissible if the ESA poses a documented threat or causes undue burden.

Yes, you can have more than one emotional support animal if you can demonstrate a legitimate disability-related need for each one. Under federal housing law, landlords must assess accommodation requests individually and cannot deny multiple ESAs solely based on number, provided proper documentation supports the need.

Yes an apartment can deny an ESA, but only if:

The ESA poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety.
The accommodation causes undue financial or administrative burden.
The animal’s presence would fundamentally alter the housing provider’s services.

Each case must be assessed individually. Generalized fears about breed, size, or stereotypes do not justify denial.

Yes, landlords can deny ESA requests only under limited, legally justifiable circumstances, such as property damage history or health threats from the specific animal.

Six states have enacted statutes to curb fraudulent ESA documentation by requiring an established provider-patient relationship:

California: Requires a 30-day clinical relationship and a written notice from ESA sellers (Health & Safety Code § 122318).
Montana: Mandates a 30-day relationship and clinical evaluation (MCA 70-24-114; 70-33-110).
Florida: Prohibits letters from “online-only” providers; requires one in-person or telehealth appointment (Fla. Stat. § 760.27).
Iowa: Requires a 30-day relationship with a treating provider (Iowa Code § 216.8C).
Arkansas: Documentation must come from an established, treating provider (Act 268, § 20-14-1003).
Colorado: Provider must have met the patient, be licensed, and qualified to assess disability needs (CRS § 12-245-229).

These laws enhance ESA legitimacy while upholding the FHA standard for “reliable third-party documentation.”

There is no federal limit on how many emotional support animals a person may have. Under the Fair Housing Act, a housing provider must consider requests for multiple ESAs if each animal is necessary to alleviate a distinct symptom or effect of the person’s disability. A person with multiple qualifying disabilities, or a single disability with multiple documented animal-related needs, may request more than one ESA.

Housing providers may request documentation for each animal. A single ESA letter that addresses multiple animals is acceptable if it explains the disability-related need for each one specifically. Requests for an unusually large number of animals may prompt the housing provider to request additional documentation establishing that each is individually necessary.

ESA letters are not inherently state-specific. A letter issued by a licensed mental health professional in one state is generally valid for housing purposes in another state because the Fair Housing Act is a federal law that applies nationally.

Some states have added procedural requirements for how ESA letters must be issued. California, Montana, Iowa, Arkansas, and Florida require that the provider have an established therapeutic relationship with the client (typically 30 days) before issuing the letter. Florida additionally prohibits reliance on online-only providers without a valid telehealth relationship. A letter issued in a state without these requirements may still be accepted in a state that has them, but the housing provider in that state may scrutinize whether the letter meets the local standard. When in doubt, obtaining a letter that meets the strictest applicable state requirement is the safest approach.

Navigating Your Rights Under States’ ESA Laws

Understanding details of emotional support animal laws in each state is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring your emotional support animal is recognized where you live. While federal law like the Fair Housing Act provides baseline fair housing protections, state-specific regulations can vary — from documentation requirements to enforcement rules and complaint procedures. Knowing how these laws apply helps prevent discrimination and strengthens your housing request.

Remember, valid documentation from a licensed mental health professional is your strongest safeguard under federal law. Emotional support animals do not require special training or to perform tasks like a service animal or service dog, but the documentation must clearly connect the animal to your mental health condition and disability. Avoid unofficial registrations or websites promising instant certification without proper evaluation.

If you face challenges from a housing provider, document your accommodation request carefully and seek additional information from trusted sources such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the ADA National Network. With accurate documentation and a clear understanding of emotional support animal laws, you can confidently secure the housing accommodations your emotional support animal provides.

Get Your ESA Letter Now

Sources

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2020, January 28). Assessing a person’s request to have an animal as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act (FHEO Notice: FHEO-2020-01). https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PA/documents/HUDAsstAnimalNC1-28-2020.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Reasonable accommodations and assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/assistance_animals

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. (n.d.). ADA requirements: Service animals. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about service animals and the ADA. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/

U.S. Department of Transportation. (2020, December 10). Traveling by air with service animals. https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals

U.S. Department of Transportation. (2020). Traveling by air with service animals: Final rule. Federal Register, 85(238), 79742–79879. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/10/2020-26679/traveling-by-air-with-service-animals

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Fair Housing Act. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/rehabilitation-act-1973

U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Guidance on web accessibility and the ADA. https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/

Update Notes

Mar. 10, 2026: This article was updated to reflect current emotional support animal laws.

Feb. 18, 2026: This article was medically reviewed by Joanna Martin

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