ESA Letter Cost: How Much You’ll Pay in 2025
Written by 
In recent years, Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters have become essential documents for individuals seeking accommodations related to mental health disabilities. However, many people have questions about how to obtain a valid ESA letter, the costs involved, whether the letter needs to be renewed, and what makes a letter legitimate.
Keep reading to get clear answers to these common questions and ensure you understand everything you need to know about ESA letters.
How Much Does an ESA Letter Cost?
The cost of obtaining an ESA letter varies widely depending on the provider. Typically, the letter is issued after an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional, who may charge between $100 and $200 for the service.
Some online platforms offer free pre-screening but charge for issuing a valid letter. It is important to note that certain states, such as California and Indiana, have specific laws requiring proper clinical evaluation for the letter to be considered legitimate.
ESA Letter Cost at ESA PET
At ESA Pet, we pride ourselves on being a reputable and transparent provider. We connect clients with licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) through secure telehealth consultations, ensuring every letter complies with both federal and state legal requirements. Our pricing is straightforward and includes:
- Housing ESA Letter: $139
- Travel ESA Letter: $139
- Housing + Travel Package: $154
What sets ESA Pet apart:
- Free eligibility pre-screening
- Virtual consultation with a licensed therapist
- ESA letter delivered within 24 – 48 hours (up to 30 days in states with mandatory patient‑provider relationship minimums)
- Full refund guarantee if you’re not approved
- No hidden fees — the cost covers your evaluation, official letter, and support throughout the process
In some states like California and Indiana, laws require a longer provider-patient relationship before issuing a letter. ESA Pet complies with these local regulations and communicates timelines clearly to avoid surprises.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and legally compliant provider, we offer one of the best value propositions on the market.
Why Does ESA Pet Stand Out?
We stand out because:
- All letters are issued by licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) to ensure compliance with federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
- Our letters qualify for housing protections, meaning landlords and HOAs cannot charge pet deposits, fees, or rent when a valid ESA letter is presented.
- ESA Pet supports clients nationwide, including in states with stricter requirements—such as California, Arkansas, Iowa, and Montana — where a minimum 30-day provider-client relationship may be required.
Esa Letter Cost Comparison
Comparing ESA letter costs across platforms helps you understand not just the base price, but also key details like refund policies, renewal fees, and customer support quality. Below is a quick breakdown showing how Pettable, ESA Pet, and Certapet stack up in terms of transparency, compliance, and overall value.
Pettable ESA letter Cost vs ESA Pet
| Feature | Pettable | ESA Pet |
|---|---|---|
| Base ESA Letter Price | Unclear about initial letter price | DOT Forms, well-behaved, trained, leash control |
| Renewal Cost | No information was found about renewal price | Airline pet policies apply |
| Express / Rush Service | No information was found about Rush delivery | Carrier size limits, advance reservation needed |
| Multiple Pets | Unclear about extra charge for multiple pets | Breed/weight limits, health certificate |
| Compliance with State Laws | Fully compliant, including 30-day provider relationship rules in CA, AR, IA, MT, LA. | Vaccines, permits, inspections, possible quarantine |
| Support & Customer Experience | Customer care is available 7 days a week, but there are many complaints about the experience. | Fast, straightforward support with licensed LMHPs; transparent policies and clear communication. |
Certapet ESA letter Cost vs ESA Pet
| Feature | Certapet | ESA Pet |
|---|---|---|
| Base ESA Letter Price | $35.99 fee + $44.99 (for Housing or Travel ESA Letter) or $35.99 fee + $59.99 (for both) | $139 for housing or travel letters. $154 for both. |
| Renewal Cost | same as initial price | same as initial price |
| Express / Rush Service | No information was found about Rush delivery | Most letters are delivered in 24–48 hours by default; no rush fee. |
| Refund Policy | Part refund if not approved – the $35.99 is a non-refundable consultation fee; unclear about landlord rejection. | Full refund if not approved or landlord rejects. |
| Multiple Pets | Unclear about additional pets. | Accommodates up to 2 pets per letter at no extra charge. |
| Compliance with State Laws | Claims compliance; details not fully clear publicly. | Fully compliant including 30-day provider relationship in states like CA, AR, IA, MT, LA. |
| Support & Customer Experience | Standard support, some user reports of delays and unclear communication. | Customer care 7 days/week; therapists available to assist with landlord communication. |
ESA Letter Renewal Costs
When it comes to ESA letter renewal costs, prices can vary depending on the provider and the type of letter. At ESA Pet, we offer competitive renewal pricing to ensure ongoing access to your emotional support animal without hidden fees. Our current renewal rates are:
- Housing Letter Renewal: $139
- Travel Letter Renewal: $139
- Housing + Travel Renewal Package: $154
Do not Lose your Housing Rights – Renew Today
Renewals include a follow-up telehealth consultation with a licensed mental health professional to reassess your eligibility and provide updated documentation that remains compliant with federal and state laws.
For air travel, renewing an ESA letter is no longer necessary since the U.S. Department of Transportation rule changed the status of ESAs to pets as of January 2021. This means airlines no longer require specific ESA documentation but instead apply their pet policies, including fees and restrictions.
For housing, however, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) still recognizes ESAs as assistance animals, and documentation must be considered reliable. Although there is no clear federal renewal rule, some states and professionals recommend periodic evaluations (e.g., every six months or annually) to ensure the ESA continues to provide therapeutic benefits.
For public access, ESAs are not granted the same rights as service animals—they are not allowed in no-pet areas like restaurants, stores, or public transportation by default. Always verify where you can take your ESA pet, as access policies vary by location and business discretion.
Cheap ESA Letter
While there are low-cost or free ESA letter offers, these typically do not involve a proper clinical evaluation, which may compromise the document’s legitimacy. Certificates obtained through quick questionnaires or without proper evaluation can be rejected in housing processes and lead to legal issues. Therefore, it is essential to seek services involving licensed professionals, even if the cost is higher.
How to Get an ESA Letter?
To obtain a valid ESA letter, there are three (3) main steps.
Pre-Screening
Licensed Therapist
Your Letter
- Free Pre-Screening: The process begins with a free pre-screening where you answer simple questions to determine your qualification for an ESA letter
- Connect With a Licensed LMHP: If you pre-qualify, you are connected with a therapist licensed in your state for a teleconsultation.
- Receive Your ESA Letter: Upon approval, you receive a compliant ESA letter, typically within 24-48 hours, although some states have longer turnarounds.
In some states, such as California and Arkansas, there are requirements for a minimum client-provider relationship (e.g., 30 days) and specific clinical evaluations to issue the letter.
How Much Does an Emotional Support Animal Cost?
Having an ESA typically involves expenses for the official ESA letter, adoption or purchase, initial supplies, and ongoing care, while the total cost can vary.
- ESA Letter: $75 – $250 (evaluated by a licensed mental health professional)
- Adoption and Initial Supplies: $150 – $500 (adoption fee, bed, toys, food)
- Ongoing Care: $500 – $1,500/year (food, veterinary care, letter renewal)
- 💡 Estimated Annual Total: $610 – $2,000
FAQ about ESA Letter Cost
No. While adopting a pet from shelters can be low cost, to turn a pet on ESA is necessary a legitimate ESA letter and that usually involves a paid evaluation. Letters obtained for free or through simple questionnaires may not be legally accepted.
Although ESA letters do not have an official expiration date, it is strongly recommended to renew them annually—especially for housing purposes. Keeping your letter up to date ensures that your documentation remains credible and is less likely to be challenged by landlords or housing providers.
Conclusion
Despite regulatory changes affecting ESAs in air travel, an ESA letter remains an essential document for securing housing rights. It is crucial to obtain this letter from a licensed mental health professional to ensure its legitimacy and legal compliance. Staying informed about local and federal requirements helps avoid issues and supports the well-being of both the individual and their emotional support animal.
