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State-specific ESA evaluation

ESA Letter by State: Evaluation by a Professional Licensed Where You Live

ESA documentation should come from a mental health professional licensed in the state where you live, and some states add their own rules. Choose your state to read its guide, then start an assessment that is matched to a professional licensed there.

  • Matched to a professional licensed in your state
  • State rules shown before you pay
  • Same price in every state
  • Full refund if you don't qualify
Start my ESA assessmentBrowse states

Provider availability varies by state. Your state is confirmed as the first step of the assessment.

Find your state

See your state's ESA guide, or start an assessment that opens with your state already selected.

Choose a state to see your options.

States are listed where a professional licensed there was available (October 2026). Availability can change. Alaska or Hawaii? Contact us before you start.

Licensed in your stateReviewed by a professional licensed where you live
Individual clinical reviewApproval is never automatic
Verifiable documentationLicense, NPI and a verification ID
Typically within 24 hoursAfter provider review, if you qualify
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Popular states

Start your ESA evaluation in your state

Each state guide explains the rules that apply where you live. Starting from a state below opens the assessment with that state selected — you confirm it once before answering any questions.

Don't see your state? Use the selector above or browse every state guide.

State rules

Why your state matters for an ESA letter

The evaluation itself is the same everywhere. Who can do it, how quickly, and what your landlord must consider can differ by state.

The professional must be licensed where you live

Mental health licenses are issued by each state. PawTenant matches your assessment to a professional licensed in your state, and the letter shows that license.

Some states require a relationship period

California requires at least a 30-day client-provider relationship before ESA documentation can be issued. Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana also have relationship or waiting-period rules. In these states the 24-hour timeline does not apply.

State housing law can differ from federal law

State fair housing laws sit alongside the federal Fair Housing Act and vary in what they cover and how complaints are handled.

The 2026 HUD change made state law more important

HUD changed its federal enforcement approach for untrained emotional support animals in May 2026, so your state's rules and your housing type may matter more than before. Read the update.

PawTenant is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Whether a property is covered and how a request is handled depend on the property type, state and local law, and the individual facts.

Process

How a state-matched evaluation works

  1. Step 1: Confirm your state

    The first screen of the assessment. Any state rule is shown here.

  2. Step 2: Answer the assessment

    About five minutes of confidential questions.

  3. Step 3: Choose a package and pay

    From $129 for up to 2 pets, the same in every state.

  4. Step 4: Review by a licensed professional

    A professional licensed in your state reviews it. Typically within 24 hours after provider review, if you qualify and no state rule applies.
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The assessment is completed online from wherever you live.

Licensed professionals

Licensed professionals across many states

Each professional is licensed in specific states, shown on their profile. Your assessment goes to someone licensed where you live.

See all our providers →

Provider availability varies by state. Your assessment is matched to a professional licensed in your state, who may or may not be one of the professionals shown here. Each license and NPI can be checked on the public NPPES registry and your state licensing board.

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Choose the ESA Letter Plan That Fits You

One-time letters and annual plans — every option includes a licensed professional and our money-back guarantee. No hidden fees.

ESA Letter

For up to 2 pets

$129one-time
  • Licensed provider evaluation
  • Covers up to 2 animals on one letter
  • Signed, FHA-compliant ESA letter
  • Typically delivered within 24 hours
  • Verification ID in your customer portal
  • Landlord verification support
  • Full refund if you don't qualify
  • Free Pet Care Planner by PawTenant — downloadable immediately after payment
Start Your Evaluation
Most Popular

ESA Annual Plan

For up to 2 pets

$115first year
Renews at $100/year for 1 pet or $115/year for 2 pets, beginning in year two
  • Annual evaluation & updated documentation
  • Renewal reminders before your letter expires
  • Automatic yearly renewal — cancel anytime
  • Priority scheduling — no waitlist
  • Everything in the ESA Letter plan
  • Free Pet Care Planner by PawTenant — downloadable immediately after payment
Choose Annual

Three-Pet ESA Letter

For 3 pets

$149one-time · fixed total

Prefer annual for 3 pets? $135 first year, then $115/year.

  • Licensed provider evaluation
  • Covers up to 3 animals on one letter*
  • Signed, FHA-compliant ESA letter
  • Typically delivered within 24 hours
  • Verification ID in your customer portal
  • Landlord verification support
  • Full refund if you don't qualify
  • Free Pet Care Planner by PawTenant — downloadable immediately after payment
Start Three-Pet

*Multi-pet letters cover up to three animals on one letter where clinically appropriate. Annual plans renew automatically at the renewal price shown; cancel anytime from your account portal.

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Pay by card at checkout. For one-time packages you can also choose Klarna, subject to eligibility and Klarna's own terms; paying in instalments spreads the same total and is not a lower price. Annual plans are paid by card and renew automatically at the renewal price shown until you cancel.

Frequently asked questions

Does my ESA letter have to come from a professional licensed in my state?
Housing providers generally expect ESA documentation from a mental health professional licensed in the state where you live, and some states make it a legal requirement. PawTenant matches your assessment to a professional licensed in your state.
Is PawTenant available in my state?
Availability varies by state and can change. The selector on this page lists the states where a professional licensed there was available when availability was last checked (October 2026). If your state is not listed, contact us before you start and we will tell you whether a professional licensed in your state can review your assessment.
What is California's 30-day rule?
California law (AB 468) requires the professional to have a client-provider relationship with you for at least 30 days, and to complete a clinical evaluation, before providing ESA documentation. In California your documentation cannot be issued on the usual 24-hour timeline; the assessment explains this before you pay.
Do other states have waiting periods?
Yes. Besides California, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana have their own client-provider relationship or waiting-period rules for ESA documentation. When you choose one of these states, the assessment shows a notice before checkout.
Is the price different in each state?
No. Pricing is the same in every state: $129 one-time for up to 2 pets, $149 for 3 pets, or an annual plan at $115 for the first year.
I'm moving to another state. Do I need a new letter?
Often, yes. Documentation from a professional licensed in the state where you will live is usually what a new housing provider expects, so a new evaluation may be needed after you move. Check with the new housing provider before you apply.
Do state laws still matter after HUD's 2026 change?
Yes. HUD's May 2026 change concerns federal enforcement for untrained emotional support animals. State fair housing laws are separate and vary from state to state, so your state's rules and your housing type may still affect how a request is handled. Your state guide gives an overview; it is not legal advice.

Related guides

Start an ESA evaluation in your state

Confirm your state, answer the assessment, and a professional licensed where you live reviews it. You're refunded if you don't qualify.

Start my ESA assessment
  • State rules shown up front
  • Licensed where you live
  • Refund if you don't qualify