What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An ESA is a companion animal that provides emotional support to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specific training, but they do require a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

Who qualifies for an ESA letter?

Anyone experiencing a mental or emotional health condition recognized by the DSM-5 may qualify, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, phobias, and many others.

Can my landlord refuse my ESA?

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESAs. They can only refuse if the animal poses a direct safety threat or would cause undue hardship to the property.

How long is an ESA letter valid?

ESA letters are typically valid for one year. We recommend annual renewal to ensure your letter remains current and compliant with your landlord's requirements.

Can landlords charge pet fees for an ESA?

No. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot charge pet fees, pet deposits, or pet rent for an Emotional Support Animal. An ESA is not considered a pet under federal law.

What licenses qualify to write ESA letters on PawTenant?

Any licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who is actively licensed in the state where the client resides. This includes LCSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, LMHCs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Interns or associate-level licenses may qualify depending on the state.

Do I need telehealth certification to join?

Not necessarily — requirements vary by state. Some states require a specific telehealth consent process; others simply require that you hold an active in-state license. Our onboarding team will clarify what applies to your state.

How are ESA evaluation cases assigned to me?

Cases are matched to you based on the state(s) you are licensed in and your listed availability. You'll receive a notification when a new case is assigned and can complete the evaluation at your convenience within the response window.

How quickly do I need to complete an evaluation after it's assigned?

We ask that all evaluations be completed within 24 hours of case assignment. This helps us meet our promise of same-day/next-day letter delivery to clients. Most evaluations take 15–30 minutes including documentation.

How does compensation work?

You are compensated per completed ESA evaluation. Earnings are consolidated weekly and deposited directly to your bank account via ACH. The specific fee per evaluation is discussed during your onboarding call.

Licensed therapist joining PawTenant network

HomeJoin Our Network

For Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Partner With PawTenant —
Help Clients & Earn More

Join our growing network of licensed therapists, counselors, and psychologists providing ESA evaluations to clients across the country. Flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and meaningful work — all on your terms.

Apply to Join Our Network See how it works

Set your own hours

All 50 states

Weekly payments

Why Join Us

What You Get as a PawTenant Partner

We built PawTenant with therapists in mind — not just clients. Here's what you can expect as part of our network.

Flexible Scheduling

You control your availability. Accept cases on your schedule — no minimum commitment required.

Competitive Compensation

Earn competitive fees per ESA evaluation, paid directly to you on a weekly basis.

Malpractice Coverage

PawTenant provides supplemental liability coverage for all ESA evaluations completed through our platform.

Meaningful Impact

Help clients protect their housing rights and mental health through the bond with their emotional support animal.

Short Evaluations

ESA evaluations are typically 15–30 minute consultations — easy to fit around your existing client schedule.

Clinical Support

Our clinical team is available for guidance on complex cases, documentation standards, and state-specific compliance.

The Process

How to Join — 4 Simple Steps

Step 01

Submit Your Application

Fill out the form below with your credentials, license info, and availability.

Step 02

Credential Verification

Our clinical team verifies your license and reviews your application. Usually within 48 hours.

Step 03

Onboarding Call

A short orientation call covering platform use, ESA documentation standards, and state compliance.

Step 04

Start Accepting Cases

You're live! Begin receiving ESA evaluation requests matched to your state and specializations.

200+

Licensed Therapists

States Covered

48hr

Avg. Onboarding Time

4.9★

Therapist Satisfaction

FAQ

Questions from Therapists

Still Have Questions?

Reach out to our clinical partnership team and we'll answer any questions before you apply.

hello@pawtenant.com

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Partner With PawTenant —
Help Clients & Earn More

What You Get as a PawTenant Partner

Flexible Scheduling

Competitive Compensation

Malpractice Coverage

Meaningful Impact

Short Evaluations

Clinical Support

How to Join — 4 Simple Steps

Submit Your Application

Credential Verification

Onboarding Call

Start Accepting Cases

Doctor Onboarding Application

Personal Information

Professional Credentials

Clinical Specializations

Availability & ESA Experience

A Bit About You

Supporting Documents(optional)

Agreement

Questions from Therapists

Still Have Questions?

We use cookies & tracking

Partner With PawTenant —Help Clients & Earn More

What You Get as a PawTenant Partner

Flexible Scheduling

Competitive Compensation

Malpractice Coverage

Meaningful Impact

Short Evaluations

Clinical Support

How to Join — 4 Simple Steps

Submit Your Application

Credential Verification

Onboarding Call

Start Accepting Cases

Doctor Onboarding Application

Personal Information

Professional Credentials

Clinical Specializations

Availability & ESA Experience

A Bit About You

Supporting Documents(optional)

Agreement

Questions from Therapists

Still Have Questions?

We use cookies & tracking

Partner With PawTenant —
Help Clients & Earn More