What California Law Requires
California passed a law called AB 468, in effect since January 2022. It was written to stop instant online ESA letters. Before a provider can write an ESA letter here, they must:
- Hold an active license to practice in California.
- Have a care relationship with you for at least 30 days.
- Complete a clinical evaluation of your need for an emotional support animal.
- Give you a written notice about the penalties for misrepresenting an animal.
The law was written with emotional support dogs in mind. We follow the same 30-day rule for every California ESA letter, so your letter holds up.
Why That Is Good for You
A letter that skips these steps is easy for a landlord to turn down. A letter from a provider who has actually treated you for a month is much harder to question. It also shows the license details California asks for, so your landlord can check them.
How It Works With Us
Step one is a first visit with a mental health provider licensed in California. You talk about what you have been going through, how you have been feeling, and how your animal helps. That visit starts your care relationship.
Over the next 30 days, your provider gets to know you and your needs. After that, they complete a clinical evaluation. If an emotional support animal is part of the right care for you, they write your letter. If it is not, they tell you, and you keep getting care.
Renting in California
Rents in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and San Diego are some of the highest anywhere, and "no pets" rules are common in big apartment buildings. In places like Sacramento, Fresno and the Inland Empire, renters still run into pet deposits, monthly pet rent and breed limits.
The federal Fair Housing Act covers California renters. California's own fair housing law adds more protection for people with disabilities. With a valid ESA letter, a landlord has to consider your request instead of turning you away for having an animal.
Students and Military Families
Students at the UC and Cal State campuses often live in dorms or shared rentals with strict pet rules. Families tied to Camp Pendleton or Naval Base San Diego move often and start over with each new lease. Starting care early means your letter is ready when you need it.
What Your Letter Can Do
- Ask your landlord to let your emotional support animal live with you.
- Remove pet deposits and pet rent for an approved ESA. You still pay for any damage.
- Set aside breed, size and weight rules for your ESA.
It is a housing letter. Airlines no longer have to accept emotional support animals.
Plan Ahead
Because of the 30-day rule, start before you need the letter. If you are looking for a new place, moving for school, or your lease is up soon, book your first visit now. Use the form on this page to get started.
Price
Your first visit starts your care relationship. Once California's 30-day rule is met and your provider finds an ESA is right for you, the ESA evaluation and letter is $150, and each extra pet is $100. See our Good Faith Estimate.
Start With a First Visit
California ESA Letter Questions
Why can I not get an ESA letter right away in California?
California law (AB 468) requires a care relationship of at least 30 days and a clinical evaluation before a provider writes an ESA letter. We start you with a first visit.
Does the 30-day rule apply to cats too?
The law was written for emotional support dogs. We follow the same rule for every California ESA letter so your letter is solid for any animal.
Does my provider have to be licensed in California?
Yes. Your provider must be licensed in California. Your letter shows the license details the law asks for.
What happens at the first visit?
You talk with a California-licensed mental health provider about how you have been feeling and how your animal helps. That starts your care relationship.