There is no requirement to register an ESA in any database. Websites offering "official" ESA registrations are often misleading. The key legal requirement is having a letter from a mental health professional.
The ESA letter must state the individual's mental health condition (e.g., anxiety, depression) and confirm that the animal provides necessary emotional support related to that condition. The letter must be issued by a licensed mental health professional.
An ESA must be certified through a letter from a licensed mental health professional. Self-certifying a pet or registering them online does not meet the legal requirement.
The only requirement to certify an ESA is obtaining a letter from a licensed mental health professional (e.g., a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist). There is no legal requirement for registration, vests, or training.
ESAs can be any domesticated animal, not just dogs and cats. Common ESAs include dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and even small rodents. The key criterion is that the animal provides emotional support to the individual, but no specific training is required.
