An Emotional Support Animal is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to an individual with a mental or emotional disability. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specific training to perform tasks related to a disability but must be well-behaved in public and provide comfort and support to their owner.
While ESA letters themselves are not federally protected, they play a crucial role in facilitating the rights granted under the FHA and ACAA to individuals with emotional support animals.
Moreover, it's important to note that some states may have their own laws pertaining to emotional support animals and accommodations, necessitating consideration of state-specific regulations.