Hi, I saw your post on getting your dog certified as an ESA and had a couple questions because I am looking into getting one and the internet is being confusing. There are many websites claiming to "register" your pet, but I have also seen that that is not necessary at all and you just need a mental health professional's note. Could you help me figure this out please? All help would be appreciated.
Sorry for the delay in answering.
All that you need to “register” your animal as an ESA is a letter from a physician or mental health professional. All of the registries you find online are unofficial and are not protected under the law in the US.
Here’s The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s sample letter [.doc download]. My therapist copied it almost verbatim on her letterhead. You just give a copy of that to your landlord for housing purposes. For flights, you’ll have to check with exactly what your airline’s guidelines are.