Traveling with Your Pet: A Guide for Adventure-Seeking allied healthcare professionals

Traveling with Your Pet: Making Assignments Possible with an ESA 

One of the most common questions we hear from travel healthcare professionals is, “Can I bring my pet on assignment with me?” The answer is a resounding yes! While it might require a bit more effort to find the right housing, traveling with your pet is not only possible—it’s incredibly rewarding. Your furry companion can bring comfort and stability to your life on the road, making every new destination feel like home. Finding pet-friendly housing can sometimes be a challenge. Many rental apartments or houses have strict pet policies, and navigating those restrictions may leave you feeling discouraged. But don’t lose hope! For some travelers, classifying their pet as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can open up housing options that might otherwise seem out of reach.  

An ESA designation allows your pet to live with you in housing that typically prohibits pets, and they aren’t subject to common breed or weight restrictions. This isn’t about bending the rules to sneak a menagerie into your apartment—it’s about leveraging a federally regulated process designed to support both tenants and landlords. ESAs are an acknowledgment of the profound impact animals can have on our emotional and mental well-being. 

Do you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal? 

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are often mistaken for service animals, but it’s important to recognize their unique role. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t receive specialized training to perform specific tasks. Instead, as defined by the ADA National Network, "Emotional support animals provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and sometimes help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias.” Their purpose is rooted in the deep emotional connection they provide—a lifeline of comfort and stability for those navigating mental health challenges. For individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, an ESA can be transformative. Start by having an open and honest conversation with a licensed healthcare professional about your mental health and how an ESA might benefit you. If your therapist or doctor determines that an ESA could positively impact your well-being, they can provide a signed letter as documented proof of their recommendation. This letter not only validates the importance of your ESA but also grants you access to housing that might otherwise prohibit pets. 

What Documents does my ESA need?  

A common misunderstanding about Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) is the belief that they must be registered in some national database. The reality is far simpler—and far less expensive! There is no national registry for ESAs, nor is there a need for one. To ensure your ESA can live with you in a no-pet rental, all you need is an ESA Housing Letter. This letter, provided by a licensed healthcare professional, is straightforward but vital. It should include your full name, a statement confirming that you have a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and a recommendation that an ESA will help alleviate symptoms of your condition. It must also specify the type of animal, such as a dog, cat, or bird, along with the healthcare provider’s license information and signature. That’s all it takes! Unfortunately, there are websites claiming to "register" your pet as an ESA for a fee, but these are scams. Your ESA Housing Letter is the only documentation you need. Once you provide this letter to your landlord or HOA, they can verify the authenticity of your healthcare provider’s signature, and you’re all set to share your home with your ESA. 

Connect with a mental health provider 

Obtaining an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a simple and accessible process that can make a meaningful difference in your life. Whether you already have a trusted mental health provider or need assistance finding one, there are two main paths to securing your ESA letter: connecting with a licensed therapist or doctor in person or working with a professional virtually. If you’re currently seeing a psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist, licensed counselor, or mental health nurse, these providers are well-equipped to write an ESA letter for your landlord. Primary care physicians can also write ESA letters, but because they’re often less familiar with a patient’s mental health journey or the ESA process, most letters come from specialists in mental health care. For those not currently working with a qualified healthcare provider—or if your provider isn’t familiar with ESAs—online resources can help. Websites like ESA Doctors and CertaPet are designed to simplify the process. They can connect you with licensed professionals, answer any questions you may have, and provide guidance throughout the journey, from your first consultation to obtaining your letter. These platforms also offer customer support to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

Exploring an ESA is a deeply personal decision, one rooted in the desire for greater emotional well-being. If this feels like the right path for you, take the time to research, ask questions, and speak with experts who can help you navigate the process. With the right support, you can take the next step toward building a home and a life that nurtures both you and your companion.