How to make your cat an emotional support animal

Step 1: Talk to a licensed health professional

For housing, a cat is an emotional support animal when a licensed health professional who knows you writes a letter saying you have a disability and the cat helps with it. That letter is what the Fair Housing Act recognizes.

Start with your own therapist, counselor or doctor. We don't write letters and won't pretend a card is one.

Step 2: Check your state's rules

Some states add requirements for whoever writes the letter, such as a professional relationship of at least 30 days. Our state rules pages list them, with the laws they come from.

Step 3: Ask your housing provider

Tell your landlord or building that you're asking for a reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal, and share the letter if your disability isn't obvious. They may not ask for your diagnosis or medical records, and may not charge pet rent or a pet deposit for an approved assistance animal.

Step 4 (optional): Give your cat a card

A registration card is optional. It gives your cat a record, a wallet card with its photo and a number anyone can check, which many people find handy alongside their letter. It doesn't replace the letter.