How to register your dog as an emotional support animal

Step 1: Know what makes a dog an ESA

For housing, a dog is an emotional support animal when a licensed health professional who knows you writes a letter saying you have a disability and the animal helps with it. That letter, not a registration, is what the Fair Housing Act recognizes.

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

Step 2: Enter your dog's details

Choose Dog, add your dog's name, then breed, color and birthday if you like. Add a photo now or later. Your card builds itself as you type.

Step 3: Add your details and choose a kit

Your name goes on the card as the handler, and your email is where the kit is sent. Choose the Digital Kit for PDFs, or the Complete Kit to also get a laminated card and printed certificate in the mail.

Step 4: Print, carry, share

Your registration number is assigned the moment payment confirms, and the PDFs arrive by email in about a minute. Print the card at credit-card size, or wait for the laminated one. Share the verification page whenever someone wants to check.