27Aug, 2025
ESA Letter Sample for Hotel Stays: How to Travel with Your Emotional Support Animal

 

Introduction

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you rely on an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to manage anxiety, PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions. While airlines are no longer required by law to accommodate ESAs, many hotels still allow them—especially when you provide a valid ESA letter from a licensed professional.

If you plan to stay at a hotel with your ESA, you’ll need to know what kind of documentation is accepted. This article provides a sample ESA letter for hotel stays, explains your rights, and offers tips for a smooth experience.

”Get Yours Now!

Don’t wait until a landlord or airline tells you “no pets allowed.” Protect your rights today.

Please fill out this form and our team wil contact you ASAP.

Form Link

Complete your assessment in minutes , get approved by a licensed professional, and receive your letter within 24 hours.

Do Hotels Have to Accept Emotional Support Animals?

Unlike housing (which is protected by the Fair Housing Act), hotels are generally considered public accommodations and fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Here’s the key difference:

  • Service Animals (trained dogs that assist with disabilities) must be accepted at all hotels under the ADA.
  • Emotional Support Animals are not covered by the ADA—meaning hotels are not legally required to accept them.

However, many hotels do accept ESAs, especially with a valid letter, often treating them under their pet-friendly or reasonable accommodation policies.

Why Provide an ESA Letter to Hotels?

  1. Proof of Legitimacy
    • Shows the hotel your animal is not just a pet, but part of your mental health treatment.
  2. Avoiding Fees
    • Some hotels may waive pet fees when shown an ESA letter.
  3. Smoother Check-In
    • Presenting documentation upfront reduces the chance of conflict or misunderstanding.

What Should an ESA Letter for Hotels Include?

A valid ESA letter must:

✅ Be written by a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor)
✅ Be on official letterhead
✅ Include your name and confirmation of your emotional need for an ESA
✅ Contain provider’s license number, contact info, and signature
✅ Be dated within the last 12 months

ESA Letter Sample for Hotel

Here’s an example of a valid ESA letter for hotel stays:

[Licensed Professional’s Letterhead]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a licensed mental health professional currently treating [Patient’s Full Name]. Based on my professional evaluation, I have determined that [he/she/they] experiences a mental or emotional disability as defined by the DSM-5.

In my professional opinion, the presence of an Emotional Support Animal is necessary for the psychological well-being of my patient. The animal provides therapeutic benefits that help alleviate symptoms associated with their condition.

Please accommodate [Patient’s Name] by allowing their Emotional Support Animal during their stay at your hotel.

If you need to verify my credentials or this letter, I may be contacted at [Provider’s Phone Number] or [Provider’s Email Address].

Sincerely,
[Provider’s Full Name, Title]
[Professional License Number, State]
[Signature]

How to Use Your ESA Letter at a Hotel

  1. Call Ahead
    • Contact the hotel in advance to confirm their ESA policy.
  2. Email or Present Letter at Check-In
    • Share a digital copy or printed letter for smoother verification.
  3. Stay Professional
    • Be polite and patient if staff need clarification.
  4. Know the Limits
    • Hotels may refuse ESAs if the animal is disruptive, aggressive, or unhygienic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Assuming all hotels must accept ESAs (they are not legally required).
❌ Showing a fake certificate instead of a valid letter.
❌ Booking last-minute without checking hotel policy.
❌ Failing to renew an ESA letter annually.

Tips for a Smooth ESA-Friendly Hotel Stay

  • Choose pet-friendly hotels for easier approval.
  • Keep your ESA calm and well-behaved to avoid complaints.
  • Carry a digital and printed copy of your letter.
  • Bring necessary supplies (crate, leash, cleaning items) to minimize inconvenience.

FAQs: ESA Letters for Hotels

Q1: Can hotels charge pet fees for ESAs?
Some do, but many waive fees when provided with a valid ESA letter.

Q2: Will all hotels accept my ESA?
No. Unlike landlords, hotels are not legally required, but many do on a case-by-case basis.

Q3: Do I need a new ESA letter for each hotel?
No, but your letter must be valid (usually renewed annually).

Q4: Can hotels ask for my medical records?
No. They can only request verification of your ESA letter—not private health details.

Conclusion

While hotels are not legally obligated to accept emotional support animals, many do—especially when provided with a legitimate ESA letter. Presenting an ESA letter sample for hotel stays ensures smoother check-ins, fewer disputes, and sometimes even waived fees.

To avoid issues, always confirm hotel policies in advance, bring a valid letter from a licensed professional, and keep your ESA well-behaved. With preparation, your next hotel stay can be stress-free and supportive of your emotional well-being.

”Get Yours Now!

Don’t wait until a landlord or airline tells you “no pets allowed.” Protect your rights today.

Please fill out this form and our team wil contact you ASAP.

Form Link

Complete your assessment in minutes , get approved by a licensed professional, and receive your letter within 24 hours.