25Aug, 2025
ESA Letter via Video Call: Get Legally Approved for an Emotional Support Animal in 2025 Without Leaving Home

Introduction

In 2025, you can now get a legally valid Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter through a secure, private video call with a licensed mental health professional—without ever leaving your home.

This method is FHA-compliant, fully legal in all 50 states (as long as state telehealth laws are followed), and fast.

This guide covers how to qualify for an ESA letter via video call, what to expect during the process, which providers offer this service, and how to ensure your letter is legally recognized for housing protections.

”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.

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

Why Choose a Video Call for Your ESA Letter?

✅ Benefits:

  • Convenience – No travel or office visits
  • Faster approvals – Some services offer same-day results
  • Privacy – You can talk to a professional from your home
  • Legal compliance – Meets housing requirements if done by a licensed provider in your state

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allows telehealth evaluations as long as the ESA letter is issued by a state-licensed professional.

Is an ESA Letter from a Video Call Legal?

Yes—as long as it meets federal and state legal standards.

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) allows people with emotional or mental health conditions to live with an emotional support animal—even in “no pets” housing—if they have a letter from a qualified healthcare provider.

According to HUD guidance, an ESA letter is valid when:

  • Written by a licensed therapist or doctor
  • Contains the provider’s license number, state, and contact information
  • States the ESA is part of the individual’s treatment plan
  • Clearly references reasonable accommodation under FHA
  • Issued following a legitimate evaluation—either in-person or via telehealth/video

States That Require Video Call ESA Evaluations

Some U.S. states require live consultations, rather than only written assessments. These include:

  • California
  • New Jersey
  • Georgia
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • Illinois
  • Florida
  • Nevada

If you live in one of these states, you’ll need a live video call with the licensed provider before receiving your ESA letter.

🟢 Most legitimate ESA providers automatically enforce this requirement based on your ZIP code.

How the ESA Video Call Process Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose a Legitimate ESA Provider

Look for a company that:

  • Has licensed therapists
  • Follows state-specific telehealth rules
  • Offers money-back guarantees
  • Doesn’t sell fake registrations or ESA IDs

Popular trusted platforms:

  • Pettable
  • CertaPet
  • RealESALetter
  • Support Pets
  • ESADoctors

2. Complete an Initial Mental Health Questionnaire

This helps your assigned provider understand your symptoms (e.g., anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, depression).

Typical questions include:

  • Do you feel overwhelmed in public?
  • Do you suffer from sleep disturbances?
  • Does your pet calm you during panic episodes?

3. Schedule or Join a Video Call

If required by your state, you’ll schedule a video call appointment (usually 15–30 minutes).

During the call:

  • The therapist will ask about your mental health symptoms
  • You may discuss how your pet supports you emotionally
  • The conversation is confidential and HIPAA-compliant

4. Letter Issuance

If you qualify, you’ll receive your ESA letter via email (PDF) within 24–48 hours. It will be:

  • Signed and dated
  • On professional letterhead
  • Include the provider’s credentials and license number
  • State your need for an ESA under federal housing laws

Example: What a Real ESA Letter via Video Call Includes

“Based on my evaluation via telehealth on [Date], I am currently treating [Patient Name] for a mental health condition. I have determined that the presence of an emotional support animal is necessary for their emotional well-being and daily functioning. They are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.”

Cost of ESA Letters from Video Call Services

Most ESA providers offering video calls charge between $129 and $199 for a housing-only letter.

Some also offer bundled packages that include:

  • ESA letter for air travel (optional post-COVID, as airlines have their own rules)
  • Annual renewal reminders
  • Pet ID cards (not required, but sometimes included)
Service Video Call Required? Price Turnaround Time
Pettable ✅ Yes (state-dependent) $149 – $199 24 hours or less
CertaPet ✅ Yes $159 – $199 1–2 business days
Support Pets ✅ Yes in certain states $99 – $139 24–48 hours
RealESALetter ✅ Yes in many states $129 – $149 1 business day

What Landlords Will Look For in the Letter

Your landlord cannot ask for your diagnosis or full medical records. However, they can verify:

  • The therapist’s license is active in your state
  • The letter is not older than 12 months
  • The document includes the required FHA language

A letter from a video call is just as legal as one from an in-person visit, assuming all information is properly included.

Your ESA Rights Under FHA (With a Valid Letter)

With an approved ESA letter—even from a video call—you are legally allowed to:

✅ Live with your emotional support animal in “no pets” housing
✅ Avoid pet rent or deposits
✅ Bypass breed or weight restrictions
✅ Expect reasonable accommodation
✅ Request these rights without retaliation or eviction

Real User Reviews

“I did a 15-minute video call with a licensed therapist through Pettable. Got my letter the next day. It worked for my apartment with no issue.” – Rita L., Seattle

“I live in California and was worried I’d need to go in person. RealESALetter scheduled a Zoom call, and I was approved that same night!” – Andre M., San Diego

“Video calls make this so easy—no waiting rooms, and my dog was literally lying on my lap during the call. It was perfect.” – Joanna R., Austin

FAQs: ESA Letter via Video Call

❓ Do all states require a video call?

No. Only some states (e.g., California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas) require a live consultation. Others may allow questionnaire-based approvals.

❓ Can I use the same ESA letter for housing and travel?

Not always. Airlines now have separate policies. Most ESA letters are valid only for housing, unless explicitly written for air travel.

❓ Does my ESA letter expire?

ESA letters don’t technically expire, but most landlords require letters issued within the past 12 months.

Conclusion

Getting an ESA letter via video call is a fast, private, and fully legal option in 2025—especially if you live in a state requiring face-to-face consultations.

As long as the provider is licensed, follows FHA guidelines, and documents your need properly, your video-call ESA letter will offer the same protections as any in-person visit.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or emotional distress, support is just one call away.

”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.