24Aug, 2025
How Long Does It Take to Get an ESA Letter? A Complete 2025 Guide

📄 How Long Does It Take to Get an ESA Letter? A Complete 2025 Guide

If you’re considering applying for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter, one of the most common questions is:

“How long does it take to get an ESA letter?”

In short, it can take anywhere from 24 hours to 5 days, depending on:

  • The service provider
  • Your availability for a consultation
  • The method of delivery (digital vs. physical)
  • Whether you need housing, travel, or combo ESA letters

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:

  • The standard timeline for getting an ESA letter
  • Steps in the ESA approval process
  • Fast-track or same-day ESA options
  • Common delays and how to avoid them
  • Tips to speed up your ESA letter approval

Let’s walk through what you should expect.

”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.

🐶 What Is an ESA Letter?

An ESA letter is a document written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) that confirms:

  • You have a qualifying emotional or psychological condition
  • An emotional support animal helps alleviate your symptoms

This letter gives you legal rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), allowing you to live with your ESA in housing where pets are normally not allowed, without extra fees.

🕐 How Long Does It Take to Get an ESA Letter?

✅ Standard Timeframe: 1 to 5 Business Days

Most legitimate online ESA letter providers deliver your letter within 1 to 5 days after your evaluation is complete.

🟢 Fast Providers (Same-Day or 24 Hours):

Some services offer same-day approval and delivery, especially if:

  • You complete the intake process early in the day
  • You are available for a live consultation
  • The provider has licensed therapists available in your state

🔴 Longer Timelines (3–5+ Days):

Delays can happen if:

  • There’s a backlog of evaluations
  • You miss or reschedule your mental health appointment
  • The provider isn’t licensed in your state and must refer you

🧩 Step-by-Step ESA Letter Process

Here’s how it usually works:

📝 1. Complete the Online Intake Form (5–10 minutes)

You’ll answer questions about your emotional and mental health, lifestyle, and your need for an emotional support animal.

👩‍⚕️ 2. Licensed Mental Health Professional Evaluation (15–30 minutes)

Depending on the provider, this may be:

  • A live video or phone consultation
  • Or, in some cases, a detailed form-based evaluation followed by therapist review

Note: A valid ESA letter must come from a provider licensed in your state.

⏳ 3. Provider Approval (Same Day to 3 Days)

Once the therapist determines you qualify, they will write your ESA letter on official letterhead with:

  • License number
  • Contact information
  • Diagnosis support
  • ESA recommendation statement

📩 4. Receive ESA Letter (Same Day to 5 Days)

Your letter is usually delivered via:

  • Email (PDF) within 24–48 hours
  • Physical mail (if requested), which can take 3–7 days

⚡ Can You Get an ESA Letter the Same Day?

Yes—some online ESA services offer same-day evaluations and digital delivery, often within a few hours, if:

  • You qualify based on your condition
  • The provider is available immediately
  • You complete your evaluation early in the day
  • There are no document errors or verification issues

🟢 Providers That Often Offer Fast ESA Letters:

  • Pettable
  • ESA Doctors
  • RealESALetter
  • CertaPet (in some states)

These platforms generally offer 24–48 hour delivery, with options for rush processing.

🛑 What Can Delay ESA Letter Approval?

Several factors can slow down the process. Be aware of these:

❌ 1. Therapist Availability

Some services have limited therapists in specific states, which may delay evaluations.

❌ 2. Incomplete Forms

If your intake form is missing critical information, you may be asked to re-submit it.

❌ 3. No Live Consultation

In some cases, providers legally must speak with you directly, especially if state law requires a video or phone session.

❌ 4. Verifying Legitimacy

If the provider runs background checks or needs to verify eligibility, it can slow things down.

📬 Physical vs. Digital ESA Letters: Does It Matter?

  • Digital ESA letters (PDF): Delivered within 24–48 hours in most cases. Accepted by most landlords.
  • Physical mailed copies: May take 3–7 business days, depending on shipping options.

For urgent needs, a digital ESA letter is sufficient and is fully legal under the Fair Housing Act.

🧠 Can You Speed Up the ESA Letter Process?

Yes! Here’s how:

✅ 1. Choose a Fast, Reputable ESA Provider

Look for providers that clearly advertise same-day or 24-hour delivery and include real licensed mental health professionals.

✅ 2. Be Available for Your Evaluation

If a therapist needs to speak with you, respond quickly to appointment requests.

✅ 3. Fill Out Your Forms Accurately

Complete all sections of your intake honestly and fully. Missing info can delay approval.

✅ 4. Ask About Rush Options

Some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee—great for urgent housing needs.

💡 How Long in Advance Should You Apply?

If you’re planning to move or apply for housing with your ESA, it’s smart to apply at least 1–2 weeks before you need the letter. This gives you:

  • Time to complete your evaluation
  • Flexibility to fix errors if needed
  • Time to mail physical copies, if required
  • Room to respond to landlord questions

🏡 What If You Need an ESA Letter Quickly for Housing?

Under the Fair Housing Act:

  • Landlords must consider your ESA request
  • But they can deny accommodations if your documentation is invalid or suspicious

If you’re facing an urgent move or housing deadline:

  • Look for same-day ESA letter providers
  • Make sure the letter includes all legal elements
  • Communicate with your landlord as soon as you receive the letter

✅ Summary: How Long Does It Take to Get an ESA Letter?

Step Timeframe
Intake Form 5–10 minutes
Mental Health Evaluation Same day to 2 days
Therapist Approval 1–3 days
Digital Letter Delivery 24–48 hours (average)
Physical Letter (Optional) 3–7 days

🟢 Fastest Time Possible: Same-day (within a few hours)

🔴 Longest Wait (without delays): 5–7 business days

🧾 Final Thoughts

Getting an ESA letter doesn’t have to be a long, complicated process. In 2025, thanks to secure telehealth platforms, it’s possible to get your legally valid ESA letter in as little as one day — provided you work with a legitimate, licensed provider.

Make sure:

  • The provider offers real mental health evaluations
  • The therapist is licensed in your state
  • You’re available and responsive

This ensures you get your ESA letter quickly, safely, and legally — so you and your emotional support animal can enjoy the protections you deserve.

”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.