From Application to Approval: How Long Does It Take to Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter?

When I first started looking into getting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter, I honestly thought it would be lightning fast. I imagined filling out a form online, clicking a button, and boom, letter in hand within the hour. But once I really started digging into the process, I realized it wasn’t quite that simple.

There are important steps to follow, laws to understand, and timelines that depend on several factors like therapist availability, state laws, and the purpose of your ESA letter (housing, travel, or both).

If you’re wondering how long it really takes to go from application to approval, you’re not alone. This question comes up all the time, especially because people see ads for "instant ESA letters" and wonder if that’s actually legitimate.

So in this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about the ESA letter process, including:

• What an ESA letter is and why it matters
• The full application process step by step
• How long approval typically takes (realistic timelines)
• Why some people get their letter faster than others
• The truth about "fast ESA letters" vs. scams
• The role of housing and airline policies in the timeline
• What real people have experienced with ESA letters
• How platforms like RealESALetter.com streamline the process

By the end, you’ll not only know how long it takes, you’ll also understand how to make sure your letter is legitimate, affordable, and stress-free.

What Is an ESA Letter, Really?

At its core, an Emotional Support Animal letter is a document written by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), like a psychologist, therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist, that confirms your need for an emotional support animal.

This letter isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s what gives you legal rights and protections under federal law. Without it, your animal is simply considered a pet, and landlords or airlines don’t have to make any accommodations for you.

Here’s what an ESA letter covers:

• Fair Housing Act (FHA): Landlords must allow your ESA in housing, even in buildings with "no-pet" policies, and they cannot charge pet fees, extra deposits, or monthly pet rent.
• State-specific ESA laws: Some states offer additional protections beyond federal housing rights, like recognition in workplaces or public spaces. Resources like RealESALetter by States are extremely helpful for checking what your state requires.
• Professional credibility: To be valid, the letter must come from a licensed professional. That’s why timelines matter, you can’t (legally) get one instantly without an evaluation.

In short: an ESA letter is your key to housing protections and in some cases, easier travel arrangements. But it has to be legitimate.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Understanding the timeline becomes much clearer when you see the process broken down. Here’s how it typically works:

Step 1: Choosing Where to Apply

You have two options:

1. Visit a local therapist or psychiatrist.
2. Use a trusted online provider like RealESALetter.com.

I personally lean toward online providers because they connect you quickly with licensed professionals in your state. No waiting months for appointments.

Step 2: Completing the Questionnaire

Most platforms will start by asking you to fill out a short intake form about your mental health, daily challenges, and why you believe an ESA would help. This usually takes 10–20 minutes.

Step 3: Professional Evaluation

Once your form is submitted, a licensed therapist reviews it. In some cases, they might follow up with a phone or video call to clarify details. This evaluation is critical, it’s what makes the letter legal. Depending on availability, this step usually takes a few hours to 2 days.

Step 4: Approval and Delivery

If you’re approved, your therapist writes and signs your ESA letter. Most providers send a digital copy immediately and can mail a physical copy if you request it. Delivery times can be as quick as 24–72 hours.

Hi, I’m Rowan Mirelle, a writer and blogger passionate about helping people navigate the often confusing world of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), service animal requirements, and housing laws.