When it comes to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), most people focus on the letter itself—who can write it, how long it lasts, and how to use it for housing accommodations. But an equally important topic that often comes up is the care and vaccination requirements for your ESA. If you’re applying for or renewing an ESA letter through RealESALetter.com, it’s natural to wonder: Do I need to provide proof of vaccinations? What level of care is required for my ESA to be valid?

This article breaks down these common questions to give you clarity and peace of mind.

Do ESAs Need to Be Vaccinated?

Legally, the ESA letter itself is focused on your emotional or psychological needs as determined by a licensed mental health professional. The clinician’s role is to confirm that an ESA provides therapeutic benefit, not to certify whether your animal has specific vaccinations.

That said, vaccination requirements depend on your state and local laws—not the ESA program itself. For example:

• Dogs: Most states require rabies vaccines for dogs, regardless of whether they’re pets, service animals, or ESAs.
• Cats: Rabies vaccines are commonly required, and some states recommend additional vaccinations.
• Other animals: For less common ESAs (like rabbits, birds, or guinea pigs), vaccinations may not be required by law, but proper veterinary care is strongly encouraged.

So, while your ESA letter doesn’t require proof of vaccines, your landlord, property manager, or housing authority may still legally ask for vaccination records to ensure community health and safety.

Who Checks on ESA Care and Vaccination Records?

Here’s where some confusion happens. Your licensed provider at RealESALetter.com evaluates your need for an ESA—but they don’t verify veterinary care. Instead, landlords or housing managers may ask for:

• Proof of current vaccinations (usually rabies for dogs/cats).
• Proof of basic care (some landlords want to ensure the animal is not neglected or a health hazard).
• Records from a licensed veterinarian if there are concerns about the animal’s well-being.

In short, the ESA letter validates your right to have the animal with you in housing. Health and vaccination compliance is a separate responsibility handled through veterinary care and local ordinances.

Does an ESA Letter Require Proof of Vaccinations?

No. An ESA letter from RealESALetter.com is based on your mental health evaluation and the therapeutic benefits of your animal. The licensed professional will not ask for your pet’s medical records as part of the ESA letter process.

However, it’s always smart to keep vaccinations up to date because:

• Landlords may request them.
• It protects your animal from disease.
• It reassures neighbors and housing providers about safety.

Think of it this way: your ESA letter secures your rights, but good care and vaccinations protect your ESA’s health and your peace of mind.

What Level of Care Is Expected for ESAs?

Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t have to undergo specialized training. But they do need to be:

• Well cared for (fed, groomed, given adequate exercise).
• Safe to be around (not aggressive or a danger to others).
• Healthy (up-to-date on required vaccinations and free of contagious conditions).

If a landlord or housing provider sees signs of neglect, unsanitary conditions, or risk to other tenants, they may challenge the ESA’s presence. Keeping your ESA healthy and cared for prevents such issues.

Common Questions About ESA Care and Vaccinations

Q: Can a landlord deny my ESA if my animal isn’t vaccinated?
A: A landlord cannot deny your ESA just because they don’t “like pets,” but they can enforce basic vaccination laws. For example, if your dog doesn’t have a required rabies vaccine, the landlord may insist on compliance.

Q: Do I need to show proof of vaccinations when applying for an ESA letter online?
A: No. At RealESALetter.com, the process is focused on your mental health evaluation by a licensed professional. Vaccination proof may be requested later by your housing provider, not during the letter application.

Q: What if I adopt a new ESA after getting my letter?
A: The ESA letter covers your therapeutic need, not a specific animal’s health records. However, you should keep your new ESA properly vaccinated and cared for.

Q: Are ESAs exempt from local pet laws?
A: No. While ESAs are exempt from pet fees in housing, they are not exempt from health, vaccination, or safety requirements. Local animal control laws still apply.

Conclusion

At RealESALetter.com, we make sure your ESA letter is written by a licensed mental health professional and fully compliant with housing laws. While we don’t require proof of vaccinations for the letter itself, we always encourage ESA owners to keep their animals healthy, safe, and properly cared for.

That means:

• Staying up to date on required vaccinations
• Providing regular veterinary care
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and loving environment

When you combine a valid ESA letter with responsible animal care, you’ll have confidence not only in your legal rights—but also in the well-being of your trusted emotional support companion.