I cannot write your letter, only provide guidance below

Start here: EmotionalSupportAnimal.com

The process is very easy and done right over the phone, usually within 48 hours you can have your ESA letter granting you rights to have your rat as a therapy tool (the landlord cannot object).

Housing Rights

Here’s something many people don’t realize about ESAs: while they’re protected under the Fair Housing Act, landlords can still deny animals they consider “exotic” or “unusual” if they can demonstrate legitimate concerns. Rats actually have significant advantages here. They’re legally considered domesticated animals in most jurisdictions, not exotic pets, which strengthens your housing rights.

Under federal law, landlords must make “reasonable accommodations” for ESAs, even in no-pet housing, and they cannot charge pet deposits or fees.

Rats make this accommodation incredibly reasonable – they’re quiet, contained, pose virtually no property damage risk, and don’t affect other tenants. They don’t bark, scratch floors, or require yard access. This makes it much harder for landlords to argue that accommodating your ESA would cause “undue burden.”

For college students, many universities that restrict ESAs to cats and dogs in dorms, will make exceptions for small caged animals when presented with proper ESA documentation. Rats often fall into the same category as hamsters or guinea pigs, which are more commonly accepted in student housing.

• You cannot be refused of housing with your ESA letter.

• You will also have all animal fees waived. Including any deposits or monthly pet fees.

Understanding ESA Rights vs. Service Animals

It’s crucial to understand that emotional support animals have different legal protections than service animals. ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act for housing, but they don’t have public access rights like service dogs or miniature horses (the two animas legally allowed to be service animals).

Some ESA’s may also be allowed to travel with you on an airplane. The rules like to change, so it is best to look into this separately.

The key difference is that rats cannot be service animals. They can however, make a great emotional support animal.

Why They’re Great ESAs

Rats live 2-3 years on average, which might seem short, but for someone working through specific mental health challenges, this timeframe can actually be ideal. It’s long enough to form a meaningful bond without the 15-20 year commitment that might feel overwhelming when you’re struggling. They’re also incredibly affordable – both initial setup and ongoing care cost a fraction of traditional pets, removing financial stress from the equation.

They’re Naturally Therapeutic.
There’s something uniquely calming about a rat’s gentle movements and soft breathing. They’re warm, small enough to hold comfortably, and their presence is soothing without being demanding. Many people find that the simple act of a rat grooming their fingers or falling asleep in their hands provides immediate anxiety relief.

Obtaining the Letter

Here’s how it will sort of work. You will file your application and receive a phone call from a certified Doctor (as most are lol). The doctor will ask you why you qualify for this ESA. Usually the phone call is quicker than would be expected.

Possible reasoning one would need an Emotional Support Rat:

• Severe Depression
• Autism
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Emotionally Overwhelmed
• PTSD
• Bipolar

and quite a few more, visit this list to see in what ways you qualify: NSAR

Therapists can also write letters of recommendation, stating why, you, the patient, are required to have these animals in order to help with your disorder. However!

If you go to a trusted site online, AND, your case isn’t severe (like you aren’t trying to have 10 rats), then a letter from an online site should be enough for your landlord. Some websites offer basic certification or more advanced certification with a doctor’s letter provided by them. In strange circumstances, you may also need a second providers letter or a letter from your current therapist.

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WEBSITES YOU CAN TRUST TO GET YOUR BASIC ESA LETTER:

• https://www.unitedsupportanimals.org/ ($69-$109) *website I use
• https://usserviceanimals.org/register/emotional-support-animal ($89)
• https://www.emotionalpetsupport.com/ ($99)
• the rest were impossible to tell the price of… on purpose…

The Cost of the letter

Compared to either: A. you hide your pets from your landlord causing you stress and anxiety. OR B. you pay ~$100 plus AVOID DEPOSITS AND MONTHLY PET FEES.

You may need to renew your license.

Some states require you get two letters or have a letter from a professional you have been seeing for at least a month.

Sometimes you can add more than one pet (like two) to the letter.

If you’re ready call, 800-918-3151 (United Support Animals.org) they can help to answer any questions you might have and you can complete the whole process over the phone, and have your letter within 48 hours.