Arkansas ESA laws
Arkansas sets specific rules for the clinicians who write emotional support dog letters. Under Ark. Code 20-14-1003, the provider must hold an active license, have known you for at least 30 days and complete a clinical evaluation, which is why an Arkansas letter takes a little longer than a single visit. Housing complaints go to the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission in Little Rock.
- The letter must list the provider's license number, type, issuing jurisdiction and effective date, and the provider must be licensed where the letter is issued.
- The 30-day client relationship rule is waived for people verified as homeless, for example through a local Continuum of Care or homeless services provider.
- Providers must re-evaluate the need for the dog each year before renewing the letter, and must warn you that misrepresenting a service animal carries a civil penalty.
- Passing off an emotional support dog as a service animal costs $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,500 after that (Ark. Code 20-14-1004).
- A 2025 law, Ark. Code 20-14-1005, lets business owners bar emotional support animals, but not where the Fair Housing Act or other federal law says otherwise.
Source: Ark. Code Title 20, Ch. 14, Subchapter 10 (Emotional Support Animals)
Your Arkansas ESA letter, step by step
Book a time
Pick a phone or video slot online and answer a short questionnaire about how you are feeling and the animal you live with in Arkansas.
Talk with a licensed clinician
A licensed clinician spends about 5–10 minutes with you and decides whether an emotional support animal is part of your care.
Follow Arkansas's documentation rules
Arkansas law adds requirements before a letter counts, such as a minimum treatment relationship, an in-person visit or a clinician licensed in the state. The clinician explains what applies to you and when the letter can be issued.
Your signed letter arrives
Once the state's requirements are met and the clinician approves, the letter is emailed as a PDF with their license details. You pay only if it is approved.
Arkansas ESA letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESA letter | Up to 2 animals | $129 |
| ESA letter | 3 or more animals | $199 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
What an ESA letter covers
Rentals and other housing
A letter supports a reasonable accommodation request, so a housing provider considers an exception to no-pet rules or pet fees for your animal.
Not flights or stores
Airlines treat emotional support animals as pets, and stores or restaurants do not have to admit them. Only trained service dogs have those rights.
Any common species
Dogs and cats are most common, but the letter is about your need for the animal, not its breed or training.
Reasonable limits apply
A provider can still refuse an animal that poses a direct threat or causes serious damage.
What to do if a landlord in Arkansas denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission or file a complaint with HUD. Many renters settle the issue at this stage simply by asking for a written decision.
Have a dog trained to do specific tasks for a psychiatric condition? See the Arkansas psychiatric service dog letter.