Louisiana ESA laws
Louisiana tightened its rules in 2024 with Act 558, now codified at La. R.S. 46:1973 through 46:1978, which covers support animals in housing. The biggest change is timing: a provider has to establish a therapeutic relationship and complete a clinical evaluation at least thirty days before writing your documentation, after at least two sessions. Plan for that before you sign a lease.
- Under R.S. 46:1974, the provider needs an active Louisiana license, or one under a licensure compact, and must be qualified to diagnose disabilities.
- The two required sessions may be in person or remote, and the documentation must show its effective date, license number and license type.
- Misrepresenting a disability or need for a support animal draws fines of up to $500, then $1,000, then $2,500 for repeat offenses (R.S. 46:1977).
- Anyone selling a support animal certificate must disclose in bold type that it does not grant service dog rights.
- Fair housing complaints in Louisiana go to the Attorney General's Equal Housing Opportunity Section, which enforces the state's Equal Housing Opportunity Act.
Source: La. R.S. 46:1974 (via Justia)
Your Louisiana 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 Louisiana.
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 Louisiana's documentation rules
Louisiana 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.
Louisiana 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 Louisiana denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Louisiana Attorney General, Equal Housing Opportunity Section 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 Louisiana psychiatric service dog letter.