Wisconsin ESA laws
Wisconsin's open housing law, Wis. Stat. 106.50, has its own provisions on emotional support animals. A landlord can't refuse to rent to you, evict you or charge you more because you have a disability-related need for an ESA. When documentation is requested, Wisconsin requires that it come from a health professional licensed or certified in Wisconsin.
- The statute's licensed health professional means a physician, psychologist, social worker or similar professional licensed or certified in Wisconsin and acting within that scope.
- A tenant who intentionally misrepresents a disability or need for an ESA to get housing forfeits at least $500 under 106.50(2r)(br)5.
- A health professional who misstates a patient's disability or need to help them get housing faces the same minimum $500 forfeiture.
- You're responsible for sanitation and for any damage the animal causes to the property.
- The Equal Rights Division takes housing complaints within one year, and you can also go to circuit court.
Source: Wis. Stat. 106.50
Your Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin's documentation rules
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division 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 Wisconsin psychiatric service dog letter.