CA
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Evaluations in California.

California patients can access licensed ESA evaluations conducted in compliance with state and federal housing guidelines.

The evaluation process.

1

Complete Intake

Begin by submitting your medical and behavioral health history through our secure form. Available to California residents.

2

Clinical Review

A licensed provider evaluates your condition and determines clinical appropriateness for California in accordance with applicable guidelines.

3

Documentation

If clinically appropriate, documentation is issued by your licensed provider based on their professional judgment.

Who May Qualify

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Other qualifying mental health conditions

Evaluations in California are conducted by licensed professionals in accordance with federal housing guidance. Documentation is issued only when medically appropriate.

Special circumstances.

  • AB 468 (effective 2022, H&S 122317-122319.5): a valid California ESA letter must include the provider's license number, license type, jurisdiction, effective date, and a written misrepresentation notice.
  • California requires a clinical relationship of at least 30 days with a California-licensed health care practitioner before ESA documentation can be issued -- plan ahead.
  • You should receive a separate written notice (in 12-point bold) confirming the animal does not have service-dog access rights. This is a statutory consumer disclosure.
  • Misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is a misdemeanor under Penal Code 365.7 (up to 6 months / $1,000). Civil penalties for fraudulent ESA documentation under AB 468 escalate $500 / $1,000 / $2,500.
  • ESAs do not have public-accommodation access rights in California (Civ. Code 54.1(b)(6)(A)).

This summary is general patient information about California ESA-related laws as of 2026 and is not legal advice. Statutes and rules can change; consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation.

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