Louisiana ESA Letter by Telehealth

Yes. The Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (Act 558 of 2024), codified at La. R.S. 46:1971 and following sections, regulates "support animals," which includes animals that give therapeutic emotional support. It sets rules for providers who write ESA documentation, requires notices from sellers, and fines misrepresentation. Housing discrimination itself is covered by the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act.

Under La. R.S. 46:1974(A), the provider must hold an active Louisiana license (or a license under a licensure compact), be qualified to evaluate and diagnose disabilities, perform a disability assessment, establish a therapeutic relationship at least 30 days before writing the documentation, hold at least two sessions with you, and complete a clinical evaluation no less than 30 days before the documentation is produced.

Yes. The statute says the two sessions may take place "in person or remotely," so a Louisiana ESA evaluation can be done through telehealth as long as the 30-day timeline and the other requirements are met.

At minimum the effective date, the provider's license number and the type of professional license held. In practice it should also confirm a disability and a disability-related need for the animal without naming the diagnosis.

Because Louisiana requires a therapeutic relationship and a clinical evaluation at least 30 days before the documentation is produced. Any service promising an instant Louisiana letter isn't following R.S. 46:1974.

Not as proof of need. Louisiana's definition of a therapeutic relationship excludes anyone who issues a certificate, letter or similar document "without conducting a meaningful assessment." Sellers of support animal certificates or letters must also give buyers a bold written notice that the document does not give the animal service dog rights.

R.S. 46:1977 sets fines of up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second and $2,500 for a third or later offense. The rules apply to individuals who misrepresent a need, providers who document without a basis, and businesses.

A landlord can deny a request that is unreasonable, such as one involving an animal that poses a direct threat, would cause substantial damage that can't be reduced, or would impose an undue burden. Louisiana's ESA law doesn't set a pet-fee rule, so ask in writing whether fees will be waived. Since HUD's May 22, 2026 policy change, untrained ESAs are reviewed case by case under federal law.

No. Public-access rights in Louisiana (La. R.S. 46:1953) belong to service dogs. Representing an animal as a service dog when it isn't one is itself a violation.

Under 14 CFR Part 382, airlines at New Orleans (MSY), Baton Rouge (BTR), Shreveport (SHV) and Lafayette (LFT) may treat an ESA as a pet. A task-trained psychiatric service dog can still fly as a service animal.

With the Louisiana Attorney General's Fair Housing section within one year of the incident, or with HUD within one year. A private Fair Housing Act lawsuit can be filed within two years.

No. The provider decides after evaluating you, and in Louisiana documentation can only be produced once the 30-day and two-session requirements are met.