RealESALetter.com vs CertaPet.com: Which ESA Letter Service Is Right for You?

A valid letter lets me keep my pet in “no-animals” housing and—on some airlines—fly without extra fees, as long as it’s written and signed by a licensed mental-health professional.

Because landlords and airlines now check every detail, picking a legitimate, trustworthy ESA service is critical; a fake or poorly written letter can be rejected on the spot. Two of the most popular online options are RealESALetter.com and CertaPet.com, each promising fast approval and nationwide coverage.

In this comparison I’ll share my experience with both platforms—looking at their speed, cost, customer support, and legal validity—so you can decide which service best fits your needs.

My Experience with Both Services

I decided to try both RealESALetter.com and CertaPet.com because I wanted to see firsthand which one actually delivered on their promises. I was moving into a new apartment complex with a strict “no pets” policy, and I needed a valid ESA letter fast. At the same time, I didn’t want to spend a fortune or get stuck with a sketchy provider.

Going in, I expected both platforms to be relatively smooth and professional—I mean, they both show up in “best ESA letter” lists online. My priority was speed and affordability, but I was also curious about how legit each service really was and how much customer support they offered along the way.

So, I signed up for both within the same week—one for my housing situation and the other just to compare turnaround time and how thorough their processes were.

In the end, RealESALetter.com was the better fit for me—simple, legitimate, fast, and budget-friendly. If I ever need to renew my letter or help someone else through the process, that’s the service I’ll recommend first.

Ease of Use and Website Experience

Navigating both websites was pretty simple, but there were noticeable differences in how they guide you through the process.

RealESALetter.com felt very straightforward. The homepage gives you all the basic information upfront, and the process to get started was quick. I was able to fill out the intake form in under 5 minutes. The questions were clear and focused—mostly about my symptoms, my pet, and why I felt an ESA would help. Once submitted, I was immediately guided to the next step: scheduling a consultation with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP).

CertaPet.com, on the other hand, has a more polished and informative interface. Their site includes more educational content, FAQs, and even blog posts about ESA laws and guidelines. The application took slightly longer, maybe around 10–12 minutes, because it asked more in-depth questions about my mental health and lifestyle. I appreciated the detail, but it felt a bit more formal and clinical.

In terms of guidance, CertaPet was a little more hands-on, offering pop-ups and tips as you go through the process. RealESALetter, while more streamlined, didn’t provide as much real-time guidance—but the simplicity made it feel fast and efficient.

Overall:

RealESALetter.com: Faster, more direct, ideal if you know what you want.

CertaPet.com: Slightly more detailed, with extra educational content and support during the application.

Pricing and Package Breakdown

Cost plays a major role when choosing between RealESALetter.com and CertaPet.com. Here's how they compare:

RealESALetter.com

Pricing: A flat rate of $149 for a single ESA letter — whether it’s for housing or travel.

Combo option: Some promotions may include both housing and travel in that $149 price, but confirm during checkout.

Hidden fees? No hidden charges. The pricing is transparent, and expedited delivery is often included.

What’s included: A legally valid ESA letter issued by a licensed mental health professional, typically delivered within 24 hours.

This service keeps things simple and affordable, appealing to users who want quick results without paying for unnecessary extras.

CertaPet.com

Pricing: Generally $199 for a single ESA letter. The combo package (housing + travel) can go up to $249 or more.

Premium add-ons: Includes express service, in-depth consultations, and subscription options — but at an additional cost.

What’s included: Access to dedicated support, more therapist interaction, and ongoing educational resources.

CertaPet aims for a more premium experience, especially for those who want added customer support and a more hands-on approach.

Which is the better deal?

For straightforward, fast, and affordable service, RealESALetter.com delivers solid value at a lower price point.

If you prefer more attention and are willing to pay extra, CertaPet.com may feel more comprehensive — but not necessarily more cost-effective.

➡ Winner for value: RealESALetter.com — flat pricing, no upsells, and quick turnaround.

Legitimacy and Legal Compliance

When it comes to ESA letters, legal validity is everything. Here’s how both services handle it:

RealESALetter.com

Licensed professionals? Yes. The evaluation is done by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) based in your state.

Eligibility process: You complete a short online questionnaire, and if you qualify, you’re matched with an LMHP. The process is efficient, but less personalized.

Letter acceptance: My RealESALetter was accepted by my landlord without issue. It included all required details (LMHP’s license, date, contact info).

Compliance: HIPAA-compliant with secure data handling. I didn’t notice any red flags.

CertaPet.com

Licensed professionals? Yes — and they emphasize thorough evaluations. The process includes a deeper intake form and sometimes a brief telehealth consultation.

Verification: Their approach feels more clinical, with more touchpoints between you and the professional.

Letter acceptance: Fully compliant with Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requirements.

Compliance: HIPAA-compliant, and their transparency about medical standards was reassuring.

Verdict: Both are legally legit, but CertaPet.com leans more into clinical professionalism, while RealESALetter.com is faster with less back-and-forth.

Turnaround Time & Delivery

Speed matters — especially when your housing or travel situation is urgent.

RealESALetter.com

Delivery time: I received my digital ESA letter within 24 hours.

Format: Delivered as a PDF via email, with the option to request a physical copy if needed.

Great for emergencies.

CertaPet.com

Delivery time: It took about 2–3 days, since there was more back-and-forth and a longer evaluation process.

Format: Also a digital PDF, with optional printed letters mailed upon request.

More thorough, but slower.

Verdict: If you're in a time crunch, RealESALetter.com wins for its fast turnaround.

Customer Support Comparison

Getting help when you’re stressed is a big deal. Here’s how the two stack up:

RealESALetter.com

Support options: Email and chat support are available. Phone support is limited, but my email was answered the same day.

Experience: Helpful, but not very personal. It felt more like a streamlined tech service.

CertaPet.com

Support options: Offers live chat, email, and phone support. There was also follow-up after I received my letter to make sure I had no issues.

Experience: Felt like I was taken care of — more human interaction and reassurance.

Verdict: For peace of mind and follow-up care, CertaPet.com takes the lead. But if you’re fine with basic help, RealESALetter.com still delivers.

Refund and Transparency Policies

No one wants surprise fees — or to be stuck paying if they don’t qualify.

RealESALetter.com

Transparency: Clear pricing upfront — $149 flat. No upsells or subscriptions.

Refunds: If you don’t qualify, you’re not charged. The process is explained clearly before payment.

No tricks.

CertaPet.com

Transparency: A bit more complex. They offer different packages and services, which can lead to unexpected costs if you don’t read carefully.

Refunds: They also offer full refunds if you don’t qualify, but you might need to ask.

Some gray areas.

Verdict: RealESALetter.com wins for clearer communication and upfront pricing.

Pros and Cons Overview (with Personal Insight)

Here’s how both services measured up from my experience:

RealESALetter.com

✅ Pros

Fast delivery — I got my letter within a day.

Affordable — $149 flat, no surprises.

Simple process — everything was done online with minimal effort.

❌ Cons

Less personal — mostly automated communication.

Limited customer support — no real-time phone conversations.

CertaPet.com

✅ Pros

Excellent customer service — live chat, phone, follow-ups.

Personalized evaluations — more in-depth screening felt trustworthy.

Great for long-term support or ongoing needs.

❌ Cons

Higher cost — $199+ depending on what you need.

Slower turnaround — took a couple of days to get everything finalized.

Final Verdict – Which One’s Right for You?

After going through both services from start to finish, I can confidently say that RealESALetter.com and CertaPet.com cater to slightly different types of customers — and your choice really depends on what matters most to you.

If speed and affordability are your priorities, RealESALetter.com is the better pick. The process was incredibly fast (I received my letter within 24 hours), and the pricing was straightforward at $149 without any surprise fees. It’s ideal for anyone who needs an ESA letter quickly—especially for housing situations or last-minute travel—and who feels comfortable navigating things with minimal hand-holding.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers more guidance and wants a white-glove experience, then CertaPet.com is worth the higher price. Their team was more hands-on, the onboarding process was more thorough, and the customer support felt genuinely invested in making sure everything was done right. It does take a bit more time and costs more, but the added peace of mind might be worth it for many.

So, which one would I personally use again?

Honestly, I’d go with RealESALetter.com. It checked all the boxes I needed: it was fast, legitimate, affordable, and got me what I needed without any extra friction. That said, I’d still recommend CertaPet.com to anyone who’s new to the process and wants more personalized support or just feels nervous about the legal side of ESA documentation.

FAQs

Q1: Are both ESA letters legally valid?

Yes, both RealESALetter.com and CertaPet.com provide ESA letters that are issued by licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs), which makes them legally valid for most housing-related protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). However, always double-check your local or landlord-specific requirements to be sure.

Q2: Can I use these for both housing and air travel?

For housing, yes — both services offer letters that comply with FHA rules. For air travel, it’s more complicated. Since airline policies have changed recently, most U.S. airlines no longer accept emotional support animals as service animals. Still, you may be able to travel with your ESA as a pet (with fees waived) if you have proper documentation. Some international airlines may still accept ESA letters. It’s best to check with the specific airline before booking.

Q3: What if I get denied?

Both services have policies in place. If you don’t qualify after the assessment, you typically won’t be charged the full fee. RealESALetter.com offers a refund if no letter is issued. CertaPet.com is also transparent about the process, and their evaluations ensure that you’re only issued a letter if it’s clinically appropriate.

Q4: Can I renew my letter through these services?

Yes. ESA letters are usually valid for one year, especially for housing purposes. Both platforms offer a renewal process — RealESALetter.com keeps it simple and affordable, while CertaPet.com offers renewals with continued support and re-evaluation.