Quick answer
To get an ESA letter in Arkansas, you need an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional who can practice in Arkansas. Arkansas sets provider rules for emotional support dogs: a license where the documentation is provided, a 30 day client provider relationship and a yearly clinical evaluation. A 2025 law also lets property owners ban ESAs unless federal law forbids it. That waiting period means planning ahead.
Key points
- Arkansas has a state law on ESA documentation: Act 268 of 2023 (HB 1420), Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-14-1001 to 20-14-1004.
- Your clinician must be licensed to practice in Arkansas.
- HUD's 2026 memo limits federal enforcement to trained animals, but the Fair Housing Act and private lawsuits remain.
- Pet ESA Service: $89 one time, 100% back if not approved.
Arkansas ESA rules at a glance
This summary reflects Arkansas law and federal guidance as of October 8, 2026. Rules change, so check the linked sources before relying on them for a dispute.
| Topic | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| State ESA documentation law | Yes. Act 268 of 2023 (HB 1420), Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-14-1001 to 20-14-1004; Act 819 of 2025 (HB 1893), § 20-14-1005 |
| Clinician licensing | Licensed to practice in Arkansas, where you will be during the evaluation |
| Relationship or waiting period | Yes, at least 30 days in specific situations (see below) |
| Untrained support animals under state law | State law refers back to federal law |
| Pet fees for assistance animals | No state statute found; see the fees section below |
| Fair housing agency | Arkansas Fair Housing Commission |
| Pet ESA Service price | $89 one pet, $109 two pets, $79 renewal, $99 PSD |
What Arkansas law requires for an ESA letter
A healthcare provider authorized under Arkansas law may document a need for an emotional support dog only if the letter lists license number, type, jurisdiction and effective date, the provider is licensed where the documentation is provided, a client provider relationship has existed at least 30 days (waived for verified homeless individuals), and a clinical evaluation is done at least once a year with yearly renewal review, plus notice that misrepresenting a service animal can bring a civil penalty. Representing or selling an emotional support dog as a service animal carries civil penalties of $500, $1,000 and $2,500. Since April 2025, private property and business owners may ban ESAs unless the federal Fair Housing Act (as of Jan. 1, 2025) or other federal law prohibits it.
Source: Act 268 of 2023 (HB 1420), Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-14-1001 to 20-14-1004; Act 819 of 2025 (HB 1893), § 20-14-1005. Read the source.
How HUD's 2026 change affects Arkansas renters
On May 22, 2026, HUD's fair housing office announced it will find reasonable cause in animal accommodation complaints only when the animal is individually trained to perform disability related tasks, and it withdrew its older ESA guidance. The Fair Housing Act itself, HUD's regulation at 24 CFR 100.204 and your right to bring a private lawsuit within two years did not change.
Arkansas's ESA rules refer back to federal law, so the HUD change creates real uncertainty here. Statute defines an ESA as not needing training (§ 20-14-1001), but Act 819's ban authority yields only to the federal FHA and other federal law; an independent state law duty to accommodate untrained ESAs was not verified. A strong letter from a clinician who evaluated you, plus a polite written request, gives you the best chance with a Arkansas landlord.
If your dog is trained to perform tasks, a psychiatric service dog evaluation may suit you better, because trained animals keep HUD's presumption of reasonableness.
How to get an ESA letter in Arkansas
Start with the free assessment. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Choose your evaluation, pay once through Stripe, and a licensed mental health professional who can practice in Arkansas reviews your answers and talks with you by phone or video when Arkansas rules or their judgment call for it.
For an emotional support dog, Arkansas requires a client provider relationship of at least 30 days and a yearly clinical evaluation, so plan on at least a month.
Your letter lists the clinician's license number, type, issuing state and effective date, so a landlord can check it on the state licensing board website. If your completed assessment is not approved, you receive a 100% refund.
ESA letter cost in Arkansas
Pet ESA Service charges the same one time price in Arkansas as everywhere else: $89 for one pet, $109 for two, $129 for three and $149 for four. Renewal evaluations are $79 and psychiatric service dog evaluations are $99. There is no subscription, no rush fee and no charge for landlord verification. See the pricing page for what each evaluation includes.
Be cautious of "free ESA letter" offers and instant certificates sold to Arkansas residents. A registry listing or ID card is not clinical documentation, and several states say landlords may reject them.
Pet fees and deposits for ESAs in Arkansas
Arkansas has no statute that specifically bars pet fees for assistance animals. Federally, two court decisions held that waiving a pet fee is not always required as a reasonable accommodation, and HUD cited one of them in 2026. Ask for any fee in writing and check your lease, and contact a local fair housing organization if a fee seems designed to discourage your request.
Where to get help in Arkansas
If a housing provider denies a reasonable request, you can contact the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission about filing a complaint under state law, consult a local fair housing organization, or speak with an attorney about a private Fair Housing Act claim, which generally must be filed within two years.
Keep copies of your request, your letter and every reply. Our guides on talking to your landlord and what landlords can ask walk through each step.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an ESA letter online in Arkansas?
Yes. A licensed mental health professional who can practice in Arkansas can evaluate you by telehealth. The letter is issued only if the clinician finds an ESA clinically appropriate.
How long does an ESA letter take in Arkansas?
For an emotional support dog, Arkansas requires a client provider relationship of at least 30 days and a yearly clinical evaluation, so plan on at least a month.
Can a Arkansas landlord charge pet rent for an ESA?
Arkansas has no statute banning pet fees for assistance animals. Federal courts have split on whether a fee must be waived, so ask for any fee in writing and seek local fair housing advice if it seems excessive.
Is there an ESA registry in Arkansas?
No. Neither Arkansas nor the federal government runs an ESA registry. Registration and certificate products do not establish a disability related need; a letter from a licensed clinician who evaluated you does.
Do ESA letters expire in Arkansas?
For emotional support dogs, Arkansas requires a clinical evaluation at least once a year, so plan on a yearly renewal.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed October 8, 2026 by the Pet ESA Service editorial team. General information, not legal advice.
Get evaluated in Arkansas
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