Arkansas Emotional Support Animal Laws in 2026
Arkansas is one of the states with its own emotional support animal statute. Act 268 of 2023 defines ESAs, sets rules for anyone selling ESA gear or dogs, and controls who may write an emotional support dog letter and when. Here is the whole picture in plain words, along with the federal changes of 2025 and 2026.
Dates That Shaped the Rules
Arkansas 30-Day and Yearly ESA Dog Letter Dates
Enter the date your client-provider relationship began, and the date of your latest clinical evaluation if you have one. The timeline maps the dates Ark. Code 20-14-1003 sets for an emotional support dog letter.
Enter a date, then select Build the Timeline.
Act 268 in Plain Words
House Bill 1420 added a new subchapter, Ark. Code 20-14-1001 to 20-14-1004. It does three things: it defines terms, it requires written notices from anyone who sells or provides an emotional support dog or ESA gear, and it limits when a healthcare provider may document the need for an emotional support dog. It also sets civil penalties and says it does not change existing rights to reasonable accommodation and equal access to housing.
Emotional support animal
Gives emotional, cognitive or similar support to a person with a disability; no training or certification needed.
Emotional support dog
The same definition, for a dog; the documentation rules apply to dogs.
Healthcare provider
Licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by Arkansas law to provide health care.
Service animal
As defined in federal rule 28 C.F.R. 36.104 on January 1, 2023.
Simple, Transparent Pricing for Arkansas ESA and PSD Letters
Clear pricing for emotional support animal and psychiatric service dog letters written by a licensed mental health professional. Your screening is free, and you pay only if a clinician supports a letter and you decide to continue.
ESA Housing Letter For One Pet
Best option for most renters with one emotional support animal
- Free online screening with a licensed psychotherapist
- Telehealth evaluation when clinically indicated
- Letter written for ESA housing requests
- Digital delivery after approval
- Follow up clarification for landlords included
ESA Housing Letter For Multiple Pets
For people who have more than one emotional support animal in the home
- Free clinical screening that covers up to three ESA dogs or cats
- All approved animals listed together on a single ESA housing letter
- Letter tailored for apartments and rental homes
- Digital delivery after approval
- Support for landlord questions about pet deposits and rent
Psychiatric Service Dog Evaluation
For people who may qualify for a task-trained psychiatric service dog
- Free initial screening with a licensed psychotherapist
- Telehealth evaluation focused on symptoms and the tasks the dog is trained to do
- Letter describing the disability-related need and task support
- Clinically grounded documentation, not a generic certificate
- Follow up clarification for housing providers included
Bundle Packages
Save more with combined document bundles
ESA Letter + Certificate Bundle
ESA letter and certificate in one package
- ESA letter from a licensed professional
- ESA certificate with QR code verification
- Digital delivery after approval
- Valid for 1 year with renewal reminders
PSD Letter + Certificate + ID Card
Complete PSD documentation: letter, certificate and ID card
- PSD letter from a licensed professional
- PSD certificate with QR code verification
- PSD ID card with photo and barcode
- Digital delivery after approval
Under Ark. Code 20-14-1003, emotional support dog documentation follows at least 30 days of a client-provider relationship, unless you are verified as homeless. Processing times do not shorten that period.
Getting a Letter That Fits Arkansas Law
Screening
Tell us about your health, your animal and your housing.
Evaluation
The screening goes to an Arkansas-licensed clinician, who meets you by video when appropriate.
Outcome
A supported letter is emailed when you choose a plan; an unsupported one costs nothing.
Letter Types Under Arkansas Law
ESA housing letter
Supports a reasonable accommodation request under fair housing law.
Emotional support dog letter
Must meet the provider rules in 20-14-1003.
Psychiatric service dog letter
For a dog trained for tasks, the ADA definition Arkansas adopts.
Card and certificate
Some bundles include one as a summary, with the notice below.
Arkansas notice (Ark. Code 20-14-1002): A certificate, identification card or tag does not entitle an emotional support animal to the rights and privileges accorded by law to a service dog. Misrepresenting an animal as a service animal may subject an individual to a civil penalty under Ark. Code 20-14-310.
Penalties and Who Enforces Them
Covered violations: knowingly and fraudulently representing, selling or offering an emotional support dog as entitled to service animal rights, and breaking the notice rules. The Attorney General or the local prosecuting, county or city attorney brings the case, and a provider who breaks the documentation rules may also face its licensing board.
Federal Rules Alongside Arkansas Law
Fair Housing Act
Unchanged by statute; since May 2026 HUD finds reasonable cause only for trained animals and no longer presumes untrained ESA requests reasonable.
Air travel
Under Department of Transportation rules, airlines may treat emotional support animals as pets.
Arkansas fair housing
The Fair Housing Commission now works through the Department of Inspector General.
Arkansas Law Questions by Code Section
What does Arkansas law call an emotional support animal?
An animal that provides emotional, cognitive or other similar support to an individual with a disability and does not need to be trained or certified.
How does Arkansas define a service animal?
By reference to the federal ADA definition in 28 C.F.R. 36.104, as it existed on January 1, 2023.
Who can bring a case over a false emotional support dog claim?
The Attorney General, or the prosecuting attorney, county attorney or city attorney where the violation happened, can bring an action for civil penalties.
When was Act 268 signed?
It was approved on March 13, 2023, as House Bill 1420 of the 94th General Assembly.
Does Arkansas protect ESAs on airplanes?
No Arkansas rule does. Under federal Department of Transportation rules, airlines may treat emotional support animals as pets.
Where do Arkansas fair housing complaints go?
To the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission, a quasi-judicial agency that works with HUD and is now reached through the Arkansas Department of Inspector General.
Arkansas Guides by Topic
General information about Arkansas and federal law, current as of October 2026, and not legal advice. Laws, rules and agency policies change, and courts decide cases on their facts, so ask a lawyer about your situation. Screening does not guarantee a letter. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Get Screened Under Arkansas Rules
A clinician licensed in Arkansas can tell you which letter, if any, fits your situation and the timing the law sets.
