ESA Letters for Arkansas Seniors
A dog on the porch or a cat by the window can be the steadiest part of a quiet house. If a move to senior housing or a new lease puts that companion at risk, an ESA letter can support your request, and Arkansas's eight Area Agencies on Aging can help with the rest. The free screening is the first step, and an Arkansas clinician with a current license decides whether a letter fits.
Arkansas's Eight Aging Regions
Arkansas Area Agency on Aging Region Guide
Pick the agency hub city nearest you to see which regional Area Agency on Aging it is and what to ask about when you call. Agencies serve by county, so confirm yours covers your county.
- Choose the nearest hub city, then select Show My Agency.
Moving Without Leaving Your Companion Behind
Many moves later in life are into apartments or communities with pet limits. If your animal helps with depression, anxiety or grief that limits your days, a clinician can document that need, and you can ask the community for an accommodation in writing. Arkansas's Act 268 leaves fair housing rights in place, but since May 2026 HUD no longer presumes requests for untrained animals reasonable, so a clear letter sent early matters.
- Ask the community how it handles assistance animal requests before you sign.
- For a dog, allow at least 30 days for the provider relationship.
- Bring the rabies certificate along with the letter.
ESA and PSD Pricing for Arkansas Seniors
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
Arkansas law (Ark. Code 20-14-1003): a letter for an emotional support dog needs a client-provider relationship of at least 30 days, a step waived only for people verified as homeless.
Three Steps, No Rush
Answer a few questions
Plain-language questions about your health, your animal and your plans.
Talk with a clinician
A clinician licensed in Arkansas reviews your answers and, if needed, sees you on an easy video call.
Get the decision
With a supported letter and a chosen plan, you get the letter by email; otherwise no charge.
Letters Arkansas Seniors Order
ESA housing letter
For a senior apartment, a rental or a homeowners' association.
More than one animal
Lists each animal your clinician supports.
Psychiatric service dog letter
For a dog trained to do tasks, such as bringing medication.
Card and certificate
A summary in some bundles; it carries the notice printed 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.
The Eight Area Agencies on Aging
Northwest Arkansas
Based in Harrison.
White River
Based in Batesville.
East Arkansas
Based in Jonesboro.
Southeast Arkansas
Based in Pine Bluff.
CareLink
Based in North Little Rock.
West Central Arkansas
Based in Hot Springs.
Southwest Arkansas
Based in Magnolia.
Western Arkansas
Based in Fort Smith.
Rules Arkansas Seniors Should Know
Dog letters
An Arkansas-licensed provider, license details on the letter, 30 days of relationship first and a yearly review.
Rabies
Dogs and cats 4 months or older are vaccinated, then revaccinated in the twelfth month after the first shot.
Housing
Act 268 does not change fair housing rights; Arkansas's Fair Housing Commission now works through the Department of Inspector General.
Senior Questions on the Bulletin Board
Can older Arkansans get an ESA letter?
Yes. Eligibility depends on whether a mental or emotional condition substantially limits daily life and whether the animal helps with those limits, not on age.
How many Area Agencies on Aging does Arkansas have?
Eight, numbered I through VIII, working with the state's Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services.
Which Area Agency on Aging is based in central Arkansas?
CareLink, region V, based in North Little Rock.
Which agency is based in Hot Springs?
West Central Arkansas, Area Agency on Aging region VI.
If my ESA is a dog, does the 30-day rule apply to me?
Yes. The 30-day client-provider relationship applies to everyone except people verified as homeless, so start early before a move into senior housing.
What should I ask a senior community before I move?
Ask in writing how it handles assistance animal requests and what records it wants, such as a rabies certificate, before you sign a lease.
Other Arkansas Pages
General information for older Arkansans and their families, current as of October 2026, and not legal or medical advice. Agency services and contacts change, so confirm with your regional Area Agency on Aging. Screening does not guarantee a letter. In a crisis, call or text 988, and in an emergency call 911.
Keep Your Companion at the Table
A gentle screening, then a clinician licensed in Arkansas who wants to hear how your animal helps you every day.
