Yellow Labrador resting in a cozy Tampa therapy room
Tampa, Florida

Compassionate care for you and your companion.

Licensed mental health therapy and ethical Emotional Support Animal evaluations in Tampa.

Emotional Support Animals

What is an ESA?

An Emotional Support Animal provides comfort and stability to people living with mental or emotional conditions. Their presence isn't a luxury — it's part of your wellness.

A companion, prescribed.

Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specialized training. What qualifies them is the therapeutic benefit they provide, confirmed by a licensed mental health professional.

Key benefits

  • Reduces anxiety, depression, and loneliness
  • Lowers stress and helps regulate the nervous system
  • Provides daily structure and gentle accountability
  • Encourages connection, movement, and routine

Know Your Rights

Protections you should understand

The law has evolved in recent years. Here's a clear, honest look at what your ESA letter does — and doesn't — cover.

Fair Housing Act

The FHA requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESAs — even in buildings with no-pet policies, and without breed or weight restrictions. Pet deposits and pet rent generally cannot be charged for a documented ESA.

Travel & Public Access

Since 2021, ESAs are no longer protected under the Air Carrier Access Act and most airlines now treat them as pets. ESAs also do not have public-access rights to restaurants, stores, or workplaces — those rights belong to trained service animals under the ADA.

How It Works

Getting your ESA letter

A simple, transparent three-step process — no rubber stamps, no online shortcuts.

Step 01

Initial Consultation

We meet virtually for a warm, judgment-free conversation about what you're navigating and the role your animal plays in your life.

Step 02

Assessment

A licensed clinical assessment determines whether an ESA is an appropriate part of your mental-health treatment plan.

Step 03

ESA Letter

If clinically indicated, you'll receive a compliant, signed letter ready to share with your housing provider.

Services

Care tailored to where you are

ESA Evaluations

Ethical, licensed evaluations and documentation for housing.

Bereavement Therapy

Support through pet loss, grief, and life transitions.

Individual Therapy

Personalized care for anxiety, depression, and stress.

Child & Adolescent

Gentle, age-appropriate therapy for younger clients.

Transparent Pricing

Simple, honest, and clearly explained

Every plan includes a real clinical evaluation by a licensed Florida provider.

Renewal / Update

$99one-time
  • Returning clients only
  • Updated housing letter
  • Quick virtual visit
Get Started
Most Popular

Housing ESA Letter

$149one-time
  • Full clinical assessment
  • FHA-compliant letter
  • Email & PDF delivery
  • 30-day support window
Get Started

PSD Travel Letter

$199one-time
  • For Psychiatric Service Dogs
  • Detailed clinical documentation
  • Includes housing letter
  • Priority follow-up
Get Started

Furry Friends

The reason we do this

A few of the joyful faces that remind us why this work matters.

Biscuit

Biscuit

Resident Greeter

Marmalade

Marmalade

Sun-Spot Specialist

Pearl

Pearl

Tiny Comfort Officer

Cocoa

Cocoa

Calm Energy

Clover

Clover

Gentle Soul

Honey

Honey

Pure Joy

For Landlords & Property Managers

Verify with confidence.

Every letter from Deanna's Paws is issued by a Florida-licensed clinician after a genuine evaluation — never a same-day online form. Letters include license details and verification information so housing providers can confirm authenticity quickly and comply with the Fair Housing Act.

Contact for Verification

Kind Words

What clients share

"Deanna made the entire process feel safe. My letter arrived quickly and my landlord accepted it with no issues."

Maya R.

and her cat, Olive

"The most warm and human therapy experience I've ever had. I leave every session feeling lighter."

Jordan T.

and his dog, Rosie

"She treated my grief over losing my pup with such tenderness. I'll forever be grateful."

Elena S.

in memory of Max

Common Questions

You asked, we answered

Get in Touch

Ready when you are.

Reach out for a free 15-minute discovery call, or book your consultation directly online.

Location

Tampa, Florida

Phone

(813) 499-7065

Email

hello@deannaspaws.com

Book Your Consultation