Emotional Support Animal Matching

Shelter to Service provides a personal matching experience for applicants looking to adopt an emotional support cat or dog with some prior foundational training. Once an application has been submitted and reviewed, an appropriate cat or dog will be evaluated, selected, and matched with the applicant, helping to ensure that the emotional support animal is a good fit for both their home environment and therapeutic goals.

The companionship of an emotional support animal can help with the following:

• Providing a consistent source of comfort and emotional stability during stressful or overwhelming situations.
• Reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation by offering unconditional companionship.
• Encouraging routine and responsibility, which can contribute to improved mental wellbeing.
• Offering a sense of security and calm in unfamiliar or triggering environments.
• Supporting social interaction by serving as a bridge to conversations and connection with others.

Please note: a nominal adoption fee is charged for this service, unless the applicant is a U.S. military Veteran or active duty servicemember.

Emotional Support Animal Applicant Requirements

Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their licensed mental healthcare provider, written within the last year. Please note that our program manager will be following up with the provider to confirm ongoing support. This letter must include:

• The applicant’s name.
• The date the letter was written.
• The state the mental healthcare provider is licensed in.
• The licensed mental healthcare provider’s signature, printed name, license number, title, contact information and physical address.
• How long the applicant has been under the mental healthcare provider’s care.
• The applicant’s specific need for an ESA.

Please note: Applicants under the age of 18 must have their application filled out by a parent or guardian.

General Program Eligibility Requirements

Each different type of Shelter to Service service has individual eligibility requirements for applicants. More information is available on their specific program pages. But all applicants must have the following qualifications.

• Applicants must live in a stable, personal residence.
• Applicants must demonstrate willingness and ability to provide proper care and a safe home environment for a dog for their lifespan.
• Applicants must be at least 16 years or older.
• Applicants must submit a copy of their photo ID.
• Applicants must be willing and able to travel by car to our Walnut Creek campus.