Trying to keep an emotional support animal (ESA) in no-pet housing can feel exhausting. You need a concrete plan, not guesswork. However, it is crucial to understand that Pettable and MyServiceAnimal offer completely different services.
This article breaks down the differences. Short answer: If you need a doctor to prescribe an ESA letter, choose Pettable. If you already have a letter (or need advice on how to get one) and need ID cards, vests, or professional request forms for landlords and airlines, choose MyServiceAnimal.
Key Takeaways
- Pettable connects you with a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) to provide official ESA letters within 24–48 hours. They handle the medical side.
- MyServiceAnimal does not issue ESA letters directly. Instead, they provide consultation on how to get one, offer registration services (if you already have a letter), and sell essential gear like vests, collars, and ID cards.
- MyServiceAnimal specializes in administrative support, providing professional “Request to Landlord” and “Request to Airline” document preparation.
- Pettable offers a money-back guarantee if your letter is not accepted, while users praise MyServiceAnimal for high-quality accessories that make life with a pet easier.
Overview of MyServiceAnimal and Pettable
While both companies serve ESA owners, they solve different problems. An ESA letter is the only document legally required by federal law to prove your need for an emotional support animal.
- Pettable is a telehealth service. They connect you to a therapist to get that legal letter.
- MyServiceAnimal is an administrative and accessory service. They help you “formalize” your pet’s status with IDs, certificates, and housing request forms after or while you seek medical approval.
What are the key features of Pettable?
Pettable focuses on speed and medical legitimacy. You complete an assessment, talk to a licensed clinician, and receive an official ESA letter within 24 to 48 hours.
- Licensed Professionals: Consultations are live (phone/video) to ensure legal compliance.
- Protection: They offer a money-back guarantee if your landlord rejects the letter (provided the rejection is legally contestable).
- Flexibility: You can list up to two pets on one letter at no extra charge.
“Pettable waving those surprise renewal fees goodbye was almost as sweet as my cat purring when I told her she counts as two.” — Satisfied Pettable Customer
What are the key features of MyServiceAnimal?
MyServiceAnimal focuses on the practical side of owning an ESA. They do not issue the medical letter. Instead, they provide the tools to make your life easier once you are on the path to having an ESA.
- Consultation: They guide you on how to obtain an ESA letter from a therapist.
- Documentation: They prepare professional Request to Landlord and Request to Airlines forms to help you communicate your rights effectively.
- Gear & Registration: They offer database registration and physical products like ESA ID cards, certificates, marked vests, and collars.
“I already had a note from my doctor, but my landlord was being difficult with paperwork. MyServiceAnimal prepared a professional Landlord Request form and provided an ID card. It made the whole conversation instantly smoother.” — MyServiceAnimal User
Comparison Table: Features at a Glance
To see which service fits your current needs, check the table below:
| Feature | Pettable | MyServiceAnimal |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Obtaining the Medical Letter | Registration, Gear & Documentation |
| Provides ESA Letter? | Yes (via Licensed Therapist) | No (Consults only) |
| Therapist Consultation | Included (Live/Phone) | Guidance provided on how to find one |
| Physical Gear | N/A | Vests, Collars, Tags, Leashes |
| ID Cards & Certificates | N/A | Yes (Digital & Physical) |
| Specific Request Forms | N/A | Yes (For Landlords & Airlines) |
| Speed | 24–48 Hours (for Letter) | Immediate Registration / Fast Shipping |
Pricing and Value
Pettable charges for the consultation and the legal letter. Their value lies in the legal protection and access to a mental health professional. They accept FSA cards, which is a budget saver.
MyServiceAnimal charges for specific products and administrative services. You pay for what you need: a registration fee, the cost of a vest, or a fee for preparing a specific housing request document.
Ease of Process
- Pettable: Quick 3-minute screening → Pay → Consult with Therapist → Receive Letter.
- MyServiceAnimal: Select product (ID, Vest, or Landlord Request) → Provide Pet Details → Payment → Receive Digital Goods (instantly/24h) and Physical Goods (via mail).
User Reviews and Testimonials
Positive Experiences
Users love Pettable for the “legitimacy” and “stress-free” nature of talking to a real therapist.
“Talking with the licensed professional felt supportive, not scary. The letter arrived fast and my building manager accepted it immediately.”
Users choose MyServiceAnimal when they want to avoid confrontation in public or with landlords.
“My dog is an ESA, not a Service Dog, but the vest from MyServiceAnimal stops people from petting him without asking. Also, the airline request template they wrote for me was perfect.”
Negative Experiences
Some Pettable users have reported slower support responses during peak times. Conversely, some MyServiceAnimal users noted receiving frequent promotional emails for new accessories after signing up.
Conclusion
Picking between MyServiceAnimal and Pettable depends entirely on what you currently lack:
- Choose Pettable if: You do not have an ESA letter yet and need a licensed mental health professional to evaluate you and write one legally.
- Choose MyServiceAnimal if: You already have a letter (or are getting one from your own doctor) and you need ID cards, vests, or professional help writing formal requests to your landlord or airline.
For the best protection, many users actually use both: they get their legal letter from Pettable, and then visit MyServiceAnimal to get the vest and ID card to make everyday life easier.
