Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

Is this service available outside Alberta?

No. This service is exclusively for Alberta residents. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA and can only provide medical documents to patients within their jurisdiction.

How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

ESA Letter Alberta: Complete Guide to Emotional Support Animal Letters (2026)

Q: What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

An ESA letter from a licensed physician can protect your right to live with your emotional support animal in Alberta. Here's the complete 2026 guide.

## What is an ESA Letter and Why Do You Need One in Alberta? An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is a document from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. In Alberta, this letter is your legal protection against housing discrimination. --- ## ESA Letters and Alberta Law ### The Alberta Human Rights Act Under the Alberta Human Rights Act, landlords have a **duty to accommodate** tenants with disabilities, including mental health conditions. An ESA letter establishes: 1. You have a recognized mental health condition (diagnosed by a physician) 2. An emotional support animal is part of your treatment plan 3. The animal provides therapeutic benefit for your condition ### Your Rights With an ESA Letter: - **Housing:** Landlords must allow your ESA even in "no pets" buildings - **No pet deposits:** Landlords cannot charge extra pet deposits for ESAs - **No breed restrictions:** BSL (breed-specific legislation) does not apply to ESAs - **Lease protection:** You cannot be evicted solely for having an ESA with a valid letter ### Limitations of ESA Letters in Alberta: - **Not service animals:** ESAs don't have public access rights (stores, restaurants) - **Air travel:** Airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs (as of 2021) - **Workplace:** ESA letters don't automatically grant workplace animal access (separate accommodation needed) - **Damage liability:** You're still responsible for any damage your animal causes --- ## Who Qualifies for an ESA Letter in Alberta? You may qualify if you have a diagnosed mental health condition that benefits from animal companionship, including: | Condition | How an ESA Helps | |---|---| | Anxiety disorders | Reduces anxiety symptoms, provides grounding | | Depression | Provides routine, companionship, motivation | | PTSD | Reduces hypervigilance, provides comfort during flashbacks | | ADHD | Provides structure, reduces restlessness | | Bipolar disorder | Stabilizes mood, provides routine | | Social anxiety | Reduces isolation, provides social buffer | | Panic disorder | Provides calming presence during panic attacks | | Insomnia | Reduces nighttime anxiety, improves sleep | | OCD | Provides distraction from compulsive thoughts | | Autism spectrum | Provides sensory comfort, reduces overwhelm | ### Qualifying Criteria: 1. **Diagnosed condition:** You must have a recognized mental health condition 2. **Therapeutic benefit:** The animal must provide measurable benefit to your condition 3. **Licensed provider:** The letter must come from a licensed physician or psychologist 4. **Alberta-licensed:** The provider must be licensed to practice in Alberta (CPSA for physicians) --- ## How to Get an ESA Letter in Alberta ### Option 1: MedLetter (Recommended) MedLetter provides ESA letters from CPSA-registered physicians: - **Cost:** $199 - **Delivery:** 24-48 hours - **Process:** Online questionnaire → physician review → letter issued - **Validity:** 1 year (renewable) - **Includes:** Official letterhead, physician credentials, CPSA number [Get your ESA letter →](/get-started/esa_letter) ### Option 2: Your Family Doctor - **Cost:** $0-100 (varies) - **Wait time:** Days to weeks for appointment - **Drawback:** Many family doctors are unfamiliar with ESA letters - **Drawback:** 800,000+ Albertans don't have a family doctor ### Option 3: Psychologist - **Cost:** $200-300 per session - **Wait time:** Weeks to months - **Benefit:** Comprehensive assessment - **Drawback:** Expensive, long wait times --- ## What a Valid ESA Letter Must Include A legally valid ESA letter in Alberta must contain: 1. **Provider's full name and credentials** (MD, PhD, etc.) 2. **License number** (CPSA registration for physicians) 3. **Provider's contact information** 4. **Date of issuance** 5. **Statement of your mental health condition** (doesn't need to name the specific diagnosis) 6. **St