501(c)3 ID#0533071 / FEIN#94-1690684
Lifetime
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Certification
Merced SPCA is proud to offer lifetime Emotional Support Animal (ESA) certification for dogs and cats through our partnership with US Service Animals!
Emotional Support Animals provide comfort and emotional support to people experiencing anxiety, stress, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. We’re excited to offer Merced residents another resource to help them and their beloved companions.
Lifetime Certification for a One-Time Fee
Traditional ESA letters from medical or mental health professionals may expire, requiring updated documentation, additional appointments, and fees. Moving to a new residence may also mean needing updated paperwork for housing accommodations.
Through our program, your animal can receive lifetime certification for a one-time fee of $50. The certification does not expire and remains associated with the animal for its lifetime, even if the animal is rehomed.
What Is the Difference Between an ESA Letter and ESA Certification?
An ESA letter is documentation provided by a healthcare professional regarding a person's disability-related need for an Emotional Support Animal.
ESA certification through our program is separate: it documents the animal's certification through US Service Animals.
The two serve different purposes. A lifetime animal certification does not replace a healthcare professional's letter or other supporting documentation that may be required when requesting a housing accommodation. Requirements can vary depending on your circumstances and applicable law.
What Makes Our Program Different?
Traditional ESA documentation from a medical or mental health professional may need to be updated or renewed. Depending on your circumstances and housing provider's requirements, moving to a new residence may also mean obtaining updated documentation. These additional appointments can mean extra time and expense.
Our program is designed to make the animal's certification a one-time process. Once certified through US Service Animals, the certification does not expire and remains associated with the animal for its lifetime.
One animal. One certification. One payment.
The certification stays with the animal even if they are rehomed to a new owner. Merced SPCA also keeps a copy of the certification on file indefinitely, so if you misplace your copy, you can contact us to request another one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does certification cost?
​The one-time fee is $50 per animal.
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Does the certification expire?
​The certification issued through our program is intended to remain valid for the lifetime of the animal. Separate medical documentation may still need to be updated for housing or other purposes.
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What if I move?
Your animal's certification does not expire just because you move. However, your housing provider may require current supporting documentation when you request an accommodation at a new residence.
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What if my animal is rehomed?
The certification remains associated with the animal for its lifetime, even if ownership changes.
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What if I lose my certificate?
Contact Merced SPCA. We keep a copy of the certification on file indefinitely and can provide another copy upon request.
Does Merced SPCA provide the medical letter?
No. You must obtain the letter from your physician or qualified mental health professional. Our program provides assistance with the animal's certification through US Service Animals.
How Does ESA Certification Work?
Obtain your letter. Get a letter from your physician or qualified mental health professional documenting your need for an Emotional Support Animal. Merced SPCA does not provide these letters.
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Contact Merced SPCA. Email Merced.SPCA@yahoo.com to let us know you're interested in lifetime ESA certification.
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Complete the certification process. We'll explain the next steps for certifying your dog or cat through our partnership with US Service Animals.
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Keep your certification! Once completed, your animal's certification is intended to remain valid for its lifetime. Merced SPCA also keeps a copy on file if you ever need another one.
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One-time fee: $50 per animal. Your fee helps Merced SPCA rescue and care for more animals in need!