Empowering Lives with
Unconditional Support Your Partner in ESA
Registration and Rights "Compassion, comfort,
connection"
ABOUT EMOTIONAL
SUPPORT ANIMAL REGISTRY UK
Empowering People with Hidden Disabilities Since
2018
Founded in 2018 and
beginning registrations in early 2019, the
Emotional Support Animals Registry UK (ESA
Registry UK) was established with a simple but
powerful mission — to help individuals with
hidden disabilities live independent, confident,
and fulfilling lives with the support of their
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).
As the
leading ESA registry in the United Kingdom, ESA
Registry UK now supports over 11,000 registered
Emotional Support Animals across the country,
with an exceptional 96% renewal rate — a clear
reflection of trust, satisfaction, and ongoing
support from our members.
Legal
Framework and Protections in the United Kingdom
While Emotional Support Animals do not yet
share the same public access rights as trained
service or assistance animals, individuals with
hidden disabilities who rely on ESAs are still
protected under several key UK laws:
Equality Act 2010 (Sections 6, 20 & 21):
Recognises hidden disabilities and requires
businesses, landlords, and service providers to
make reasonable adjustments to prevent
discrimination.
Disability Discrimination
Act 1995: Protects individuals with disabilities
from being treated unfairly in housing,
employment, and access to goods and services.
Mental Health Act 1983: Acknowledges the
need for medical and emotional support for
mental health conditions.
Human Rights
Act 1998 (Articles 8 & 14): Protects an
individual’s right to privacy, independence, and
non-discrimination.
Under these laws, an
ESA functions as a medical aid — much like a
mobility scooter or hearing device — and
supports the handler’s ability to manage daily
life. Discriminating against a person who
relies on an ESA for a hidden disability can
therefore be considered a breach of the Equality
Act 2010 and may have legal consequences.
ESAUK actively works to educate landlords,
councils, and service providers on these legal
protections, promoting understanding,
accessibility, and compassion throughout the UK.
Advocacy and Recognition
Since our founding, ESA Registry UK has been
actively engaged with UK government departments,
councils, and educational institutions to
advocate for improved recognition and protection
of Emotional Support Animals.
Our ongoing
efforts have resulted in tangible progress —
many universities and councils across the UK now
recognise ESA Registry UK registration as part
of their official accommodation and support
processes.
Our goal remains clear: to
ensure ESAs are properly acknowledged as
legitimate medical aids that help individuals
with hidden disabilities live safely,
independently, and with dignity.
Integrity, Security, and Data Protection
ESA Registry UK operates entirely on a
volunteer basis, driven by compassion and
commitment rather than profit.
All ESA
registrations require a verified medical letter
confirming that the animal is prescribed as a
medical aid by a qualified healthcare
professional.
To maintain integrity and
privacy:
All medical documents are
independently verified through a trusted medical
company.
Once verified, all medical
records are securely deleted, in full compliance
with the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
standards.
Registration data is never
shared or sold.
How Fees Are Used
ESA Registry UK is entirely self-funded and
receives no government grants or external
donations. All registration fees directly
support operational costs, including:
Professional printing partners (paid full
commercial rates with sales taxes) for ESA ID
cards, certificates, certification letters,
badges, and keyrings.
Technical
maintenance for secure web hosting and database
management.
We do not employ staff or
operate physical offices in the UK, allowing us
to keep costs low while maintaining the highest
standards of quality and credibility.
Our
Vision
At ESA Registry UK, we
believe no one should be disadvantaged because
their disability is invisible. By supporting
responsible ESA ownership, raising awareness,
and promoting legal recognition, we are working
toward a future where Emotional Support Animals
receive the same level of understanding and
respect as other medical aids.
Through
compassion, consistency, and legal awareness,
ESA Registry UK continues to lead the way —
helping people and their animals live, heal, and
thrive together.