Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not legally recognised in the UK, though some individuals may find therapeutic benefit from their presence. NHS GPs are not contractually obligated to provide letters of support for ESAs.
If a GP chooses to provide a letter, this is considered non-NHS work, and an appropriate professional fee can be charged. Such letters should focus on factual information, such as diagnoses, rather than opinions about the therapeutic value of an ESA. Patients with access to their medical records may already have the necessary information.
GPs are not required to engage with these requests and may decline unless a formal request is received, such as from a local authority specifying their requirements. This work would also be chargeable.