Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter (ESA Letter) for UK & EU

Comprehensive Guide To Obtaining An Emotional Support Animal Letter

Last Updated: November 16, 2025

Living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. If you’ve found comfort in your pet’s companionship, you’re not alone—millions of people benefit from emotional support animals (ESAs) that provide therapeutic benefits beyond ordinary pet ownership.

An Emotional Support Animal Letter is the critical legal document that formally recognizes your pet’s role in your mental health treatment. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what an ESA letter is, who qualifies, how to obtain legitimate certification in 2025, and your legal rights as an ESA owner in the UK and EU.

Whether you’re seeking housing accommodation, planning to travel with your support animal, or simply want to understand the process, this guide provides everything you need to navigate ESA certification with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• An ESA letter must be issued by a licensed medical professional or mental health practitioner who has evaluated your specific condition
• Emotional support animals provide documented therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and autism spectrum disorders
• In the UK, ESA letters can help with housing accommodations, though businesses and landlords are not legally obligated to accept them
• Legitimate ESA certification requires genuine medical need—not all pets automatically qualify as emotional support animals
• Online ESA services like MedicalCert.co.uk provide same-day certification from GMC-registered UK doctors starting at £49
• Your emotional support animal should genuinely match your lifestyle, living situation, and therapeutic needs
• Understanding UK ESA laws protects both you and your animal companion from housing discrimination

What is an Emotional Support Animal Letter?

An Emotional Support Animal Letter (ESA Letter) is an official medical document that verifies your need for an emotional support animal as part of your treatment plan for a mental health condition or psychological disability.

Unlike service animals that are trained to perform specific tasks for physical disabilities, emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefits through their companionship, presence, and emotional connection with their owner.

Definition and Key Components

An emotional support animal letter is a formal medical certification that must include specific information to be considered legitimate:

• Professional letterhead from a licensed medical practitioner or mental health professional
• Your full name and date of birth for identification purposes
• Medical professional’s credentials including GMC registration number (in the UK), license number, and contact details
• Statement of diagnosis confirming you have a mental health condition or disability recognized under medical standards
• Therapeutic necessity statement explaining that your emotional support animal is part of your treatment plan
• Description of how the ESA helps you manage symptoms or improve daily functioning
• Date of issuance and signature from the licensed professional
• Unique reference number for verification purposes (particularly important for landlords and institutions)

The letter must be written by a licensed mental health professional who has conducted a legitimate assessment of your condition. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, or GMC-registered GPs with mental health expertise.

Purpose and Therapeutic Benefits

The primary purpose of an ESA letter goes far beyond simply having permission to keep a pet. It serves several critical functions:

Medical Recognition: The letter provides formal acknowledgment that your animal companion plays a documented role in managing your mental health condition. This isn’t about preference—it’s about medically-recognized therapeutic benefit.

Legal Documentation: An ESA letter serves as legal medical documentation enabling you to live with your support animal in housing that typically has no-pet policies. While UK law doesn’t provide the same guarantees as US Fair Housing Act protections, legitimate ESA letters carry significant weight with most landlords and institutions.

Reducing Mental Health Symptoms: The core therapeutic goal is alleviating symptoms associated with mental health challenges. Emotional support animals help by:

• Reducing anxiety and panic attacks through calming presence
• Combating depression and isolation through companionship and routine
• Providing emotional stability during PTSD episodes or trauma triggers
• Offering unconditional support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders
• Creating structure and purpose through daily care responsibilities
• Reducing stress hormones (cortisol) and increasing feel-good chemicals (oxytocin, serotonin)

“An ESA letter brings more than just peace of mind—it’s a bridge to better emotional wellbeing and a recognition that your mental health treatment includes your animal companion.”

Different animals serve various therapeutic needs. While cats can provide excellent emotional support through their calming presence and independence, some individuals with specific conditions like ADHD may find that a service dog for ADHD offers more targeted assistance with focus, routine, and hyperactivity management. If you’re wondering how to get a support dog specifically, the process begins with obtaining proper medical documentation.

Legitimacy and Avoiding Scams

The rise of online ESA services has unfortunately created opportunities for fraudulent companies selling fake certificates. Understanding what makes an ESA letter legitimate is crucial for 2025:

Red Flags of Illegitimate Services:

• Instant certification with no evaluation – Legitimate providers require medical assessment
• “ESA registration” databases or registries – No official UK or EU registry exists for emotional support animals
• Promises of unlimited public access – ESAs don’t have the same access rights as service animals
• Suspiciously cheap prices (under £30) – Legitimate medical assessments cost more
• Letters from non-licensed practitioners – Must be from GMC-registered doctors or licensed mental health professionals
• No verification system – Legitimate certificates include unique reference numbers
• Generic templates without personalization – Real ESA letters are individualized medical documents

Ensuring Legitimacy:

• Choose services using GMC-registered UK doctors or licensed mental health professionals
• Verify the service provides proper medical assessment, not just instant approval
• Ensure letters include verifiable credentials and contact information
• Look for services offering verification systems for landlords and institutions
• Read reviews from actual users who successfully used their letters
• Confirm letters comply with current UK and EU standards for 2025

Finding a trustworthy provider is essential for obtaining a genuine emotional support animal certificate that will be respected by landlords, airlines, and institutions. The certification should reflect proper knowledge and application of ESA regulations while confirming your pet’s legitimate therapeutic role.

Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Animal Letter in the UK?

Not everyone who loves their pet qualifies for an ESA letter. Legitimate certification requires documented mental health conditions that significantly impact daily functioning.

Qualifying Mental Health Conditions

Any adult or child with a recognized mental health condition or psychological disability may qualify for an emotional support animal. According to current UK medical standards, qualifying conditions include:

Anxiety Disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder and panic attacks
• Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
• Agoraphobia
• Specific phobias impacting daily life

Mood Disorders:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
• Acute Stress Disorder
• Adjustment disorders with anxiety or depression

Neurodevelopmental Conditions:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disabilities affecting emotional regulation

Other Qualifying Conditions:

• Personality Disorders (Borderline, Avoidant, etc.)
• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (when stabilized)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder)
• Substance Use Disorders in recovery
• Chronic pain with associated depression or anxiety

The key criterion is that your condition must substantially limit one or more major life activities such as working, sleeping, socializing, or self-care—and that an emotional support animal provides documented therapeutic benefit.

Who Can Qualify?

Many people living in the UK might benefit from having a supportive animal companion to help with their mental health. A licensed medical professional can determine if you need an emotional support animal for your wellbeing. If they agree after proper assessment, they provide you with a formal ESA letter.

This letter proves that your four-legged companion is not just any pet but a recognized part of your mental health treatment plan. The certification process starts with visiting a GMC-registered doctor or licensed mental health professional who understands the therapeutic benefits of emotional support animals.

You may qualify if:

• You have a diagnosed mental health condition or are currently under treatment
• Your condition significantly impacts daily functioning in areas like work, relationships, or self-care
• You already have an animal that provides measurable therapeutic benefit
• A licensed professional has assessed and confirmed the medical necessity
• You can demonstrate how your animal specifically helps manage symptoms
• You’re committed to responsible pet ownership and proper animal care

This person carefully assesses how you feel, reviews any existing mental health diagnoses, and evaluates whether having an animal companion would genuinely improve your life given your health challenges before writing the ESA letter.

The Qualification Process: Step-by-Step

Finding out if you’re eligible for an emotional support animal in the UK involves following a structured process. Here’s exactly how qualification works in 2025:

Step 1: Identify Your Therapeutic Need

Begin by honestly assessing why you need an emotional support animal. Consider specific ways your pet helps with your mental health:

• Does your animal’s presence reduce anxiety or panic symptoms?
• Does caring for your pet give you purpose during depressive episodes?
• Does your animal help you maintain routine and structure?
• Does your pet’s companionship alleviate feelings of isolation?
• Does your animal help you cope with PTSD triggers or flashbacks?

Step 2: Consult a Licensed Medical Professional

Only GMC-registered doctors or licensed mental health professionals can issue legitimate ESA letters. Schedule a consultation with:

• Your regular GP (if they have mental health expertise)
• A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist
• A licensed therapist or counselor
• An online medical service with qualified practitioners (like MedicalCert.co.uk)

During the consultation, the professional will assess whether an emotional support animal would genuinely benefit your mental health treatment.

Step 3: Gather Your Medical Documentation

Have your medical history and mental health records ready. This helps your doctor make an informed decision and includes:

• Previous mental health diagnoses
• Current medications or treatment plans
• GP’s summary care record (available on request)
• Letters from previous therapists or psychiatrists
• Hospital discharge papers (if relevant)
• Any documentation of your condition’s impact on daily life

Step 4: Explain Your Animal’s Therapeutic Role

Tell your doctor exactly how having an emotional support animal improves your mental health. Be specific about:

• Particular symptoms your animal helps manage
• Changes you’ve noticed in your mental health since having your pet
• Daily routines or coping strategies involving your animal
• Situations where your pet’s presence is especially helpful
• How your functioning would be affected without your ESA

Step 5: Professional Assessment and Evaluation

The medical professional will thoroughly evaluate:

• Your current mental health status and diagnosis
• Severity and impact of your condition on daily life
• Whether an ESA is medically appropriate for your treatment
• Your ability to care for an animal responsibly
• Specific therapeutic benefits your animal provides
• Alternative or complementary treatments being used

This assessment ensures ESA letters are only issued when genuinely medically necessary—not simply because someone wants to keep a pet.

Step 6: Receive Your ESA Letter

If the doctor confirms you meet the criteria, they will issue an official ESA letter on their professional letterhead. This letter serves as proof that you need your emotional support animal for legitimate health reasons.

Step 7: Understand UK ESA Laws and Limitations

In the UK, it’s crucial to understand the legal status of emotional support animals. Unlike in the United States, UK law doesn’t provide automatic housing or public access rights for ESAs. However:

• Many landlords will consider ESA letters as part of reasonable accommodation requests
• Some airlines accept ESA documentation for cabin travel (policies vary significantly in 2025)
• ESA letters demonstrate legitimate medical need that may influence discretionary decisions
• Under the Equality Act 2010, disability discrimination protections may apply in certain housing situations

Step 8: Choose the Right Animal for Your Needs

Not every pet is suitable as an emotional support animal. Your ESA should:

• Have a calm, stable temperament appropriate for your living situation
• Match your lifestyle and activity level (active vs. sedentary)
• Fit your living space (apartment vs. house, size considerations)
• Align with your care capabilities (time, energy, financial resources)
• Be well-behaved and not pose risks to others
• Genuinely provide therapeutic benefit specific to your condition

Common ESA animals include dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and small mammals. Some people even have emotional support reptiles or fish if these genuinely help their mental health.

Following these steps carefully, with respect for the medical process and legal framework, ensures you obtain legitimate ESA certification that will be respected by landlords and institutions.

The Process of Obtaining an Emotional Support Animal Letter in the UK (2025)

Getting your ESA letter has become more streamlined with online medical services, but the process still requires legitimate medical assessment. Here’s how it works:

Option 1: Traditional In-Person Consultation

1. Schedule Appointment with Mental Health Professional

Seeing a therapist, psychiatrist, or qualified GP is the traditional first step to getting an emotional support animal letter in the UK. During this visit, you discuss your need for an ESA due to documented mental health reasons.

This consultation helps the professional thoroughly understand how an emotional support animal provides therapeutic benefit. They’ll assess:

• Your current mental health diagnosis and symptoms
• Treatment history and current interventions
• How your condition impacts daily functioning
• Specific ways your animal helps manage symptoms
• Your ability to care for an animal responsibly

“A genuine connection with a mental health professional paves the way to securing essential support for both mind and spirit.”

2. Pet Assessment and Approval

Your pet needs evaluation to become an official Emotional Support Animal. This step ensures your animal companion is appropriate for the therapeutic role. The mental health professional or medical doctor will assess:

• Whether your animal can provide the specific support you need
• If the pet behaves appropriately and remains calm in various settings
• That the animal doesn’t pose safety or health risks to others
• Whether the type of animal is suitable for your living situation
• If you can properly care for the animal’s needs

After confirmation of medical necessity and pet suitability, the professional begins preparing your ESA letter. This documentation is crucial because it confirms that you need your pet for legitimate emotional support reasons, not simply preference.

3. ESA Letter Issuance

To receive an ESA letter through traditional means, you’ll have a thorough consultation with a licensed therapist or GMC-registered doctor who evaluates your documented need for an emotional support animal.

Once approved, the professional issues you a signed and dated ESA letter on their official professional letterhead to validate your requirement for an emotional support animal. This legitimate document is essential for housing accommodations and demonstrating medical necessity.

It’s mandatory to secure a properly signed and dated ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional or qualified medical doctor who has genuinely evaluated and endorsed your need for an emotional support animal.

Option 2: Online ESA Letter Services (Faster Alternative)

Modern online services like MedicalCert.co.uk have revolutionized ESA certification by providing legitimate assessment from GMC-registered doctors entirely online. Here’s how the streamlined process works:

1. Complete Online Medical Assessment (10-15 Minutes)

Simply fill out a comprehensive consultation form detailing:

• Your mental health condition and how it affects you
• Your animal companion and its type (dog, cat, etc.)
• Specific ways your pet provides therapeutic support
• Your medical history and current treatments

Upload supporting documentation:

• Photo ID for identity verification
• Photo of your emotional support animal
• Brief video (30 seconds) explaining how your animal helps you
• Medical documentation of your condition (GP summary care record, prescription records, or previous mental health assessments)

2. GMC-Registered Doctor Reviews Your Application

An experienced, FCDO and GMC-registered General Practitioner carefully reviews and validates your submitted information. Unlike some services using junior or non-specialist doctors, MedicalCert.co.uk uses senior GPs with extensive experience.

The doctor assesses whether:

• Your mental health condition is documented and genuine
• An ESA is medically appropriate for your treatment
• Your animal provides legitimate therapeutic benefit
• All documentation meets UK medical standards

If approved, they issue and sign an official ESA certificate meeting all legal requirements.

3. Receive Your ESA Certificate Same Day or Next Morning

Get your ESA certificate delivered directly to your inbox:

• Standard service: Same day or within 1 working day
• Express overnight service: Guaranteed by 9 AM next morning (for evidence uploaded by 11 PM Sunday-Thursday)
• Full refund if unable to provide certification

Your certificate includes:

• Confirmation of your emotional support animal and type
• Your name and date of birth
• Details of your mental health condition and how it affects you
• Signed and authorized by a GMC-registered UK doctor
• Unique reference number and QR code for verification
• Optional digital photo ID card to carry on your phone (+£10)

Pricing (2025): From £49 for standard ESA letter

Apply for your ESA letter online now →

Can You Get an ESA Letter Without Seeing a Doctor In Person?

Yes, absolutely. All medical letters including emotional support animal certificates must be signed and certified by a qualified doctor, but you don’t always need in-person appointments to obtain legitimate certification.

Revolutionary online services allow assessment by GMC-registered doctors without traditional appointments. You simply upload information about your emotional support animal and mental health condition through secure online forms. A qualified doctor then considers your application before issuing your medical certificate, delivered directly to your inbox.

This modern approach is:

• Faster – Same day or overnight rather than waiting weeks for appointments
• More convenient – Complete from home, no travel required
• Equally legitimate – GMC-registered doctors provide the same medical assessment
• More accessible – Available 24/7, including evenings and weekends
• More affordable – Typically £49-£79 vs. £100-£200+ for private psychiatrists

Your Rights and Responsibilities as an ESA Owner in the UK

Understanding ESA laws and your legal protections is crucial for 2025. UK law differs significantly from US regulations, so knowing what rights you actually have prevents disappointment.

UK ESA Laws and Legal Status (2025)

Unlike the United States, the UK does not have specific legislation creating automatic rights for emotional support animals. However, several laws may provide protections:

Equality Act 2010:

The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Mental health conditions that substantially and long-term impair normal day-to-day activities qualify as disabilities under this Act.

While the Act doesn’t explicitly mention emotional support animals, landlords and service providers must make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled individuals. An ESA letter can support requests for pet accommodation as a reasonable adjustment, though acceptance isn’t guaranteed.

Housing Situations:

• Private landlords can legally refuse pets, but many will consider ESA letters as part of reasonable accommodation requests
• Social housing providers may have more flexibility in considering ESA needs
• University accommodation often reviews ESA requests on a case-by-case basis
• Having a legitimate ESA letter from a GMC-registered doctor significantly strengthens your case

Important Limitations:

• ESA letters do not guarantee automatic acceptance by landlords
• Landlords can still refuse if the animal poses genuine safety or property risks
• ESAs have no automatic public access rights (unlike assistance dogs under the Equality Act)
• Businesses, restaurants, shops, and most public spaces can refuse entry to ESAs
• ESAs cannot enter “no dogs” areas where only registered assistance dogs are permitted

Travel and Airlines:

Airline policies toward emotional support animals have become significantly more restrictive since 2020-2021. As of 2025:

• Most UK and European airlines have eliminated or severely restricted ESA cabin access
• Many airlines now only recognize trained assistance dogs under Equality Act definitions
• Some airlines still accept ESA letters but require advance notice and additional documentation
• ESAs often must travel in cargo hold rather than cabin
• Individual airline policies vary dramatically—always check specific carrier requirements

ESA Certification and Documentation Requirements

To obtain legitimate ESA certification in the UK for 2025, you need:

• Valid ESA letter from GMC-registered doctor or licensed mental health professional
• Up-to-date documentation – most landlords prefer letters issued within the past 12 months
• Verifiable credentials – letter must include doctor’s GMC number and contact information
• Specific medical justification – explaining how your ESA helps your particular condition
• Professional letterhead – demonstrating legitimacy of the certifying practitioner

Beware of ESA Registry Scams:

Contrary to popular belief promoted by fraudulent websites, there is no official or government registry for emotional support animals in the UK or EU. You are not obligated to register your ESA on any database to establish legitimacy.

Any companies selling “official ESA registration” for a fee are scams. Legitimate ESA certification comes only from qualified medical professionals—not registries or databases.

ESA Letter for Housing: Your Best Strategy

When using your ESA letter for housing accommodation, follow these best practices:

Before Applying

• Obtain your ESA letter from a reputable source with GMC-registered doctors
• Ensure the letter is current (within 12 months)
• Have verification contact information readily available
• Prepare additional references demonstrating responsible pet ownership

When Requesting Accommodation

• Be proactive – inform landlords about your ESA before signing lease when possible
• Provide documentation early – give landlords time to review your request
• Explain the therapeutic role – help landlords understand your genuine medical need
• Offer reassurances – commit to responsible pet ownership and property care
• Suggest pet deposit – offering a damage deposit can increase acceptance likelihood
• Get agreement in writing – ensure ESA accommodation is documented in your tenancy agreement

Your Responsibilities

• Proper care – ensure your ESA is well-fed, groomed, and receives veterinary care
• Behavior management – your ESA must not disturb neighbors or damage property
• Cleanliness – maintain sanitary conditions and clean up after your animal
• Liability – you remain responsible for any damage or injuries caused by your ESA
• Respect boundaries – follow rules about where your ESA can and cannot go

Understanding Landlord Perspective

While ESA letters carry medical weight, landlords have legitimate concerns:

• Property damage from pets (scratching, accidents, odors)
• Disturbance to other tenants (noise, aggressive behavior)
• Allergies of other residents in multi-unit buildings
• Insurance implications and liability concerns
• Past negative experiences with pet tenants

Addressing these concerns proactively with your ESA letter, pet references, and offers of damage deposits significantly improves success rates.

MedicalCert.co.uk: Fast, Legitimate ESA Certification

If you need an emotional support animal letter quickly and cannot wait weeks for traditional psychiatric appointments, MedicalCert.co.uk provides legitimate certification from experienced GMC-registered UK doctors.

Why Choose MedicalCert.co.uk:

• Same-day or overnight delivery – Most ESA letters issued within hours
• GMC-registered UK General Practitioners – Not junior doctors or overseas practitioners
• Guaranteed 9 AM delivery option – For urgent housing or travel needs
• Full verification system – Unique reference numbers and QR codes for landlord confidence
• 24/7 online applications – Apply anytime, including evenings and weekends
• No appointment needed – Complete everything online from home
• Accepted internationally – Valid for UK, EU, and many other countries
• Full refund guarantee – If we cannot provide certification, you get 100% refund
• Multiple pets – Can include up to 2 ESAs per letter at no extra charge
• Optional digital ID card – Carry your ESA credentials on your phone

Pricing starts at £49 for standard ESA letter delivery within 1 working day.

Get your ESA letter now →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pet emotional support letter?

A pet emotional support letter is an official medical document that proves your pet is part of your emotional support therapy. It verifies that your pet is essential for your mental wellbeing and must be written by a licensed therapist or GMC-registered medical doctor. The letter confirms your animal provides therapeutic benefits for a documented mental health condition.

How do I get a pet emotional support letter in the UK?

To get a pet emotional support letter in the UK, you need to qualify through evaluation by a licensed mental health professional or GMC-registered GP who can assess your condition and provide you with an ESA letter. You can do this through traditional in-person consultations or modern online services like MedicalCert.co.uk that offer same-day certification from qualified UK doctors.

Do I need a certificate for my emotional support animal?

Yes, having a legitimate certificate or letter from a licensed therapist or GMC-registered doctor confirms that your pet is essential for your emotional wellbeing. Without proper certification from a qualified medical professional, your pet is legally just a regular pet with no special accommodations or protections.

Can any pet be registered as an emotional support animal?

Most pets can potentially become emotional support animals if they genuinely help ease your anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions and you obtain necessary medical certification from a qualified professional. However, the animal must be appropriate for your living situation, well-behaved, and actually provide documented therapeutic benefit—not all pets automatically qualify.

How much does it cost to certify my pet as an emotional support animal in 2025?

The cost varies depending on the provider. Traditional psychiatric consultations can cost £100-£250+. Online services like MedicalCert.co.uk offer legitimate ESA certification starting at £49 for standard delivery. Ensure you choose a legitimate source with GMC-registered doctors rather than cheap scam websites offering instant certification without proper medical assessment.

Can I name multiple pets on the same ESA letter?

Yes, you can register multiple pets on the same ESA letter if medically appropriate. At MedicalCert.co.uk, we accommodate up to two pets per letter for no additional charge. The request must be reasonable, and approval for multiple ESAs is determined by the medical provider. Each ESA should assist in different ways with your condition. Three or more ESAs require an additional letter.

How long is an ESA letter valid?

ESA letters are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Most landlords and institutions require letters to be current (less than one year old). You’ll need to renew your ESA certification annually with updated assessment from a qualified medical professional to maintain current documentation.

Will my landlord definitely accept my ESA letter?

In the UK, landlords and businesses are not legally obligated to accept ESA letters, though most will consider them as part of reasonable accommodation requests. Your success depends on having a legitimate letter from a GMC-registered doctor, the specific circumstances, property type, and landlord policies. A well-documented ESA letter significantly improves your chances but doesn’t guarantee acceptance.

Can I take my emotional support animal on flights?

Airline policies toward ESAs have become much more restrictive since 2020. As of 2025, most UK and European airlines no longer allow ESAs in cabin or only recognize trained assistance dogs. Some airlines still accept ESA documentation with advance notice, but policies vary dramatically by carrier. Always check your specific airline’s current ESA policy well before travel.

What’s the difference between an emotional support animal and a service dog?

Service dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks for people with physical disabilities and have legal public access rights under the Equality Act 2010. Emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefits through companionship but are not trained for specific tasks and have no automatic public access rights. ESAs primarily assist with mental health conditions while service dogs assist with physical disabilities or medical conditions requiring task-based support.