The Ultimate Guide to ESA Letters in Maryland: From Renting to Flying

The Ultimate Guide to ESA Letters in Maryland: From Renting to Flying

If you're a Maryland resident with a psychiatric disability or emotional condition and you rely on the support of a trained dog, navigating housing and travel laws can feel overwhelming. Landlords, airlines, and even property managers may ask for documentation — but knowing your rights and responsibilities makes all the difference.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about emotional support and psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) in Maryland, especially when it comes to securing housing and boarding flights. We’ll also show how PetCerts.com makes the process fast, compliant, and stress-free for dog owners who need legitimate documentation for their PSD.

What Is a PSD Letter — and Who Needs One?

A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) is a specially trained dog that performs tasks directly related to a mental health condition. This can include interrupting panic attacks, grounding during dissociative episodes, or waking someone from a nightmare.

To be legally protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), individuals who depend on a PSD must be able to provide proper documentation from a licensed provider — confirming both their qualifying condition and the task-trained dog.

This letter is essential when:

• Renting or applying for housing with a “no pets” policy

• Requesting accommodation in pet-restricted apartments or HOAs

• Flying with your dog in the cabin on airlines that allow PSDs

• Avoiding pet fees and breed/size restrictions

At PetCerts.com, we streamline this documentation process for Maryland residents by connecting them with licensed professionals who understand the federal laws and PSD requirements.

Housing Rights for PSD Handlers in Maryland

Thanks to the Fair Housing Act, Maryland landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with psychiatric service dogs, even if the building has a strict no-pets policy.

This means:

• No breed, size, or weight restrictions can be imposed

• No pet deposits or monthly pet fees

• Landlords cannot ask for details about your diagnosis

• They can request documentation confirming the need for a PSD

Many Maryland tenants face unnecessary delays or denials simply because they don’t have the correct letter. With PetCerts.com, you receive proper documentation that aligns with federal standards — giving you peace of mind whether you're renting in Baltimore, Annapolis, or anywhere in between.

Flying with a PSD from Maryland Airports

If you’re traveling out of BWI, Reagan National, or Salisbury Regional, and your dog performs psychiatric tasks, you may be eligible to bring your PSD in the cabin — free of charge — under the Air Carrier Access Act.

However, major airlines now require:

• Advance notice (usually 48 hours)

• A DOT-approved PSD Travel Form

• Accurate documentation from a licensed professional

PetCerts helps you meet all airline documentation requirements quickly and legally. Our process ensures your letter is compliant, recognized, and ready for submission, so there’s no last-minute airport stress.

ESA vs. PSD in Maryland: Know the Difference

While Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) once had broader travel privileges, only Psychiatric Service Dogs are now recognized for air travel under federal law. ESAs are still protected under the Fair Housing Act, but not for flights.

That’s why many Maryland residents choose to work with task-trained dogs that qualify as PSDs — unlocking both housing and travel protections. Our service at PetCerts.com focuses specifically on these federally recognized needs.

Why Maryland Residents Trust PetCerts.com

✅ Licensed Professionals Only
We work exclusively with licensed providers familiar with Maryland state laws and federal protections.

✅ Fast, Digital Delivery
Your letter is delivered securely online — ideal for forwarding to landlords or airlines.

✅ No Gimmicks, No Monthly Fees
Just the documentation you need, when you need it — without subscriptions or upsells.

✅ Compliant With FHA & ACAA
We focus only on Housing and Travel letters for psychiatric service dogs — nothing more, nothing less.

 

Living with a mental health condition can be challenging — but accessing your rights doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re renting in Montgomery County or flying out of Baltimore, a properly documented PSD letter can make all the difference.

PetCerts.com is proud to help Maryland residents live and travel with confidence, knowing their rights are fully supported under federal law.