Legal Documentation for Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)
A Psychiatric Service Dog is a highly trained animal that performs specific tasks to mitigate a mental health disability. Unlike ESAs, PSDs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have full public access rights.
Understanding Your Rights: PSD Travel & Housing
A PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional documents your disability-related need for a trained service dog. Training, not a letter, is what makes a dog a service dog. A letter can help with:
- Air travel: under DOT rules, U.S. airlines must allow trained service dogs in the cabin at no charge. Airlines may require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form; they can't require a clinician's letter.
- Public access: under the ADA, trained service dogs may go with you into restaurants, hotels and stores. No letter or ID is required, and staff may only ask whether the dog is required because of a disability and what task it performs. The dog must be under control and housebroken.
- Housing: supports a reasonable-accommodation request under the Fair Housing Act. Some housing is exempt, and each provider reviews requests.
Important Legal Note
To qualify as a PSD, your dog must be trained to perform at least one specific task that assists with your disability (e.g., deep pressure therapy during a panic attack).
PSD Housing
$159
PSD Housing & Travel
U.S. airlines use the DOT service animal form and can't require a clinician letter. This letter is for situations where documentation may be requested, such as some international carriers and destinations.
$199
PSD Bundle
U.S. airlines use the DOT service animal form and can't require a clinician letter. This letter is for situations where documentation may be requested, such as some international carriers and destinations.
$199
PSD letter FAQ
What is a PSD letter?
A psychiatric service dog (PSD) letter is documentation from a licensed mental health professional confirming that you have a mental health disability and a disability-related need for a dog trained to perform tasks for you. It is issued only if you qualify after an evaluation.
Does my dog need to be trained?
Yes. A psychiatric service dog must be trained to perform at least one specific task related to your disability, such as deep pressure therapy during a panic attack. A letter does not replace that training.
Can I use a PSD letter for housing?
Yes. Under the Fair Housing Act, a PSD letter can support a reasonable-accommodation request. Some housing is exempt from the Fair Housing Act, and each housing provider reviews and decides on each request.
How much is a PSD letter?
PSD Housing is $159 and PSD Housing & Travel is $199. You get a full refund if the licensed clinician does not approve your letter after the assessment.
Find Local PSD & ESA Housing Laws By City
See local housing rules for psychiatric service dogs and ESAs in your city.
- PSD Letter in New York, NY
- PSD Letter in Los Angeles, CA
- PSD Letter in Chicago, IL
- PSD Letter in Houston, TX
- PSD Letter in Phoenix, AZ
- PSD Letter in Philadelphia, PA
- PSD Letter in San Antonio, TX
- PSD Letter in San Diego, CA
- PSD Letter in Dallas, TX
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Common Qualifying Conditions for a PSD
Our licensed therapists evaluate individuals for conditions that benefit from a Psychiatric Service Dog, including:
- Severe Anxiety
- PTSD
- Bipolar Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Major Depression
- Agoraphobia