Licensed clinicians in all 50 states + DC

PSD letter by state

Q: Is a PSD letter valid in all states?

Yes, in all 50 states + DC. Psychiatric service dogs are protected by federal law: the ADA for public access, the ACAA for air travel and the Fair Housing Act for housing. Some states add their own rules on top.

Q: Can I use a PSD letter from another state?

Generally yes — federal protections apply nationwide. But for housing, the letter should come from a professional licensed in the state where you live. Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana also require a 30-day client-provider relationship.

Q: Do businesses have to see a PSD letter?

No. Under the ADA, staff may only ask two questions: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task it performs. Where a PSD letter matters is housing, air travel and school or workplace accommodations, where documentation of your disability-related need can be requested.

Q: Do airlines accept PSD letters?

Airlines require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, which you sign yourself. A PSD letter from a licensed clinician backs up your attestation if the airline asks questions, and lets your dog fly in the cabin free of charge as a trained service animal.

Q: Does my dog need special training?

Yes. A psychiatric service dog must be individually trained to perform tasks related to your condition — deep pressure therapy, interrupting panic attacks, medication reminders. You can train the dog yourself: no official certification or registry exists.

Q: What conditions qualify me for a PSD letter?

A psychiatric condition recognised under the DSM-5 that substantially limits daily life and benefits from a task-trained dog. Common examples: PTSD, severe anxiety, panic disorder, depression, phobias and bipolar disorder. Only a licensed professional can determine eligibility.

Q: How much does a PSD letter cost?

$199 for a PSD letter, $99 for a PSD consultation. In Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana, state law requires two therapist sessions, so a PSD letter there is $269. The ESA + PSD bundle is $249.

Q: What is the difference between a PSD letter and an ESA letter?

A PSD has more rights. A psychiatric service dog is task-trained and protected in public places (ADA), on flights (ACAA) and in housing (FHA). An emotional support animal needs no task training but is protected in housing only.

Q: What happens if I move to another state?

Your federal rights move with you. For housing, though, you will usually need a new in-state evaluation, since landlords in your new state can ask for documentation from a clinician licensed there.

Get a PSD letter signed by a therapist licensed in your state. Fly, go in public and live anywhere with your psychiatric service dog.

Popular

Full refund if your letter isn’t accepted

4.9 750,000+ verified customers BBB Accredited

3 state guides. Tap to load the map.

Find your state

Every state requires a letter from a provider licensed where you live. Five states also require a 30-day relationship first.

3 guides. Amber marks the state with a 30-day client-provider rule. Two sessions, $269 instead of $199.

West

1 state. California has a 30-day rule.

CA California 30-day rule first, two sessions $269

Midwest

1 state. No state waiting period.

OH Ohio Letter in 24 hrs $199

Southeast

1 state. No state waiting period.

FL Florida Letter in 24 hrs $199

Your state not listed?

You are still covered. We work with clinicians licensed in all 50 states + DC. The guides above are the states written up so far — start the free assessment and we match you with a therapist licensed where you live.

See if you qualify →

How to get your PSD letter

Three steps, whichever state you’re in.

Answer a few questions

Free pre-screening questionnaire. No office visit.

Talk to a licensed therapist

If you qualify, a therapist licensed in your state evaluates whether a psychiatric service dog fits your needs.

Get your PSD letter

Digital letter within 24 hours of approval. Hard copy by mail in about three days.

See if you qualify →

100% money-back guarantee.

Full refund if your letter isn’t accepted.

Federal protections and state rules

ADA

Public access

A trained psychiatric service dog can go with you where the public goes — shops, restaurants, transit.

ACAA

Air travel

Your dog flies in the cabin free of charge, on the DOT service animal form you sign yourself.

FHA

Housing

Live in no-pet housing with no pet rent, no pet deposit, no breed or weight limits.

30-day rule

Five states add a 30-day rule

Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana require a 30-day client-provider relationship first: two consultations, not one.

Some states also require a clinician licensed where the animal lives. Several have penalties for fraudulent letters.

Both standards

Your letter meets both

Every letter is signed by a clinician licensed in your state and complies with ADA, ACAA and FHA documentation standards.

Read the full PSD letter guide →

In public, staff may ask two questions — not for your papers

They can ask

Is the dog required because of a disability?
What task has the dog been trained to perform?

They cannot

Ask what your diagnosis is
Demand your PSD letter or a certificate
Require an ID card, vest or registry papers
Ask the dog to demonstrate its task
Charge you a pet fee or deposit

Where the letter does the work

Housing Landlords may request documentation of the disability-related need.
Air travel Backs your DOT form if the airline asks questions at the gate.
School and work Supports an accommodation request in a dorm or workplace.

Contact our support team →

Frequently asked questions

Yes, in all 50 states + DC. Psychiatric service dogs are protected by federal law: the ADA for public access, the ACAA for air travel and the Fair Housing Act for housing. Some states add their own rules on top.

Generally yes — federal protections apply nationwide. But for housing, the letter should come from a professional licensed in the state where you live. Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana also require a 30-day client-provider relationship.

No. Under the ADA, staff may only ask two questions: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task it performs. Where a PSD letter matters is housing, air travel and school or workplace accommodations, where documentation of your disability-related need can be requested.

Airlines require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, which you sign yourself. A PSD letter from a licensed clinician backs up your attestation if the airline asks questions, and lets your dog fly in the cabin free of charge as a trained service animal.

Yes. A psychiatric service dog must be individually trained to perform tasks related to your condition — deep pressure therapy, interrupting panic attacks, medication reminders. You can train the dog yourself: no official certification or registry exists.

A psychiatric condition recognised under the DSM-5 that substantially limits daily life and benefits from a task-trained dog. Common examples: PTSD, severe anxiety, panic disorder, depression, phobias and bipolar disorder. Only a licensed professional can determine eligibility.

$199 for a PSD letter, $99 for a PSD consultation. In Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana, state law requires two therapist sessions, so a PSD letter there is $269. The ESA + PSD bundle is $249.

A PSD has more rights. A psychiatric service dog is task-trained and protected in public places (ADA), on flights (ACAA) and in housing (FHA). An emotional support animal needs no task training but is protected in housing only.

Your federal rights move with you. For housing, though, you will usually need a new in-state evaluation, since landlords in your new state can ask for documentation from a clinician licensed there.