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Psychiatric Service Dog
Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are service dogs that help people with “invisible disabilities,” meaning mental health issues like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and they have the same rights as traditional service dogs that help people with physical disabilities like vision and mobility impairment. The legal protections that a psychiatric service dog has include:
- Access to public places like stores, restaurants, theaters and hotels
- The ability to fly in the cabin of an airplane and walk through an airport
- Access to buildings that do not allow pets, like offices, train stations, and campuses
- Access to no-pets housing and exemption from pet fees and deposits
- Exemption from residential breed and size restrictions
Psychiatric service dogs are legal service dogs with training to perform tasks related to the handler’s mental health condition. For example, they can remind the handler to take medication, calm the owner with touch during moments of crisis, and interrupt negative behavior patterns. In this comprehensive guide, our service dog experts will teach you everything you need to know about psychiatric service dogs, including how to legally get one.
Table of contents
- Qualifications for a Psychiatric Service Dog
- Psychiatric Service Dog Tasks
- Overview of Psychiatric Service Dog Access Rights
- Emotional Support Animals versus Psychiatric Service Dogs
- ADA Verification of a Psychiatric Service Dog
- Training a Psychiatric Service Dog
- Psychiatric Service Dog Registration
Qualifications for a Psychiatric Service Dog
To qualify for a psychiatric service dog, you need to meet two service dog requirements: having a qualifying disability and a dog that has been trained to perform a task relating to your condition. The ADA defines a mental health disability as “any mental or psychological disorder” such as “emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities” that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as the ability to work, socialize, sleep, or go to school.
The following mental health conditions can qualify for a psychiatric service dog:
- Major depression (Clinical depression)
- Anxiety disorders (i.e., generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, etc.)
- Phobias (i.e., specific or general phobias)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD)
- Manic depression (Bipolar disorder)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
If you’re not sure if you have an eligible condition, ask a licensed mental health professional for a PSD letter to document and confirm whether you have an eligible condition. Documentation for service dogs is not required under the ADA. For handlers with invisible disabilities, however, in the form of a psychiatric illness, a PSD letter provides the handler with confidence that they meet service dog disability standards.
In addition to having a psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental health condition, the handler must need a task-trained dog to assist with their condition. The key difference between a psychiatric service dog and a normal dog is that a PSD must be trained to perform work relating to their handler’s disability. In the next section, we will give examples of the tasks that PSDs are entrusted to perform.
If you want to know if you qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog, apply for your PSD Letter. Through our partner, we can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider so they may assist you.
Get Your PSD Letter NowPsychiatric Service Dog Tasks
Psychiatric service dogs are trained to do work that allows people with psychiatric disabilities to function in everyday life. There is an amazing variety of service dog tasks; here are just a few:
Some common tasks are:
- Retrieve medications (picking up medication from a table or ringing a bell as a reminder)
- Tactile stimulation and deep pressure therapy (DPT) (using touch or gentle pressure to provide calm and comfort to a handler who is in distress)
- Ground and reorient (grounding the handler back into a more present state of mind during an anxiety attack)
- Interrupt and redirect (limiting obsessive-compulsive and self-destructive behaviors by interrupting or redirecting)
- Find a person/place (locating people/places for those with severe anxiety in crowded environments)
- Navigation and buffering (buffering and guiding their handler through stressful environments)
- Room search (performing a room search to help those who suffer from hyper-vigilance caused by PTSD)
- Stabilize routines (helping maintain healthy routines by, for example, preventing them from oversleeping or reminding the handler to do daily tasks)
Overview of Psychiatric Service Dog Access Rights
Psychiatric service dogs have rights under ADA service dog laws that allow them to be in public areas where pets are not allowed. That includes places like parks, beaches, markets, stores, restaurants and theaters. PSD handlers also have the right to live with their dogs in most types of housing under the Fair Housing Act. That includes apartment buildings, condos, co-ops, rentals, hotels, college dorms, and short-term rentals (Airbnb).
Owners of PSDs do not have to pay fees or deposits to their landlord or housing association in order to have a PSD in their residence. Even if the building strictly bans all dogs, psychiatric service dogs must still be allowed. In addition, PSDs are allowed to fly in the cabin with their owners, free of charge, under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rules. In order to fly with a PSD, owners must submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form to their airline in advance.
Service dog owners also have these rights:
- Cannot be isolated from other patrons by a business
- Cannot be treated less favorably than other customers
- Cannot be charged fees that are not charged to other customers without animals.
- Cannot be charged a deposit or fee that would be paid by customers with normal pets.
Note that even with these access rights, a handler can still be asked to remove his psychiatric service dog from an establishment if (1) the PSD is out of control and the handler doesn’t take effective action to control it or (2) the PSD is not housebroken. Even when a PSD is properly asked to leave a site, the handler must still be offered the opportunity to obtain goods or services with the animal removed.
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No matter where you take your PSD, keep in mind that if your PSD misbehaves, it can be asked to leave. Service animals can be denied entry if they are acting aggressively, barking or growling repeatedly, or causing unsanitary conditions. A psychiatric service dog must always be under the handler’s control when out in public.
Emotional Support Animals versus Psychiatric Service Dogs
Psychiatric service dogs are similar to emotional support animals (ESAs) but with one significant difference: Unlike ESAs, PSDs undergo specialized training to help people with mental illnesses and learning disabilities. A service dog, by definition, must be able to perform a task or job related to the handler’s health condition.
By contrast, emotional support animals do not need any special training. They make people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental illnesses feel better just through their companionship. To qualify for an emotional support animal, you need an ESA letter from a therapist.
Another major difference has to do with access rights. Emotional support animals only have housing rights under the Fair Housing Act, which means they can live in no-pet buildings, free of charge. Service dogs also have housing rights, but in addition to general public access and air travel rights under the ADA and Air Carrier Access Act, which is something ESAs don’t have.
ADA Verification of a Psychiatric Service Dog
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you’re out in public or at an establishment and someone wants to verify your psychiatric service dog, they are allowed to ask two questions:
- Is the dog a psychiatric service dog required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the PSD been trained to perform?
No matter what task your PSD is trained to perform, you have a right to privacy and dignity when it comes to your condition and needs for a service animal. Under the ADA, staff members at an establishment are prohibited from asking you to demonstrate the tasks your PSD has been trained to perform.
Training a Psychiatric Service Dog
Service dog laws permit owners to self-train their psychiatric service dogs. Self-training has a lot of benefits if you’re comfortable with dog training basics and enjoy teaching new skills to a dog. If you’re not comfortable training your own dog, you should hire a professional trainer. There is no “official” training program for PSDs, although there are entities that issue guidelines and suggestions.
In addition to being trained to perform the task related to a handler’s disability, a PSD must always be under its owner’s control. Under ADA rules, a PSD must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times unless that would interfere with the PSD’s ability to work (in which case, the handler can use other means of control like voice commands or physical signals). For air travel, a PSD must always be harnessed, leashed, or tethered and not engage in disruptive behavior.
Tracking Training Milestones
There are important milestones a PSD owner should track to determine whether their psychiatric service dog is ready to be taken in public:
- Can the PSD ignore distractions?
- Is the PSD obedient even in busy areas?
- Does the PSD run after or lunge at other people and animals?
- Is the PSD calm when around children and other animals?
- Is the PSD able to maintain its focus on the handler even with the presence of food and treats?
- Does the PSD growl or bark uncontrollably?
- Can the PSD remain on task in loud, crowded places?
- Is the PSD calm around moving vehicles and traffic?
These are just some tests your PSD should pass with flying colors before going out in public. A PSD that is unruly can be asked to leave an establishment. Of greater concern, a poorly trained PSD may not be able to perform the critical duties it has been entrusted with if it is not accustomed to a particular environment.
Psychiatric Service Dog Registration
What’s required: If you have a psychiatric service dog, you can voluntarily register your service dog with ServiceDogCertifications.org and obtain service animal paraphernalia. Under ADA rules, registering a service animal does not confer legal rights, but registrations and service animal accessories are routinely used by handlers for their personal convenience. Check out this link for full details on how to register a dog as a psychiatric service dog.
Why do it: As someone with an invisible disability, you may want a method for strangers or workers to immediately understand that your animal companion is not just a pet or an emotional support animal. Not only does this help set proper boundaries, but PSD registration and accessories can also help protect your privacy by reducing the need to answer unwelcome questions. Keep in mind this is completely optional and does not substitute for proper training and professional help in evaluating a psychiatric condition.
What can help: Vests, tags, ID cards, harnesses, and other service animal gear are designed to help you enter public spaces with your PSD with confidence. These items also help ward off annoying and potentially unsafe approaches by strangers and children who may not realize your PSD is a working animal and not a pet. Service Dog Certifications can keep your psychiatric service dog’s information in its registration database and issue an identification ID card, certificate, or vest, depending on your needs.
Register Your PSD Here
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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I see it can be costly, and I have a dog that does a lot of these on her own already. I need to get her certified, but can’t afford too.
How do I obtain a dog and get it trained. I am completely disabled from my mental health illnesses. I have a lot of puppy training experience but not really task training. I know a service dog would hel9 me live again, and be able to go more outside of home and into the public
Hello! In order to obtain a service dog you need to first go to your doctor and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist, at which point you will be contacted for an evaluation to determine if you are eligible to receive one. If yes, then the wait time can be anywhere from a few months to 2 years and the price is usually somewhere between $20,000 and $50,000, if you are unable to afford that then you can apply for a free service dog in which you would likely only have to make a small donation or you could fundraise or create a go fund me page, etc. Keep in mind that if you are eligible, you will be responsible for all vet costs and taking care of your PSD. I hope you are able to get a service dog as they are truly helpful. Hope this helps you 😊
I can’t seem to find a place to train the puppy we are getting to be a service dog for my 8 year old with severe OCD and germ phobia. We are in Wisconsin. Any ideas?
Hi! I would talk to your therapist or primary care provider and discuss what your disability is and what tasks the dog should preform. Then based on those you can decide if you want to owner train or get a program dog and what type of dog will be best suited for your needs. If you decide to owner train find a good trainer you trust before getting your puppy. Then you can use different puppy temperment tests like the Volhard Puppy Assessment to desire which dog is well suited for this kind of work. Then you can work with your trainer and do obedience and task training and finally your public access test and viola you have your service dog! Hope this helps 🙂
Im on medication for my anxiety does that mean i qualify? The medicine doesn’t helo and normally makes it worse, and where and how do i get one if so
And if i owner train who do i have to go through to register the dog
Anxiety is a disability that may qualify you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
You could rescue a young dog/cat Through your local animal shelters. Then, you could find trainers in your area to help train the dog to your specific needs. But most important, you have to be diagnosed with a debilitating mental or physical illness or challenge by a professional.
What do airlines require for a psychiatric service dog?
In general, they require you to fill out forms where you certify that your dog is indeed a fully trained service dog. You may also need to provide the information of your vet and your therapist, but you don’t need them to sign any papers. But it’s always best to consult the airlines you’re planning to fly with before making a booking to see what their requirements are. You may find this article on how to fly with a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/flying-with-a-service-dog-guide/
You can reach out to reputable dog trainers around you to see if they offer a training program. A dog trainer that has worked with our two older dogs for obedience in the past is currently working with my 5 month old German Shepherd pup to be a service dog for me due to anxiety and panic disorder.
I am a Vet w ptsd anxiety anger issues. I also have mild autism spectrum disorder. I was professionally diagnosed. Where do i get a service dog?
Your best bet might be visiting local pet shelters. See if they have any dogs that have the right temperament to be a service dog. If there are none or you need a very specifically skilled dog, you might need to search for a professionally trained service dog. You may find this article on how to get a service dog interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-a-service-dog/
I have a dog I take with me to help calm me and am clostophobic
Ok I’m bipolar manic depressive schizo affected anxiety. All can be huge issues I also use a walker 5 back surgeries. I’ve recently been given a female great Dane. Bella. I truly find purpose and live in my life. She’s learning very well walking with me with my walker she insist I get out of house. Instead of me licking myself in. She’s learning off leash commands. I new to state and area I’m in the process of getting psychiatric help public transportation says she can’t travel with me. Now I don’t want to go I thought I’d be ok as long as Bella accompanied me. She goes to Wal-Mart other stores she has no aggressive behavior except home she does alert me when someone is around. She is very potty trained. Just alk around makes me laugh when it seems I feel like crying my eyes out. How do I register her officially as a psychiatric dog when basically she’s already performing majority of all the task required putting muzzle in my hand when I’m nervous leans against me. But most of all I focus on her and not my surroundings.
I am the exact same way. Here in AR, its sometimes hard to find a service dog trainer. Both of my parents have service dogs, as do I, so thankfully i now know what you need in order to make a dog a service dog. First and foremost, you will need to find a dog that suits you. If you do not like overly active dogs, find a calm one. If you like small dogs, get a small dog…. etc. Next, you will need to go to both a medical and psychiatric doctor to get them to give you a written diagnoses. If you get that, the next thing you will need to get during that visit is a statement from the doctors signafying that you do indeed need a PSD. Usually if you already have a diagnoses on file, you do not need to get it printed out, due to the fact that people can not by law ask why you have a service animal apart from whether its a psychiatric, seeing, hearing, etc. After you get the statements, you will need to begin training your dog. There are several ways to go about this. You can send them to a training facility for service dogs (usually the most expensive option). You can take them to your local trainer (petco or vet or anything like that that specializes in obediance) and get them trained for obediance. If this is your choice, you will need to take them weekly or daily. You will also need to learn how to handle your service dog during this time. Another way is to train them yourself. This is usually not recommended unless you have previous experience training service dogs or working dogs. All in all, my best advice for you, is to really bond and trust the dog, even before training. The closer relationship you have with the dog, the more likely they are to respond quicker to training with you, because they already have trust in you as their owner
Do you know if this is that way in every state, or is there a difference state by state? And I already am looking at a rescue, he has had a really hard life, and they (the rescue that has him) aren’t too sure if he has dog, or any other animal aggression, would that be an issue?
Where can I take my dog to hand them properly trained
This is just what I need! I suffer from severe anxiety and a bit of depression and Paranoia. This would help me lots and i’m currently saving up to get the dog I need even though i’m struggling with it I’m determined to get more of the help I need.
I have been diagnosed with severe depresion, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. I also struggle with social anxiety that causes me to shut down in stressful situations or conversations. I have a hard time going places because I often feel as though I will say or do something wrong so I spend a lot of time in my house. When I am stressed or anxious I shut down and even have panick attacked causing me to cry and have breathing troubles. I feel as though a service dog would really help me but I have no experience training a dog. What should be the best way to go about this?
We suggest speaking to your healthcare provider about appropriate forms of treatment for your mental health conditions. Ownership of a service dog requires not only the existence of a qualifying disability, but also the need for a task-trained animal that assists with that disability.
What do I do if my psychiatrist doesn’t understand the laws of service dogs and won’t really help me get one??
I printed out the sections that apply to my conditions, but here is the link a guide to a Disability Rights Laws. I printed and highlighted all of the very important details.
Here is the link to the page I used:
https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor62335
Where in Ia can I take my dog for training get one from breeder or organization
Usually in cases like that, the dog has been through alot of things and just needs love, and patience. If he has any type of aggression, it can be worked through. It may take ALOT of time, but you have to believe in your pup and make sure they know that they are safe. SO, it wouldn’t be an issue if you worked with him on all of those things and are 100% sure he’s better. I’m so sorry I hope this helped!
I suffer from severe social anxiety and depressive episodes caused by my anxiety. It has gotten to the point where I cant go to school sometimes (most of the time) because I get constant anxiety attacks. I have been on medication, but it doesn’t seem to help. I’ve also done therapy with two different doctors ( at separate times), which didn’t seem to help. I’ve been researching getting a service dog as I think it may be of some service for me. Still, I don’t know if I could get qualified. I also don’t know if it’s better to train myself with a trainer’s help or go through an organization with already trained dogs. I really need help. I want to stop living in constant fear of social settings. Thank you
You may qualify for a psychiatric service dog if your attacks prevent you from fulfilling a trivial task. Your service dog then may intervene and help you get through the dark times. As for training, you can train the dog yourself if you have the time and patience for it. It may take several months to get your dog fully trained, but the advantage of self-training is that the bond between you and your dog will be much stronger. You may find this article on how to qualify for a service dog
with anxiety and depression interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-anxiety-depression/
How much for a psd dog
Where do I go for training. My dog is 1 1/2 years old. Due to covid she has received no official training. I have been diagnosed w chronic PTSD, depression, severe anxiety and ADHD.
I live in North Iowa.
Service dogs do not necessarily need to go to a trainer. If you’re able to train your dog yourself, then that is an option. You may find this article on the cost of service dog training interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-much-does-it-cost-to-train-a-service-dog/ Best of luck with your dog.
I have a similar diagnosis and want to have my English Springer spaniel trained and certified as a PSD. She is 3 years and has been an ESA good citizen and has general obedience training. I am looking for a professional trainer In my area Raleigh, NC. We are moving in summer to Denver area.
Can I ask how your dog assists you, specifically.
Is there a age requirement for a PSD
There is no age restriction, however, for minors, there would need to be a legal guardian involved. You may find this article on how to get a PSD interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-a-psychiatric-service-dog/
Not only do you need the specifics for your handicap but you you also need a well trained dog. Does she walk beside you or run ahead? Does he lay quietly in a public place or constantly vie for your attention? Is she quiet or does she bark while working in public? Please stop going into public places with a semi trained dog and ruining it for all who need them.
Hello,
I like in an apartment and currently have my animal registered as an ESA. I am looking to train her as a PSD and am wondering what documentation I would have to provide for my landlord? Also in public would I have to provide a certification saying that she is registered to a police authority or as long as my dog is trained I only have to answer those 2 questions. I just want to make sure that from a legal standpoint I have all the documentation I need. Thank you!
You don’t need to provide any documentation for a service dog. Once you have defined the tasks your PSD can help you with, have completed training for these tasks as well as the public access test, then your dog is a certified service dog. From there on you only have to answer those 2 questions. You may find this article on how to get a psychiatric service dog interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-a-psychiatric-service-dog/
I have ptsd from a violent crime and anxiety around people. I want to train my chocolate Labrador. I see and read that they should it be approached while working. It actually makes cr me happy to see children and elderly people pet him and smile and him wag his tell. To me that the three spy that helps. It this against traditional ways? I have ms and major back and neck Injuries also so walking at the park near veterans / retirement home is fun for us with 10 year son on bike skateboard or what ever.
For Psd how do I find a trainer for my dog or can I training him myself.
Yes, you can train your dog yourself to become a certified PSD — you just need the time and patience to train your dog for your tasks needed as well as for public access. You may find this article on how to get a PSD interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-a-psychiatric-service-dog/
Not only do you need the specifics for your handicap but you you also need a well trained dog. Does she walk beside you or run ahead? Does he lay quietly in a public place or constantly vie for your attention? Is she quiet or does she bark while working in public? Please stop going into public places with a semi trained dog and ruining it for all who need them.
where can you find training instructions for your dog? i would love to teach Daino how to tell me to take my medicine. It would be great if he could help me not oversleep as well. He is currently only an ESA. He helps me sleep at night when im in pain or depressed by sleeping on my chest.
I am trading 2 physicalogical dogs for myself. Not easy.
Can cats be registered as a service cat? My daughter has a lot of illnesses one being kidney failure and on dialysis. Also has anxiety especially when having to be alone while I work. We tried a dog but because of them barking it made her anxiety worse! So we got a cat and it has helped her so much! We are having to move and the owner says only way to keep an animal is a service animal. I need help!
Unfortunately, cats cannot be service animals. They can however become Emotional Support Animals. While ESA don’t have the same access right as a service dog, they are allowed to live in no-pets housing, so with a legitimate ESA letter your house owner should allow for an ESA cat to live with you. And there are some establishments and offices that are tolerant to ESA’s. You may find this article on cats and emotional support animals interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/can-cats-be-service-animals/
If you obtain a properly trained Psychiatric Service Dog for your daughter due to her anxiety barking would not be an issue. PSDs that are properly trained don’t bark and run around like untrained dogs because of their training. Or if you have the patience, a dog with the correct temperament can to trained not to bark at random thereby eliminating it making daughter’s anxiety worse. If you don’t have the time any regular dog trainer can train a dog to not bark randomly but you would still need to be involved. It’s a lot of work, I know.We are on month three of training a PSD and we work at it everyday. Best wishes!
A copy-paste quote: “Under ADA rules, registering a service animal does not confer legal rights, but registrations and service animal accessories are routinely used by handlers for their personal convenience.”
If registering the animal doesn’t confer legal rights, What does??
I have Yorkie she is four months. I have her registered as ESA. I have been diagnosed with ADHD and have anxiety attack. Can I register my dog as a Service dog? What steps to take?
You do not need to register an ESA or a service dog. An ESA is not the same as a PSD – you can only have a psychiatric service dog if you have a need for a task trained dog to assist with a disability. If you don’t have such a need or your animal is not trained, then you are not able to qualify for a PSD.
Under American disability act after June 11th 2021 you are not required to legally show or prove anything about any service dog for any reason. For an establishment to deny you they would be violating federal law. Similar to wheelchair access for any store. Someone may never use it but they are required under federal law to have it.
Actually, a business is allowed to ascertain if your dog is a service dog. Two questions may be asked. Is it a service dog due to disability and What task is it trained to perform. Your comment is mostly correct, but there are protections for businesses to help them protect against people just taking a dog into a restricted place.
do you have to give your other dog up to get a PSD? or can i have both a pet dog and a PSD?
A pet dog may be trained to become a PSD, but not all dogs are suited to be service animals.
If my dog is 4 years old and she is a great Pyrenees mix would she still be able to get trained to be a psd? I don’t know if she is too old or not
There is no age restriction for service dogs but older dogs can be more difficult to train. We suggest reaching out to a professional trainer for advice if you do not have experience training service animals.
I have all the required diagnosis that warrant a psychiatric service dog, my dog is fully trained by me. she is a 6lb toy poodle. How can i prove that with the airlines when completing their forms? They want the name of the training school? I would like to register with your service
Airlines will require you to submit the DOT’s service animal air transportation form. You do not need to list a training school unless you used one. Please see this guide for step by step details on flying with a psychiatric service dog: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/flying-with-a-service-dog-guide/
Hi. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder since 2001. My doctor wrote a letter 14 years ago for my Chihuahua as my psychiatric service dog for the housing that I reside in. My dog has helped me tremendously throughout the years and continues to do so. She grounds me when I am having an episode. She is now up in age and I am going to be traveling internationally next year and I need her on the plane with me. Can I register her through you. Even if she’s up in age and her hearing is going and so is her eyesight? She is very well behaved and is my Velcro dog I call her. She goes everywhere with me. I can’t see myself taking this trip without her. I need to know the steps to take to get her on that plane with me. She would never survive flying in cargo. She would literally die from stress. I would NEVER put her life at risk. Does a psychiatrists letter help get her approved as a psychiatric dog? Please any information you can give me would be appreciated so I could officially register her. Thank you
Registrations and PSDs are not required to travel with a service dog. Please see this link for a guide to flying with PSDs: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/flying-with-a-service-dog-guide/
I wish more employees were trained on PSD and some of the task they give service for. Multiple times I’ve had staff ask the two questions and they say “we don’t recognize that as a service dog” even though I bring up the ADA and that they are not an emotional support dog. I’m usually left embarrassed and having to see a manager that will usually allow us in the store.
Hello! I am diagnosed with PTSD and my psychiatrist said he will write me a letter, when the time comes. I need help finding a dog, and maybe the training. Unless I can get a dog that has already been trained. I’d appreciate hearing back from you!
Thank you
We’re glad you’re on your way to getting the help you need! Unfortunately we do not provide referrals for dog adoptions.
I need to train my dog as a psychiatric service dog for ptsd.
Please advise, plus certificate
Unfortunately we do not offer training services or referrals. We would be happy to help you with a certificate however once your service animal has been fully trained and qualified.
How can you buy a trained psychiatric dog? My daughter is a 18 an has depression, anxiety an PTSD. She doesn’t like crowds an loud locations an has only 1 friend. She won’t drive on the interstate an doesn’t like to drive by herself unless she has too. Has problems getting things done in the day an is avoiding going to college due to her limitations. If you could give me advise on a program to get a therapy dog I think it may help her.
Unfortunately we do not give out referrals for service dog providers, but we wish you luck in finding the help you need.
My daughter has Down syndrome and autism and I suffer from panic anxiety attacks and Vasovagal syncope. Do we qualify for a
Psychiatric Service dog?
We suggest consulting with a licensed healthcare professional. You will also have to consider whether a service dog could perform a task that assists with your condition.
Are your a approved training organization for Psychiatric Service Dog?
No, we do not provide any training services. Our services are only meant for service dog owners who already have fully qualified service dogs.
My daughter and I both have Anxiety, severe ADHD, PTSD and depression (mines triggered by chronic pain, worsened by being sedentary). We need a service dog for everything mentioned on the list each at varying degrees. Can we have the same service dog?
We suggest speaking to your healthcare provider about your situation. In order to have a psychiatric service dog, it is not enough to just have a mental health disability. Your condition must also require the assistance of a task-trained service dog. You may also want to consider whether an ESA may also be an appropriate option: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
I am in search of a psychiatric service dog for my 16 year old daughter who has severe depression, anxiety, ADHD, and high-functioning autism . I have no idea what websites are reputable sellers/trainers? Are there grants to help with purchasing? There is no local places that have service dogs for sale.
Unfortunately we do not provide referrals for service dog adoptions or training. Our products and services are only for already qualified service dog owners. We wish you the best of luck in your search.
I am from Poland and they do not issue such certificates here.
I have a panicky fear of flying a plane and I would like to fly with my dog in the cabin (she calms me down), she is only 13 kg (not in the limit of dogs flying in the cabin without a certificate, but it is small), so I need some kind of certificate. Is there any chance to receive such?
U.S. airlines do not require certificates for service dogs. You may find this article on flying with a service dog helpful, but it pertains mostly to U.S. rules: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/flying-with-a-service-dog-guide/
I’m looking for information about this and I’m trying to get one myself, I would like to know the legal rights and laws on it mostly.
You might find this link on service dog requirements helpful: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-requirements/
How do I apply and get on the list for an emotional support dog or a psychiatric service dog? I have a lot of trauma disassociative identity disorder, bipolar night, terrors childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, night terrors.
There is no “list” for ESAs or PSDs. PSDs are only for individuals that require a task-trained service dog whereas ESAs do not need individualized special training. For emotional support animals you will need a letter from a licensed healthcare professional: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
What’s the minimum age of the dog to be consider a PSD? my dog is 13weeks old. Airlines can restrict him because of his age? Thank you
We recently wrote an article about this which you can find here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-old-does-my-service-dog-have-to-be/
I Have been able to take my dog for years as a emotial support, now the airlines are not rrequert to take ESA, I had the letter from my terapist.
Are there airlines who still take ESA.
Best Regards,
Thank You.
Unfortunately all U.S. airlines have ended their ESA programs. PSDs however are still allowed to board flights.
My dog assists me with psychiatric disorders that I have diagnosed. My physician does not want to go through the process it takes to give me a letter stating my dog assists me to have PSD status. I’m working with my mental health psychologist to give me a letter in this regard. My concern is I’m going to be visiting Canada in July, and although I’ve ordered the Certificate and Photo ID from you all (she has a vest) I read at the Canadian border, they need certification from ASSISTANCE DOG INTERNATIONAL or INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG FEDERATION. Have you had documented experience of a dog registered with you, with a Doctor’s Letter from your company be known to be accepted into Canada without affiliation with these two above listed organizations?
PSD letters are not intended to be used for that purpose unfortunately. You can read more about the benefits of a PSD letter here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/psd-letter/
Airlines require to have a certificate that complies with either IGDF or ADI. Does your certificate complies with any of these requirements?
You do not need any such certificate to fly with a service dog. You will need to complete the DOT’s service animal air transportation form, which we wrote about here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-use-the-dots-service-animal-air-transportation-form-to-board-flights/
Hi im trying to find a trained service dog for ptsd and mental health but also cheap or even free where should I go also most of these places say u need to be a verteran
Unfortunately it can be very difficult to obtain a trained service dog cheaply. Service dogs require an extensive amount of training and there are limited numbers available. As an alternative, you are permitted under ADA rules to train a service dog yourself, or with the help of a professional trainer. That route is usually significantly more affordable than buying a fully trained service dog.
I just got a regular service dog certificate and ID for my dog and for the flights was told I have to do PSD letter. Is it okay to have a regular service dog paperwork with PSD letter and not psychiatric service dog certificate?
You should not need any type of certificate, ID or PSD letter in order to fly with your service dog. The only document you need when flying within the U.S. is the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form. We wrote a guide about how to use that form here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-use-the-dots-service-animal-air-transportation-form-to-board-flights/
I am under the age of 18, do not have my own house, and already have an unsocialized dog that is too old to be trained, and my parents do not want to get another dog, however I strongly believe that a PSD will help and have talked about it with my therapist, and I also am diagnosed with most of the mental disorders that are covered here, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety, GAD, PTSD, autism, etc. and I am waiting on an eval to get diagnosed with Specific Phobia and a tic disorder. What can I do? Is waiting my only option?
Unfortunately if your dog cannot be trained and has behavioral problems it most likely cannot become a service dog. A service dog must be trained to master the task or job it has been assigned to perform for the handler’s disability. In addition, a service dog has to be well behaved while out in public. It should be well-socialized around both humans and other animals.
I have a acquired a PSD dog & her ID card. The dogs owner/handler has passed away several years ago. Her S.O.(significant other) could no longer care for the dog & gave her to me with her ID Card. How do I get the dogs info switched into my name & certified for me ?
Service dog ID cards are obtained by handlers at their option – there is no requirement that you have one. In addition, if you are obtaining a service dog ID card, you must be the handler that has a disability. You cannot carry a service dog ID if you have no need for the service dog’s ability to perform tasks.
Have been diagnosed with sever depression ,anxiety, panic attacks and social anxiety, slight agoraphobiait takes along time for me to get out of the house. I lost a very good support dog jack Russell he was with me 16 years he was never certified but I worked where he could come with me. I at Christmas adopted another Jack I was so unsure because I thought my last one was so connected to me I would not have that in this dog. Well I got him and he is almost my soul puppy he sticks to me like glue comforts me will lay his head across my neck almost like a comfort to us both. My Question is I’m on Disability with a very tight budget is there any help or funding for the purchase of the certificate at all. Sheila
You do not need any certification documents for a service dog. Based on your description however it seems like you may have an emotional support dog and not a service dog. Service dogs have to be trained to perform a specific job or task relating to your disability. To qualify for an emotional support dog, you would need an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional.
I have a question, I have PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. I am a veteran and the VA won’t write a letter for a service dog or emotional support animal so any suggestions? I read that we can train our dogs ourselves for your specific needs. How do I go about getting a PTSD service dog?
Thank you for your service. You do not need a letter for a psychiatric service dog (PSD letters are optional), but you do need a letter for an emotional support animal. If you need an ESA letter, we can help with that: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/esa-letter/
And yes, you are allowed under the ADA to self-train a service dog. You do not have to adopt a fully trained service dog. Many service dog owners have successfully trained dogs they have adopted from rescues and breeders.
I have had my dog since he was 9 weeks old he is now 8 months, my Psychiatrist wrote a letter of approval for him to be my psychiatric service dog, I have D.I.D ( multiple personality disorder) I’m just wondering how I get a certificate of approval?
Hi there, we’re not clear on what you mean by “certificate of approval”, but there is no certificate required to have an official service dog. You can obtain a service dog registration and certificate on our site, but they are optional for owners who already have qualified for a service dog. Your dog is considered a service dog if you have an ADA eligible disability (which can be a psychiatric condition) and your dog has been trained to perform a job or task relating to that disability.
Hello, I am in the military, soon getting out for Chronic ptsd, anxiety and clinical depression. Am I able to get documentation from my psychiatrist stating that I “qualify” for a PSD? I have frequent panic attacks and have instances of vasovagal syncope, along with a lot of self destruction and just difficulty in life in general. Will that documentation allow me to get a PSD once I get out of the military, or will I need a new one? Thank you
You may be interested in learning more about PSD letters. A PSD letter confirms whether you have an ADA eligible psychiatric disability. Check out this page for more details: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/psd-letter/
I have two mental health illnesses (depression and anxiety), one learning disorder (dyscalculia), an eye condition where my optic nerves are swollen and the fluid in my brain is higher than it should be which means I’m not allowed to do strenuous activities or else it could get worse and I could go blind, and I have hip dysplasia and tibial torsion. Do you think I qualify more for a Service Dog, Psychiatric Service Dog, or Emotional Support Dog?
Whether you need a psychiatric service dog or emotional support dog depends on what you need from your dog. If you need the dog to perform tasks that relate to your disability, then a PSD may be more appropriate. If the dog assists your mental health just by being around but does not need specialized training, it’s probably better suited as an emotional support animal.
Hello, how do I start the process of getting my six month old German Shepherd as a service dog for ADHD.
You might find this service dog training guide helpful.