PSD Letter:
Get Your Travel Letter From ESA Pet
Everything You Must Know About Psychiatric Service Dog Letters From ESA Pet
To be eligible for a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you must prove that you have a psychiatric disability. At ESA Pet, we pair you with a licensed psychiatric professional to assess your condition and determine whether it qualifies for PSD. If you are eligible, you will receive a signed PSD letter.
What is an PSD Letter?
A PSD Letter is your key to hassle-free travel when accompanied by your service dog. It documents that you have been diagnosed with a mental illness or psychiatric disability as defined by the ADA. This helpful letter serves as proof that you need the use of PSD when traveling to help manage your disability.
Most bus services, train companies, and airlines require a PSD letter. They must see a signed letter to allow you to bring your service dog into the cabin. It can also allow you to bring your trained service dog to public places where pets are not typically allowed (think restaurants, stores, and hotels).
One key thing to note is that a PSD letter is mostly for travel purposes with your service dog. If you need documentation for housing rights or access to no-pet housing, you will need an ESA (emotional support animal) letter instead. While an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter covers housing rights, a PSD Letter is designed for those who rely on service dogs specifically for psychiatric assistance.
Am I Eligible for a PSD Letter?
Despite what you might have read or heard, you cannot be eligible for a PSD with just a service dog license, registration, vest, or ID. You can only legitimately qualify your four-legged friend as a PSD with an assessment by a licensed healthcare provider.
- You must have a diagnosed psychiatric disability as defined by the ADA
- Proof that your service dog has been trained to assist in managing one or more symptoms of your disability
Qualifying mental health conditions often include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Autism
- Schizophrenia
- Psychotic disorders
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Your disability must substantially limit one or more major life activities like sleeping, concentrating, interacting with others, or self-care. You'll also need to demonstrate that having a PSD would help alleviate symptoms of your condition. It's important to note that emotional support from a pet alone does not qualify you for a PSD travel letter.
The Benefits of Having a PSD Letter
With an ESA letter, your pet can officially become an emotional support animal. However, the benefits go beyond that:
- Unlock your travel freedom
Bring your furry friend with you in the cabin of a train, bus, or airplane. With a PSD travel letter, your service dog will be allowed on flights at no fee.
- Protect your disability rights
A PSD letter helps you secure your access and travel rights under the ADA. .
- Enjoy extra peace of mind
You will enjoy more confidence. Also, you feel less stress and anxiety with your service dog by your side.
- Compliance with state and local laws.
With the letter, your PSD complies with applicable state and local laws, as these regulations can vary.
How to Get My PSD Letter from ESA Pet
We have made getting your PSD travel letter as easy as 1-2-3:
2 Minute Screening
You will complete a brief pre-screening to determine eligibility for a PSD Letter. The questionnaire covers your disability and your service dog’s behavior and training.
Talk To a Psychiatrist
We pair you with a licensed mental health professional to assess your disability and determine if a PSD is right for you. During the telehealth appointment, you’ll talk about your disability, how it impacts your life, and how your service dog can help manage it.
Get Your PSD Letter
Once approved, you will receive your signed PSD letter on the healthcare provider's letterhead within 24-48 hours. It's that easy and fuss-free.
How Much Does It Cost to Have an ESA Letter?
At ESA Pet, we believe that cost should not stand in the way of the opportunity to share the gift of an emotional support animal. Our competitive pricing plans allow more hearts and homes to be opened to the healing power of ESA ownership.
Housing Letter
Qualify your pet as an emotional support animal with an ESA letter for housing, even if your building has a no-pets policy.
- Evaluation by a licensed therapist
- Welcomed by HOAs, property managers, and landlords
- Assessment by a Licensed Therapist
- Removes weight and breed restrictions
- You cannot be charged pet deposits, fees, or rent
- Valid for one year
- Delivered digitally
Travel Letter
Know if you qualify to travel with your pet in the cabin of trains and airplanes with a PSD letter.
- Evaluation by a licensed therapist
- Assessment by a Licensed Therapist
- Removes weight and breed restrictions
- You cannot be charged pet deposits, fees, or ticket
- Valid for one year
- Delivered digitally
Additional Documentation
This will help elevate your mood, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall well-being.
- Medical necessity letters
- Task training letters
- Public access letters
- Airlines & train company forms
- All documents signed by a Licensed Therapist
- Delivered digitally
Are You Eligible?
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your most pressing concerns and questions answered when seeking a PSD letter.