How Do I Get A Service Letter For My Dog?

A service dog letter is issued by a healthcare professional and confirms whether a service dog handler has an ADA-qualifying disability. These letters are typically requested by handlers who need psychiatric service dogs and are also known as PSD letters. 

Here’s how you can get a service dog letter: 

1. Find a healthcare professional
   Seek out a licensed provider who specializes in your health condition. 
2. Discuss your needs
   Discuss your present health and how a service dog might help you. 
3. Request a service dog letter
   Ask for a signed letter confirming that you have a health limitation that requires a service dog. 
4. Get the letter
   The letter should be written on the provider’s letterhead and have their professional details (such as licensing information).

The first place you turn to should be your existing doctor or therapist. Let them know that you have a service dog (or are considering getting a service dog) and want to document that your health condition meets the definition of “disability” under the ADA. 

In this article:

• What a psychiatric service dog letter contains
• Reasons for getting a service dog letter

What a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter Contains

A service dog letter from your mental health provider states their professional opinion about your condition. The letter needs to be on official letterhead, signed and dated by the provider, and include their contact information. Most importantly, it should explain that you have a mental health condition that substantially limits major life activities – which meets the legal definition of disability under the ADA.

The letter doesn’t make your dog a service animal or give you any special rights. Think of it more like a doctor’s note that backs up what you already know about your condition. Some providers also add a line saying they’re not evaluating your dog’s training – because that’s not their job. They’re just confirming that you have a qualifying disability that could benefit from a trained service dog’s help.

Here is what a letter might look like:

Reasons for Getting a Service Dog Letter

You don’t need a service dog letter under the ADA, but having one has certain advantages. 

• Confirming eligibility
  A service dog letter can be used as proof that a person has an ADA-eligible condition. This is especially desirable for PSD owners who have invisible disabilities. There can be consequences for falsely misrepresenting yourself as eligible for a service dog, so many handlers want some backup documentation. 
• Enhancing personal comfort
  Having an official letter to show can help answer questions about your service dog without needing to disclose additional personal health information.
• International usage
  Some countries and foreign airlines require letters from a licensed healthcare provider as part of their assistance animal verification process. 
• Protecting your rights
  If your rights under the ADA are ever challenged, having an official letter can provide additional support.

Keep in mind that third parties can’t make having a service dog letter a condition for entry. Service dog letters are obtained at the discretion of handlers and for their personal convenience. 

Remember, no documentation is ever required to prove you have a service dog, except for the DOT’s Service Animal Form when boarding flights. 

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