Service Dog Documentation

Having the right documentation for your service dog can save you from having a lot of annoying conversations about why your dog is in a no-pet store or restaurant by giving notice to bystanders before they have a chance to bother you. Here are the best service dog documents to use: 

In this article:

• Service Dog ID Cards
• Service Dog Tags
• Service Dog Certificates
• PSD Letters
• DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
• Service Dog Vests

Most service dog handlers end up using different combinations of these depending on where they’re going. We’ll go in-depth on the benefits of each of these service dog documents below. 

Service Dog ID Cards

Service dog ID cards are wallet-sized credentials with your dog’s photo and name. The biggest benefit is speed; instead of explaining ADA service dog rules to every curious employee, you can show your card and move on. A good service dog ID card will also have a description of ADA service dog rules on the back. Keep it easily accessible by clipping a card holder to your dog’s vest or storing it in your phone case. 

Cards work especially well for quick stops like gas stations or coffee shops, where a whole conversation would take longer than your actual business. Always keep in mind that ID cards are completely optional under the ADA. Staff can also still ask the two permitted questions (“Is your dog required for a disability?” and “What work or task does your dog perform?”) even after seeing your card. The card doesn’t replace those questions; it’s just an extra tool that sometimes prevents the need for formal verification.

Service Dog Tags

Service dog tags are small metal or plastic pieces that hang from your dog’s collar, just like regular pet ID tags. The tag should display “SERVICE DOG” or feature a logo or graphic conveying the same message. When your dog is working ahead of you or across a room, tags provide immediate identification without requiring verbal explanation, and the gentle jingling when your dog moves serves as an auditory cue that a working dog is coming through.

Consider getting two identical tags in case one falls off. Attach them securely to your dog’s collar, not the vest, as you may need to remove the vest in certain situations. Some handlers use both a hanging tag and a flat tag that lies against the collar for durability.

Service Dog Certificates

Service dog certificates are full-page documents that look more formal and official than simple ID cards. Most are 8.5×11 inches and include both the handler’s name and the dog’s name, along with a section explaining ADA rights and access laws, which can be educational for businesses that are unfamiliar with service dog regulations.

These certificates typically have decorative borders, official-looking seals or logos, and formal language that makes them appear more legitimate than wallet-sized cards. The presentation matters — they’re designed to look substantial and authoritative.

They work especially well with property managers, landlords, and business owners who want something they can file away that looks “real.” The ADA, of course, doesn’t require certification of a service dog, but certificates are valuable when dealing with people who need to see substantial documentation to feel satisfied.

Psychiatric Service Dog Letters

A PSD letter is documentation from a licensed healthcare professional that confirms you have a qualifying mental health disability for a psychiatric service dog. You don’t need a doctor’s note to have a service dog, but a PSD letter is an opinion letter that provides backup documentation for your disability and need for a service animal. A PSD letter serves as supporting documentation, helping you confidently represent your situation when needed.

To get a PSD letter, you need to work with a licensed mental health professional in your state who can assess whether you have a qualifying condition like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health disabilities. The provider will evaluate your condition and, if appropriate, provide a signed letter on their letterhead that includes their license information and contact details.

DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form

The DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form is the only mandatory documentation that the Department of Transportation requires for all service dogs flying on commercial airlines. 

The form covers three main areas: your dog’s health and vaccinations, their training and tasks, and their behavior in public settings. You’ll need to provide details about who trained your dog (including if you self-trained). You also have to acknowledge that your dog will be harnessed or leashed at all times and that you’re responsible for any damage they cause.

Most airlines want you to submit the form at least 48 hours before your flight, though you can bring a completed form to the airport if necessary. If your flight is over 8 hours, you’ll also need to complete a separate Relief Attestation Form, stating that your dog will not require bathroom breaks or can handle them hygienically.

When you’re at the airport, make sure you have a copy of the completed DOT Form with you. Check out our guide on how to use the DOT’s Service Animal Form for more details. 

Service Dog Vests and Gear

Service dog vests are like uniforms that clearly identify your dog as a working animal. They typically feature “SERVICE DOG” in bold, easy-to-read letters across the sides or back, often with additional patches like “DO NOT PET,” “WORKING,” or “IN TRAINING.” The best vests are made from durable materials with mesh panels for breathability, reflective strips for nighttime visibility, and multiple adjustment points for a proper fit.

The main benefit is instant visual recognition from a distance. When people see that vest, they usually understand your dog has a job to do and leave you alone. This prevents interruptions, reduces distractions for your dog, and often eliminates the need for verbal explanations or documentation. It’s especially helpful in crowded places where you can’t personally interact with everyone who might be curious about your dog.

Remember that no law requires service dog vests, and the vest alone doesn’t give your dog public access rights. Many legitimate service dogs work without any special gear, while some pets wear fake vests to gain illegitimate access. (Never do this! It’s an actual crime in some states.) The vest is just a helpful tool that makes legitimate partnerships more visible and manageable in public spaces.

When You Don’t Have Documentation

If you left your service dog documents or accessories at home, no need to worry. You can always confirm your service dog status by answering two questions: 

“Is this a service animal required because of a disability?” You can simply answer with “yes”. Don’t elaborate. Don’t explain your condition. Don’t feel pressured to justify your rights.

“What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?” Providing a brief answer is fine, such as “Psychiatric tasks,” “Mobility assistance,” or “Medical alert.” You don’t need to demonstrate anything or explain training methods.

If someone insists on documentation, stay calm and remind them that federal law doesn’t require it. Say something along the lines of: “The ADA only allows you to ask two specific questions about service dogs. I’m happy to answer those.”

Sometimes showing documentation anyway is easier, especially for quick errands. But remember you’re choosing to provide documentation, not because you have to.