PSD Letter Requirements: What You Need to Know
A psychiatric service dog letter has real requirements — a qualifying disability, a task-trained dog, and a licensed provider’s evaluation. Here’s exactly what you need and the safe next steps.
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What are the requirements for a PSD letter?
A psychiatric service dog letter requires three things: a qualifying psychiatric disability that substantially limits a major life activity, a dog trained to perform specific tasks related to that disability, and a licensed mental health provider who evaluates you and determines a PSD is appropriate.
The letter documents that clinical determination — it does not train, certify, or register your dog, and eligibility can’t be self-certified or bought from a registry.
The checklist
The four PSD letter requirements
A qualifying psychiatric disability
You have a diagnosable mental health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities — for example PTSD, severe anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, or panic disorder.
A dog trained to perform tasks
Your dog is trained to perform specific tasks directly tied to your disability — interrupting a panic attack, grounding during dissociation, room checks, or medication reminders. Comfort alone makes a dog an ESA, not a PSD.
A licensed provider evaluation
A mental health professional licensed in your state evaluates you and decides whether a psychiatric service dog is clinically appropriate. The PSD letter documents that determination.
A properly written letter
The letter is signed, on the provider's letterhead, names their license type and number, and states your disability-related need — without disclosing your specific diagnosis.
The task requirement
Examples of trained psychiatric tasks
The task doesn’t have to be complex — it has to be trained and tied to your disability. This is what separates a PSD from an emotional support animal.
Panic attack response
Recognizing early signs and performing trained calming behaviors.
Grounding / deep pressure
Applying tactile pressure to interrupt dissociation or a flashback.
Medication reminders
Alerting the handler to take medication on schedule.
Room checks
Checking a space before entry for handlers with hypervigilance.
What it can’t do
The limits of a PSD letter
- A PSD letter does not train, certify, or register your dog — there is no official service-dog registry.
- It does not guarantee housing approval, airline access, or entry to any business.
- It is not a diagnosis you can buy — a licensed provider decides eligibility after a real evaluation.
- A letter alone isn't enough: your dog still has to be trained to perform disability-related tasks.
Two different services
ESA letter vs. Psychiatric Service Dog
We support both. They are not the same — qualification, training, and access rights all differ.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
- Housing-focused. Protected under the Fair Housing Act for reasonable accommodation in no-pet housing.
- No specialized task training required — comfort and companionship are the role.
- Any domesticated animal (most commonly dogs and cats).
- Letter from a licensed mental health professional after a clinical review.
Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)
- Broader public-access scope under the ADA in many contexts, dependent on qualification and task training.
- May require disability-related task training — the dog must perform specific tasks tied to a qualifying psychiatric disability.
- For qualifying individuals — disability qualification is part of the clinical evaluation.
- PSD documentation is different from ESA documentation and is issued after a separate clinical determination.
PSD is positioned as a stronger service option for individuals with qualifying psychiatric disabilities. Eligibility, task training, and documentation requirements are determined by a licensed provider during clinical review. This page is general information, not legal advice.
A licensed provider decides — not a website
You can't buy your way into a psychiatric service dog letter. A licensed mental health professional evaluates whether you meet the requirements and only issues a letter when a PSD is clinically appropriate. If it isn't, they'll help you understand your options.
- Real evaluation by a state-licensed provider.
- No diagnosis disclosed in the letter itself.
- Refund if you don't qualify.
PSD Letter Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing for a PSD letter
Both plans are reviewed by a licensed provider and include the same benefits. A psychiatric service dog letter requires a qualifying disability and a task-trained psychiatric service dog — approval is not automatic, and you’re refunded if you don’t qualify.
PSD Letter
One-time — $129 for up to 2 dogs
3 dogs: $149 fixed total
- Reviewed by a licensed provider (LMHP)
- PSD documentation if clinically appropriate
- Provider signature, license number & NPI
- Same-day PDF delivery available
- Valid for 12 months
- Landlord documentation support
- Plain-English guidance on ADA, housing and air-travel rules
- Secure online assessment
- Free PSD Training Workbook — download right after payment
- Refund if you don't qualify
PSD Annual
First year — renews automatically
- Reviewed by a licensed provider (LMHP)
- PSD documentation if clinically appropriate
- Provider signature, license number & NPI
- Same-day PDF delivery available
- Valid for 12 months
- Landlord documentation support
- Plain-English guidance on ADA, housing and air-travel rules
- Secure online assessment
- Free PSD Training Workbook — download right after payment
- Annual renewal keeps your letter current
- Refund if you don't qualify
Looking for housing-only comfort support instead? Compare an ESA letter vs a PSD letter to see which fits your situation.
Landlord or HOA need a separate accommodation form? See PSD packages & Reasonable Accommodation pricing.
PSD letter requirements FAQ
Three things: a qualifying psychiatric disability that substantially limits a major life activity, a dog trained to perform specific tasks related to that disability, and a licensed mental health provider who evaluates you and determines a psychiatric service dog is appropriate. The letter then documents that clinical determination.
Find out if you meet the requirements
Start the online assessment. A licensed mental health professional reviews your answers and tells you whether a psychiatric service dog letter is the right fit — with a refund if you don’t qualify.
Check If You QualifyLast reviewed June 28, 2026 · PawTenant editorial team
Keep reading
How the online PSD evaluation and letter work.
Read moreUsing a PSD letter for a housing request.
Read moreWhich document fits your situation.
Read moreWhen documentation helps for a service dog.
Read moreWhen anxiety may meet the disability and task requirements.
Read moreThe full psychiatric service dog evaluation guide.
Read moreEducational information, not legal or medical advice. PawTenant connects you with licensed mental health providers. Whether an ESA or PSD is appropriate is decided by a licensed provider after a real evaluation — approval is never guaranteed, and a valid letter supports but does not guarantee a landlord’s decision. For your specific situation, consult a qualified professional or your state agency.