Comments on: How to Make Your ESA Into a Psychiatric Service Dog

By: Laura Palmer

Laura Palmer — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 21:07:44 +0000

In reply to ESA Doctors. I have diagnosed PTSD. My dog is my anchor if I go out in public. I need full access for him.

By: ESA Doctors

ESA Doctors — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:26:02 +0000

In reply to Joy Clements. ESAs are not the same as PSDs. The animal can only be a PSD if the handler requires the animal to perform a specialized task or job that assists with the disability. If the animal helps with mental health conditions just through its presence, then it is more suited as an emotional support animal.

By: Joy Clements

Joy Clements — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 18:48:32 +0000

I have PTSD anxiety and depression , I have a very hard time being out in public especially if there are many people around I am almost in panic mode if people are behind me or if people are in the same isle in the store , right now my dog is a ESA dog the stores have been kind enough to allow her to be with me since she is a small dog and kept in a Carry pouch for dogs would Candy quality as a PSD dog

By: ESA Doctors

ESA Doctors — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 22:45:18 +0000

In reply to rae davis.

PSDs are not required to have documentation. However, some PSD owners will obtain a PSD letter: https://esadoctors.com/how-to-get-a-psychiatric-service-dog-letter/

By: rae davis

rae davis — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:12:53 +0000

I’m wondering, where do I go to get legal documentation required to make my dog a PSD? Is there an establishment or place that will give me the proper paperwork to finalize her training as a service animal? or is all I need a letter from a therapist???

By: Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson — Sat, 21 May 2022 00:33:40 +0000

It should also be noted that just because your dog does something that helps you, it does not make it any kind of service dog. Even if the dog “alerts” to you, it must be shaped/trained into a specific response and then proofed. The dog will also need to undergo public access training to be considered a service dog of any kind. I’m a service dog handler of 9 years.

By: ESA Doctors

ESA Doctors — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 21:27:36 +0000

In reply to Irene Lizzardi.

Thank you! If you would like additional information on the paperwork required to fly with a PSD, we recommend this article: https://esadoctors.com/dot-service-animal-air-transportation-form/

By: Irene Lizzardi

Irene Lizzardi — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:28:03 +0000

Excellent information. Thank you for posting. I will share the information. I knew that the Airlines had changed their rules in allowing ESA dogs due to many people that used their unruly pets as excuses, and became a public hazard for passengers. I was not aware that there was a specific PSA. I think it is excellent, as so many people with legitimate diagnoses have been harmed by the change in airline industry. I believe there will be less deception if a licensed doctor must provide a letter with diagnosis as requirement. I am inclined to believe there will be less corruption, and legitimate doctors will not be willing to put their medical doctor licences, and careers on the line.

Thank you.

By: ESA Doctors

ESA Doctors — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 02:15:59 +0000

In reply to Anna Johnston.

That could be a task provided by a psychiatric service dog. You would also need to have a “disability” that the dog assists with, as such term is defined under the DOT’s air travel rules. If you need a licensed healthcare professional to evaluate whether you have a psychiatric disability, we can help you here: https://esadoctors.com/psychiatric-service-dog-letter/

By: Anna Johnston

Anna Johnston — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 22:52:34 +0000

I am 76 yrs old and have nightmares and night terrors. I often throw myself to the floor during dreams. Because of my age this is very dangerous. I have tried bed rails but they are not convenient.
For about a year now my 8lb dog has been waking me if I am having nightmares. He is persistent and does not let me fall asleep again until I am fully awake . I have not had any ‘sleep falls’ since he started this. I have come to depend on his assistance. Can his assistance be considered a PSD? I don’t travel much but it would be reassuring to have him with me. Is it too much hassle to try to get him approved.