What federal laws protect service animals and support animals?

Three federal laws provide protection: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers service dogs in public places and workplaces; the Fair Housing Act (FHA) covers both service animals and emotional support animals in housing; and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) covers trained service dogs on airlines. Each law has different definitions and requirements.

What if my support animal documentation is not accepted by my landlord or airline?

TheraPetic documentation is issued by Licensed Clinical Doctors with verified NPI numbers, state license numbers, and direct contact information on every letterhead — meeting all Fair Housing Act and DOT requirements. Landlords can verify instantly at officialserviceanimal.com. If still denied, you can file a complaint with HUD at no cost. For airlines, your DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form is included and delivered same-day.

Do I need to register my service dog?

No. There is no legitimate government-run service dog registry in the United States. Any website claiming you must register your service dog in a national database for a fee is selling something with no legal standing. The only documentation that matters is clinical documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.

What is the difference between a PSD and an ESA?

A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is trained to perform specific tasks for a mental health disability and has public access rights under the ADA. An emotional support animal (ESA) provides therapeutic comfort through companionship and is protected in housing under the Fair Housing Act. PSDs can go anywhere the public goes; ESAs are protected at home.

Can my landlord say no to my ESA?

A landlord may only deny a request if the documentation does not meet Fair Housing Act requirements, the specific animal poses a direct threat that cannot be mitigated, or the accommodation would cause fundamental alteration to the property. They cannot deny based on breed, size, weight, or a general no-pet policy.

Can I fly with my emotional support animal?

Emotional support animals no longer have guaranteed airline cabin access under federal law. However, trained psychiatric service dogs are permitted in the cabin with the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. TheraPetic documentation includes these forms for qualified psychiatric service dogs, delivered same-day.

Is the screening really free?

Yes. The 3-minute screening is completely free — no cost, no account required, no obligation. The screening uses validated clinical assessment tools to determine if you may benefit from support animal documentation. You only pay if you choose to proceed with a clinical evaluation and qualify for documentation.

What documentation does the Fair Housing Act require for a support animal?

The FHA requires documentation from a licensed healthcare provider confirming you have a disability or disability-related condition and a disability-related need for the support animal. The provider must be licensed in your state. TheraPetic documentation includes all required elements plus the provider's NPI number and a verification code for landlord authentication.

Can an airline refuse my psychiatric service dog?

Airlines may require a DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form completed at least 48 hours before departure. They may deny a service dog that is not under the handler's control or if forms are not completed. They cannot deny based on breed. TheraPetic includes pre-completed DOT forms in every package, delivered same-day.

What is Section 504 and how does it affect support animals?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits disability discrimination in programs receiving federal funding — including public universities, government housing, and federally assisted programs. This means college dorms, public housing authorities, and federally funded facilities must accommodate support animals.

How do I file a complaint if my housing rights are violated?

You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) online, by phone, or by mail at no cost. Your TheraPetic documentation includes the provider's license number, NPI, and contact information — all elements HUD requires during an investigation.

My landlord is demanding documentation within 48 hours — can TheraPetic help?

Yes. TheraPetic delivers documentation same-day. There is no federal law requiring you to produce documentation within 48 hours — HUD guidance gives landlords 10 business days to respond. Your documentation includes provider credentials for immediate verification at officialserviceanimal.com.

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