20 Myths About PSD Housing & Transportation Letters (and the Real Story)

When it comes to finding housing or transportation accommodations for Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs), there’s a lot of confusion, misinformation, and myth-busting that needs to happen. Whether it’s navigating the rules for apartments or accessing airlines, knowing the truth can make a world of difference. At PetCerts.com, we’re here to set the record straight.

Here are 20 common myths about PSD housing and transportation letters — and the real story behind them:

Myth 1: “A PSD letter isn’t necessary for housing or travel accommodations.”

Reality: Having a letter can streamline the process for housing and travel, helping landlords and airlines understand that your PSD is a legitimate support animal.

Myth 2: “Any dog can be considered a PSD.”

Reality: A PSD must be trained to perform specific tasks that aid in managing a mental health disability. This is different from an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or a pet.

Myth 3: “Landlords can charge extra fees for PSDs.”

Reality: Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords cannot charge extra fees or pet deposits for PSDs.

Myth 4: “All PSD letters are valid indefinitely.”

Reality: A legitimate PSD letter is usually valid for one year and may need renewal depending on the housing or travel requirements.

Myth 5: “I need to register my PSD with a government entity.”

Reality: There’s no federal registry for PSDs. Legitimate housing and travel documents from qualified providers, like PetCerts.com, are what’s needed.

Myth 6: “Housing providers can deny me even with a PSD letter.”

Reality: With a proper letter, FHA guidelines generally require housing providers to accommodate PSDs unless they present a direct threat to safety or health.

Myth 7: “PSD letters are only necessary for rental apartments, not houses.”

Reality: A PSD letter can be useful in any rental housing situation to avoid pet-related fees and ensure accommodations.

Myth 8: “Airlines no longer accept PSDs since the ESA rule change.”

Reality: Airlines still allow PSDs for passengers with appropriate documentation, as these animals are trained service animals.

Myth 9: “A PSD letter will guarantee my dog can travel in-cabin on flights.”

Reality: While a PSD letter is essential, individual airlines have different rules and may have specific requirements.

Myth 10: “I can use the same letter for both housing and travel.”

Reality: While some letters may serve both purposes, it's wise to have separate documentation tailored to each need.

Myth 11: “Any licensed professional can provide a PSD letter.”

Reality: PSD letters should be issued by a licensed mental health professional familiar with your needs, such as those found through PetCerts.com.

Myth 12: “I need to disclose my specific mental health diagnosis for a PSD letter.”

Reality: A valid letter does not require specific diagnoses; it simply states that a PSD is part of your treatment.

Myth 13: “Landlords can ask detailed questions about my condition.”

Reality: Under FHA, landlords cannot ask about the nature of your disability, only whether the PSD is required for it.

Myth 14: “Online services are not credible for PSD letters.”

Reality: Reputable online providers, like PetCerts.com, connect clients with licensed professionals, offering credible support letters.

Myth 15: “PSD letters are only valid in certain states.”

Reality: PSD letters follow federal guidelines and are valid across all states, making them widely applicable for housing and transportation.

Myth 16: “I can’t have multiple PSDs if I need them.”

Reality: You can have more than one PSD if your condition requires it, though you may need separate letters for each dog.

Myth 17: “Once I have a PSD letter, I’m free from any responsibilities.”

Reality: While a PSD letter provides important access, owners are responsible for their dog’s behavior and ensuring it does not disrupt or pose risks.

Myth 18: “I can claim any service animal as a PSD.”

Reality: PSDs are specifically trained to perform tasks that assist with psychiatric conditions; other types of service animals may be trained for different needs.

Myth 19: “PSD letters are extremely expensive.”

Reality: Affordable and legitimate PSD letters are available through trusted providers like PetCerts.com, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Myth 20: “A PSD letter means my dog can go anywhere.”

Reality: While a PSD letter grants access to housing and certain travel accommodations, it does not guarantee access to all public spaces like service animals trained for other disabilities.

Why Trust PetCerts.com?

PetCerts.com is a trusted resource for people seeking legitimate documentation for their PSDs. By connecting individuals with licensed mental health professionals who understand the needs of PSD handlers, PetCerts.com ensures that you receive legitimate documentation that meets federal guidelines and eases your path to housing and travel accommodations.