About Psychiatric Service Dogs
A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) is a type of service animal specifically trained to assist people with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychiatric disabilities. Unlike emotional support animals, which provide comfort through their presence, psychiatric service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate their handler’s psychiatric symptoms.
PSDs provide a sense of security and stability. They can be trained to recognize the onset of panic attacks and respond with tactile stimulation or grounding techniques, remind their handler to take medication, perform room searches for individuals with PTSD, and wake their handler from nightmares.
People with psychiatric disabilities often face challenges in social interactions. A psychiatric service dog can serve as a bridge in social situations, offering a focal point and helping to reduce social anxiety — allowing their handler to navigate social settings more comfortably.
What’s included in your PSD letter
PSD ID and verification
Your Psychiatric Service Dog ID and a means of verification.
Healthcare provider’s details
Medical provider’s name, signature, National Provider Identifier (NPI), and license number.
Personal information
Your name, date of birth (DOB), and your medical diagnosis.
