Kentucky service dog laws
KRS 258.500 is Kentucky's service animal law, and it uses the term assistance dog. It secures entry to restaurants, hotels, theaters, public buildings and transit, and lets staff ask only whether the dog is an assistance dog and what it does. Task-trained psychiatric service dogs qualify; an emotional support animal does not get these public access rights.
- Trainers of assistance dogs share the access rights in KRS 258.500 but must carry identification showing they are trainers.
- Falsely claiming a dog is an assistance dog to get an accommodation is a violation carrying a fine of up to $1,000 under KRS 258.991.
- Denying access or interfering with an assistance dog team can bring a fine of $500 to $1,000.
- Kentucky expects handlers to keep the dog vaccinated, tagged, licensed, leashed and under control for these protections to apply.
Source: KRS 258.500
How a PSD letter differs from an ESA letter
Psychiatric service dog
Trained to perform specific tasks. Can go into stores, restaurants and the airplane cabin with you.
Emotional support animal
Helps through companionship, with no task training. Covered for housing only. See the Kentucky ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in Kentucky
Book a time
Choose a phone or video slot and tell us about your dog and the tasks it performs.
Talk with a clinician
A licensed clinician reviews your symptoms and how the dog's training helps you.
Your signed letter arrives
If approved, your signed letter is emailed as a PDF. If not, you are not charged.
Kentucky PSD letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PSD letter | One or two dogs | $149 |
| PSD letter | 3 dogs | $229 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
Service dog housing rights in Kentucky
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights or file a complaint with HUD.