Minnesota service dog laws
Minnesota's service dog access law is Minnesota Statutes section 256C.02, which lets people with disabilities bring a service dog into public places and gives the same right to someone training a service dog. That trainer provision goes beyond the ADA. The state also penalizes people who pass off a pet as a service animal in a place of public accommodation.
- Section 256C.02 lets a person who is training a dog to be a service dog bring it into the same public places a handler can.
- Under section 609.833, a first offense for misrepresenting a service animal is a petty misdemeanor; repeat offenses are misdemeanors.
- Minn. Stat. 363A.09, subd. 5 gives service animal users full and equal access to rental property with no extra charge for the animal.
- Businesses may post signs saying service animals are welcome and that misrepresentation is against Minnesota law.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 256C.02
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 Minnesota ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in Minnesota
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.
Minnesota 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 Minnesota
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights or file a complaint with HUD.