Montana service dog laws
Montana's public access rule for service animals is MCA 49-4-214, which covers both working dogs and animals in training and gives trainers the same rights as handlers. The statute adopts the ADA's two permitted questions. Montana also has a misrepresentation law with an unusual twist: a person must first receive a written warning before a fake service animal claim can become a misdemeanor.
- Under MCA 49-4-214, a service animal in training must wear gear stating that in writing, legible from at least 20 feet away.
- Someone training a service animal has the same rights and responsibilities in public places as a handler with a disability.
- MCA 49-4-222 sets fines of $50 for a first misrepresentation offense, rising to as much as $1,000 for a third, after a prior written warning.
- Montana's ESA documentation rules expressly do not apply to service animals, so a trained psychiatric service dog is handled separately in housing.
Source: MCA 49-4-214
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 Montana ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in Montana
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.
Montana 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 Montana
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the Montana Human Rights Bureau or file a complaint with HUD.