New York service dog laws
Sections 47 through 47-c of New York's Civil Rights Law protect people who rely on guide, hearing and service dogs, and those rules sit side by side with the ADA. Under Section 47-b, a service dog includes one being individually trained to do work or tasks for a person with a disability. Businesses may not add charges or extra conditions for admitting the dog.
- Section 47-b(3) gives anyone training a dog to aid people with disabilities the same rights during training that a handler would have.
- Breaking these access rules is an offense under Section 47-c, and repeat violations can bring a $1,000 fine.
- Agriculture and Markets Law Section 118 makes it a violation to knowingly attach a false guide, service, therapy or hearing dog tag to a dog, with higher fines for repeat offenses.
- When a dog goes to work with you under Section 47-a, the law expects it to have been trained by a qualified person.
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 New York ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in New York
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.
New York 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 New York
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the New York State Division of Human Rights or file a complaint with HUD.