North Carolina service dog laws
North Carolina keeps its service animal rules in Chapter 168 of the General Statutes, and they apply on top of the ADA. G.S. 168-4.2 lets a person with a disability bring a service animal trained for that disability into public places and keep it on property they rent or lease. The state offers an optional tag, but showing the animal is trained or in training also works.
- A trainer may bring a service animal in training into the same places, as long as its collar, leash, harness or cape identifies it as in training. The trainer pays for any damage.
- Disguising an animal as a service animal, or as one in training, is a Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 168-4.5.
- The same section makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor to deny a handler these rights or to charge a fee for having a service animal.
Source: N.C. General Statutes Chapter 168, Article 1 (G.S. 168-4.2 and 168-4.5)
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 North Carolina ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in North Carolina
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.
North Carolina 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 North Carolina
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, Housing Discrimination Section or file a complaint with HUD.