Pennsylvania service dog laws
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act protects people who use, handle or train guide or support animals because of a disability, and that state protection runs alongside the ADA in businesses, housing, schools and workplaces. In its proposed guidance, the Human Relations Commission reads the Act's term 'guide animal' as matching a federal service animal: a dog or miniature horse individually trained to do work or perform tasks.
- Training is a protected activity under the Act, and the Commission's guidance defines a trainer as someone who trains or raises assistance animals for people with disabilities.
- Act 118 of 2018 penalizes dressing an animal that is not an assistance animal in a vest, harness, collar or sign suggesting it is one, with fines up to $1,000.
- The Commission's guidance says service animals need no certificate or license, must stay under the handler's control and are not pets.
Source: PHRC: Assistance, Emotional Support, and Service Animal Guidance
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 Pennsylvania ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in Pennsylvania
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.
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or file a complaint with HUD.
