Tennessee service dog laws
Tennessee's access statute, Tenn. Code Ann. 62-7-112, is written around dog guides for people who are blind, deaf or hard of hearing, or physically disabled. Because the state text names those groups, psychiatric service dog handlers look mostly to the ADA, which clearly covers them. The state law still adds trainer rules and penalties worth knowing.
- Businesses can't require proof that a dog guide is certified, trained or licensed, and wrongly refusing entry is a Class C misdemeanor under 62-7-112.
- Trainers from a recognized program may bring a harnessed or leashed dog in training if they carry credentials from an accredited training school.
- Falsely presenting an animal as a service animal or one in training to a business is a Class B misdemeanor, plus 100 hours of community service.
- Knowingly harming a service animal is a Class A misdemeanor, and courts must order restitution for vet bills, retraining and related costs (39-14-216).
Source: Tenn. Code Ann. 62-7-112
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 Tennessee ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in Tennessee
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.
Tennessee 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 Tennessee
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Civil Rights Enforcement Division or file a complaint with HUD.
