ESA vs PSD
Emotional Support Animals VS. Psychiatric Service Dogs
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) provides comfort to people with mental or emotional disorders like anxiety or depression. These animals help by offering companionship and emotional relief. They don’t require special training and can be any domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, or bird. While they aren’t allowed in all public spaces, they are legally permitted to live with their owners at home without extra pet fees, even in housing with no-pet policies.
What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?
Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) assist individuals with mental health conditions, similar to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), but with one key difference: they are specially trained to perform specific tasks related to the person’s disability like providing deep pressure therapy during anxiety or alerting to signs of a panic attack. Because of this training, PSDs have more legal rights than ESAs. They can accompany their owners in public spaces, including airplanes, restaurants, and stores, offering essential support wherever needed.
special animal
Lifelong care
State of mind
Legal Rights and Protections: A Comparison
Three main federal laws apply to assistance animals in the U.S.: the Fair Housing Act (FHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Each of these laws provides specific rights and protections depending on the type of assistance animal. Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are recognized under all three, meaning they’re allowed in housing (FHA), public spaces such as restaurants or stores (ADA), and on airplanes (ACAA). These dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with mental health disabilities, which qualifies them for broader access.
Emotional support animals (ESAs), however, are only protected under the Fair Housing Act. This law ensures that individuals with verified mental or emotional conditions can live with their ESA, even in housing with no-pet policies, and without paying additional pet-related fees or deposits. However, unlike PSDs, ESAs are not granted access to public spaces or airline cabins under federal law.
If you only need support at home, an ESA may be enough. For constant support, a trained psychiatric service dog is a better choice.
Emma Wilson
Easy Steps to Get Your ESA Letter
Follow these simple steps to get your ESA letter quickly and easily in Canada.
Quick assessment
Help us support you better by answering a few simple questions.
Talk to a therapist
Schedule a private session with a certified mental health specialist to determine your eligibility.
Your receive your letter!
Get your ESA letter within 24 to 48 hours after approval.
Can All Pets Qualify as an ESA or PSD?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can be any domesticated animal dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, or even lizards and miniature horses that helps ease emotional or psychological symptoms. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t require special training, but usually need a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD), however, must be a dog trained to perform tasks like interrupting panic attacks or reminding the owner to take medication. PSDs are recognized under the ADA, granting them wider public access than ESAs.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects your right to live with a PSD of any breed, as long as it’s well-behaved and under your control. Housing providers must reasonably accommodate both ESAs and PSDs with valid documentation.
Training your own PSD through an online course is a cost-effective option compared to hiring a professional.
Lucas Brown
Key Differences Between ESAs & PSDs
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Exempt from charges related to pet accommodation.
Support your psychological wellness.
Not eligible for complimentary air travel.
Not permitted in public areas.
No specific training needed.
Pets of any breed are welcome.
Let's Care For Each Other
Deciding between a psychiatric service dog (PSD) and an emotional support animal (ESA) depends on the nature of your mental health needs. An ESA can provide valuable comfort at home, while a PSD is more suitable if you require trained assistance with specific tasks or support in public settings due to a more complex condition.
Key Differences Between ESAs & PSDs
Psychiatric Servicer Dogs (PSD)
Pet accommodation fees waived.
Skilled in providing mental health support.
Can travel on airlines for free
Permitted in public areas.
Basic training required.
Dogs only
If You Need Help, Get A Consultation Now!
What Tasks can a PSD Perform?
Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) can be trained to help with daily tasks, no matter the owner’s mental health condition. They may offer deep pressure therapy, respond to seizures, retrieve medication, or intervene during emotional crises. PSDs provide essential practical and emotional support.
What are the Costs Associated With ESAs and PSDs?
Both ESAs and PSDs come with financial responsibilities. Pre-trained PSDs can cost over $20,000, but adopting and training a dog yourself is a more budget-friendly option that also builds a stronger bond. ESAs are less costly since no special training is needed just the pet and an ESA letter. However, basic obedience training is still recommended if your ESA is a dog.
How to Train Your Own PSD
Training your psychiatric service dog (PSD) can be simple and rewarding, even without prior experience. Pettable’s award-winning online course offers expert guidance, allowing you to train at your own pace. The program covers obedience, public access, travel behavior, and custom training for your needs. Start your journey with Pettable today!
