We Fight for Your Rights as a Service Dog HandlerLuchamos por Sus Derechos como Dueño de Perro de Servicio
Service Dog of America helps protect people with disabilities who rely on trained service dogs. We teach you your rights, help when you face unfair treatment, and work to stop fake service dogs from causing problems.Service Dog of America ayuda a proteger a las personas con discapacidades que dependen de perros de servicio entrenados.
Protecting Real Service Dog HandlersProtegiendo a los Verdaderos Dueños de Perros de Servicio
We believe every person with a disability who uses a trained service dog deserves to live without barriers. We educate handlers about their rights, help businesses understand the law, and fight against fake service dogs that hurt everyone. Our goal is simple: make life easier and fairer for people who truly need their service dogs.Creemos que toda persona con discapacidad que usa un perro de servicio entrenado merece vivir sin barreras.
Simple, Transparent PricingPrecios Simples y Transparentes
All packages include evaluation by a licensed mental health professional in your state.Todos los paquetes incluyen evaluación por un profesional de salud mental.
BasicBasic
- Clinical evaluation with Licensed Clinical DoctorEvaluación clínica con terapeuta licenciado
- ESA or PSD letterCarta ESA o PSD
- Digital documentsDocumentos digitales
- 1 year portal access1 año de acceso al portal
- Email & chat supportSoporte por email y chat
UltimateUltimate
- Everything in Basic, plus:Todo en Basic, más:
- Service dog / support animal registrationRegistro de perro de servicio / animal de apoyo
- Searchable verification databaseBase de datos de verificación
- Digital registration certificateCertificado de registro digital
- Priority supportSoporte prioritario
UltimateUltimate
- Everything in Premium, plus:Todo en Premium, más:
- Physical identification tagEtiqueta de identificación física
- Service animal leashCorrea de animal de servicio
- Printed documents packetPaquete de documentos impresos
- Physical registration cardTarjeta de registro física
Support Animal Letter vs. Service Dog Letter & Forms Carta de Animal de Apoyo vs. Carta y Formularios de Perro de Servicio
TheraPetic® offers both — so every client gets the documentation that truly fits their situation. Here's a plain-English side-by-side to help you decide. TheraPetic® ofrece ambos — para que cada cliente reciba la documentación que realmente se ajusta a su situación. Aquí tiene una comparación clara para ayudarle a decidir.
Support Animal Letter Carta de Animal de Apoyo
A signed clinical letter from a Licensed Clinical Doctor confirming an emotional or mental health condition and that a companion animal is part of your care plan. It's the documentation landlords ask for under the Fair Housing Act. Una carta clínica firmada por un Doctor Clínico Licenciado que confirma una condición emocional o de salud mental y que un animal de compañía es parte de su plan de cuidado. Es la documentación que los propietarios solicitan bajo la Ley de Vivienda Justa.
- Who it's for: People whose condition is eased by the presence of an animal — anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic, grief. Para quién es: Personas cuya condición se alivia con la presencia de un animal — ansiedad, depresión, TEPT, pánico, duelo.
- Any species: Dog, cat, rabbit, bird — whatever helps you. Cualquier especie: Perro, gato, conejo, ave — lo que le ayude.
- No task training required: The animal provides comfort by being present. No requiere entrenamiento: El animal da consuelo con su presencia.
- Housing protection: Fair Housing Act — "no pets" rules and pet deposits can be waived. Protección de vivienda: Ley de Vivienda Justa — se pueden eximir reglas de "no mascotas" y depósitos.
- Not for: Public access (stores, restaurants) or airline cabin travel (rules changed in 2021). No aplica para: Acceso público (tiendas, restaurantes) ni cabina de aerolíneas (reglas cambiaron en 2021).
Service Dog Letter & Training Forms Carta y Formularios de Entrenamiento de Perro de Servicio
A clinical letter confirming a qualifying disability, plus the training documentation airlines and public venues expect. Our triple-reviewer model pairs a Licensed Clinical Doctor with a certified trainer (CSDT #6202) and veterinary review. Una carta clínica que confirma una discapacidad calificada, más la documentación de entrenamiento que aerolíneas y lugares públicos esperan. Nuestro modelo revisa con un Doctor Clínico Licenciado, entrenador certificado (CSDT #6202) y revisión veterinaria.
- Who it's for: People whose disability substantially limits daily activities and whose dog is trained to perform specific tasks. Para quién es: Personas cuya discapacidad limita sustancialmente actividades diarias y cuyo perro está entrenado para tareas específicas.
- Dogs only: Must be trained to perform at least one disability-related task. Solo perros: Debe estar entrenado para realizar al menos una tarea relacionada con la discapacidad.
- Training support included: Task logs, handler guides, and Training Plus documentation are available. Apoyo de entrenamiento incluido: Registros de tareas, guías para el manejador y documentación Training Plus disponibles.
- Public access (ADA): Service dogs are allowed where pets are not — stores, restaurants, workplaces. Acceso público (ADA): Los perros de servicio son permitidos donde las mascotas no — tiendas, restaurantes, trabajos.
- Air travel (ACAA): Protected for cabin travel with the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Viaje aéreo (ACAA): Protegido para cabina con el Formulario del DOT de EE.UU. de Transporte Aéreo de Animal de Servicio.
| What It Covers Qué Cubre | Support Animal Animal de Apoyo | Service Dog Perro de Servicio |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Fair Housing Act)Vivienda | ✓ | ✓ |
| Public access (stores, restaurants)Acceso público | — | ✓ |
| Airline cabin travelCabina de aerolínea | — | ✓ |
| Species allowedEspecies | AnyCualquiera | Dogs onlySolo perros |
| Task training requiredEntrenamiento de tareas | — | ✓ |
| Reviewed by Licensed Clinical DoctorRevisado por Doctor Clínico Licenciado | ✓ | ✓ |
All prices are tax-deductible donations to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. There is no mandatory federal registration for service dogs - our documentation helps reduce confrontations and explains your rights.Todos los precios son donaciones deducibles de impuestos. Garantía de satisfacción del 100%.
Service Dog vs ESA vs Therapy DogPerro de Servicio vs ESA vs Perro de Terapia
These terms are often confused. Here's a simple breakdown of the differences and what rights each provides.Estos términos a menudo se confunden. Aquí hay un desglose simple.
| FeatureCaracterística | Service DogPerro de Servicio | Emotional Support AnimalAnimal de Apoyo Emocional | Therapy DogPerro de Terapia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trained for specific tasks?¿Entrenado para tareas? | ✓ Yes, requiredSí, requerido | ✗ NoNo | ✓ Yes, for therapySí, para terapia |
| Public access (stores, restaurants)?¿Acceso público? | ✓ Yes (ADA)Sí (ADA) | ✗ NoNo | ✗ NoNo |
| Housing rights?¿Derechos de vivienda? | ✓ Yes (FHA)Sí (FHA) | ✓ Yes (FHA)Sí (FHA) | ✗ NoNo |
| Airline cabin access?¿Acceso en cabina de avión? | ✓ Yes (ACAA)Sí (ACAA) | ✗ No (as of 2021)No (desde 2021) | ✗ NoNo |
| Documentation needed?¿Documentación necesaria? | Not required by law, but helpfulNo requerida, pero útil | Letter from licensed providerCarta de proveedor | Certification from therapy orgCertificación de organización |
The "Two Question" RuleLa Regla de "Dos Preguntas"
Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), businesses are only allowed to ask you two questions about your service dog. That's it. Knowing this can help you feel confident when you go out in public.Bajo la ADA, los negocios solo pueden hacerle dos preguntas sobre su perro de servicio.
These rules protect your privacy while still letting businesses make sure a dog is actually a trained service animal.Estas reglas protegen su privacidad.
Take Our Free ScreeningTome Nuestra Evaluación GratisThe Only 2 Questions They Can Ask:Las Únicas 2 Preguntas Que Pueden Hacer:
"Is this dog required because of a disability?""¿Este perro es necesario debido a una discapacidad?"
"What work or task has the dog been trained to do?""¿Qué trabajo o tarea ha sido entrenado para hacer el perro?"
🚫 They CANNOT Ask:🚫 NO Pueden Preguntar:
- What is your disability?¿Cuál es su discapacidad?
- Can I see your medical records?¿Puedo ver sus registros médicos?
- Show me your service dog ID cardMuéstreme su tarjeta de identificación
- Make your dog perform a taskHaga que su perro realice una tarea
How Our Process WorksCómo Funciona Nuestro Proceso
Free ScreeningEvaluación Gratis
Answer simple questions to see if you might qualify for documentation.Responda preguntas simples para ver si podría calificar.
Provider MatchConexión con Proveedor
We connect you with a licensed mental health provider in your state.Lo conectamos con un proveedor licenciado en su estado.
EvaluationEvaluación
Complete your evaluation online - usually takes about 15 minutes.Complete su evaluación en línea - usualmente toma 15 minutos.
Get Your LetterObtenga Su Carta
If approved, receive your documentation instantly by email.Si es aprobado, reciba su documentación al instante.
Beware of Service Dog ScamsCuidado con las Estafas de Perros de Servicio
Unfortunately, the internet is full of websites selling fake "certifications" and "registries" that have no legal value. Here's how to spot a scam and protect yourself:Desafortunadamente, Internet está lleno de sitios web que venden "certificaciones" y "registros" falsos que no tienen valor legal.
🚨 Red Flags to Watch ForSeñales de Alerta
- Claims of "official" or "federal" service dog registries - these don't existAfirmaciones de registros "oficiales" - no existen
- Selling ID cards or certificates without any evaluationVenta de tarjetas de identificación sin evaluación
- Promises that a certificate gives you "legal protection"Promesas de "protección legal" con un certificado
- No Licensed Clinical Doctors involvedSin Doctores Clínicos Licenciados
- Instant approval without asking about your conditionAprobación instantánea sin preguntas sobre su condición
✅ What Legitimate Services ProvideLo Que Ofrecen Servicios Legítimos
- Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional in your stateEvaluación por un profesional de salud mental licenciado en su estado
- Clear explanation that no federal registry existsExplicación clara de que no existe registro federal
- Education about your actual legal rights under ADA/FHAEducación sobre sus derechos legales bajo ADA/FHA
- Transparent pricing with no hidden feesPrecios transparentes sin cargos ocultos
- Nonprofit status with verifiable tax-exempt credentialsEstado sin fines de lucro con credenciales verificables
Important Fact: Under the ADA, no registration, certification, ID card, or vest is legally required for a service dog. What matters is that your dog is trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability. However, proper documentation from a licensed provider can help reduce confrontations and educate others about your rights.Dato Importante: Bajo la ADA, no se requiere legalmente ningún registro, certificación o tarjeta de identificación para un perro de servicio. Lo que importa es que su perro esté entrenado para realizar tareas específicas relacionadas con su discapacidad.
Ready to See If You Qualify?¿Listo para Ver Si Califica?
Take a free, anonymous assessment to see if you might qualify for service dog or emotional support animal documentation. No obligation. No credit card required.Tome una evaluación gratuita para ver si podría calificar. Sin obligación. Sin tarjeta de crédito.
Start Free AssessmentComenzar Evaluación GratisWhat People Say About UsLo Que Dicen Sobre Nosotros
"I was so confused about my rights until I found this website. They explained everything in words I could understand. Now I know exactly what to say when someone questions my service dog.""Estaba tan confundida sobre mis derechos hasta que encontré este sitio web. Explicaron todo en palabras que pude entender."
"When my landlord tried to kick out my support animal, the letter I got helped me stay in my apartment. The process was quick and the staff was so helpful.""Cuando mi propietario trató de echar a mi animal de apoyo, la carta me ayudó a quedarme en mi apartamento."
"The prices were exactly what they said - no surprise fees. They took time to answer all my questions. This organization truly cares about helping people.""Los precios fueron exactamente lo que dijeron - sin cargos sorpresa. Esta organización realmente se preocupa por ayudar."
Our Clinical Team
Every article is written by our team and clinically reviewed. Meet the experts behind our content.
Find Your Package in Under a Minute Encuentre Su Paquete en Menos de un Minuto
Answer three quick questions. We'll recommend the package that fits your situation — no pressure, no guarantees. Responda tres preguntas rápidas. Le recomendaremos el paquete que se ajuste a su situación — sin presión, sin garantías.
What do you primarily need documentation for? ¿Para qué necesita documentación principalmente?
Would you like your animal permanently listed in the International Registry? ¿Desea que su animal esté permanentemente en el Registro Internacional?
Lifetime registry means your animal stays in the database even after your letters renew. El registro de por vida significa que su animal permanece en la base de datos incluso después de renovar sus cartas.
Do you want physical items — ID card, certificate, collar tag, and leash? ¿Quiere artículos físicos — tarjeta de ID, certificado, placa de collar y correa?
Physical items are shipped to you. Digital access is included in every package. Los artículos físicos se envían por correo. El acceso digital está incluido en cada paquete.
Is your dog trained to perform specific tasks for a disability? ¿Su perro está entrenado para realizar tareas específicas para una discapacidad?
Task training is what makes a dog a Service Dog rather than a Support Animal. El entrenamiento de tareas es lo que hace que un perro sea Perro de Servicio en lugar de Animal de Apoyo.
Because your dog is task-trained, add Training Plus for the Service Dog Training Log and training documentation most venues and carriers expect. Como su perro está entrenado, agregue Training Plus para el Registro de Entrenamiento y la documentación que esperan lugares y aerolíneas.
Not ready to buy? Take our free 3-minute screening first to confirm eligibility. ¿No está listo? Tome la evaluación gratuita de 3 minutos primero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you understand your rights and our services.
Are veterans eligible for service dog documentation?▾
Does the VA pay for service dogs?▾
What rights do I have with a service dog as a veteran?▾
Can I train my own service dog as a veteran?▾
Is there really no government service dog registry?▾
What rights do veterans have with service dogs in housing?What rights do veterans have with service dogs in housing?▾
Veterans with service dogs have full protection under both the Fair Housing Act and the ADA. On-base housing, VA facilities, and private rentals must accommodate service dogs. No pet deposits, breed restrictions, or weight limits apply.
Veterans with service dogs have full protection under both the Fair Housing Act and the ADA. On-base housing, VA facilities, and private rentals must accommodate service dogs. No pet deposits, breed restrictions, or weight limits apply.
Is there a government service dog registry for veterans?Is there a government service dog registry for veterans?▾
No. There is no government registry for service dogs — for veterans or civilians. The VA does not maintain a service dog database. Any website selling veteran service dog registration as a requirement is misleading.
No. There is no government registry for service dogs — for veterans or civilians. The VA does not maintain a service dog database. Any website selling veteran service dog registration as a requirement is misleading.
What tasks can a PTSD service dog perform for veterans?What tasks can a PTSD service dog perform for veterans?▾
PTSD service dogs can be trained to wake veterans from nightmares, provide tactile grounding during flashbacks, clear rooms before the handler enters, create physical buffer space in crowds, interrupt hypervigilance behaviors, and alert to anxiety escalation.
PTSD service dogs can be trained to wake veterans from nightmares, provide tactile grounding during flashbacks, clear rooms before the handler enters, create physical buffer space in crowds, interrupt hypervigilance behaviors, and alert to anxiety escalation.
My landlord is demanding documentation within 48 hours — can TheraPetic help?My landlord is demanding documentation within 48 hours — can TheraPetic help?▾
Yes. TheraPetic delivers electronic documentation same-day. There is no federal law requiring you to produce documentation within 48 hours — HUD guidance gives landlords 10 business days to respond. Documentation includes provider credentials for immediate verification at officialserviceanimal.com.
Yes. TheraPetic delivers electronic documentation same-day. There is no federal law requiring you to produce documentation within 48 hours — HUD guidance gives landlords 10 business days to respond. Documentation includes provider credentials for immediate verification at officialserviceanimal.com.
How does TheraPetic help with airline documentation and the DOT 48-hour requirement?How does TheraPetic help with airline documentation and the DOT 48-hour requirement?▾
Airlines require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure. Every TheraPetic package includes pre-completed DOT forms signed by your Licensed Clinical Doctor, delivered same-day — ready for PCS relocations and travel.
Airlines require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure. Every TheraPetic package includes pre-completed DOT forms signed by your Licensed Clinical Doctor, delivered same-day — ready for PCS relocations and travel.
What if my support animal documentation is not accepted?What if my support animal documentation is not accepted?▾
TheraPetic documentation meets all Fair Housing Act and DOT requirements with verified NPI numbers and state license numbers on every letterhead. Landlords can verify at officialserviceanimal.com. If denied, file a complaint with HUD at no cost.
TheraPetic documentation meets all Fair Housing Act and DOT requirements with verified NPI numbers and state license numbers on every letterhead. Landlords can verify at officialserviceanimal.com. If denied, file a complaint with HUD at no cost.
Do you accept HSA and FSA for veteran documentation?Do you accept HSA and FSA for veteran documentation?▾
Yes. TheraPetic accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Affirm. Our MCC 8099 classification qualifies for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
Yes. TheraPetic accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Affirm. Our MCC 8099 classification qualifies for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
Published by Our FounderPublicado por Nuestro Fundador
Part of The Invisible Series — exploring the unseen forces that shape disability, law, identity, and the human-animal bond.Parte de La Serie Invisible — explorando las fuerzas invisibles que moldean la discapacidad, la ley, la identidad y el vínculo humano-animal.
Independent Reviews We Don't ControlReseñas Independientes Que No Controlamos
We can't edit or remove what people say. That's real transparency.No podemos editar ni eliminar lo que la gente dice. Eso es transparencia real.
