You don’t need any documents to prove that you have a service dog. Under ADA rules, staff can only ask two questions: 1. Is the dog a service dog required for a disability? and 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

You do not need a “certificate” for an emotional support animal. You will need a letter from your licensed healthcare provider. We recommend checking to see if a doctor or therapist covered by your insurance can help you.

ESAs do not have workplace rights unfortunately, but service dogs do. To qualify, your friend would need to confirm that she has an eligible ADA mental health disability, and also a dog that has been individually trained to do a job or task related to that disability.

A friend of mine drives an 18 wheeler. She often has to spend the night alone in her truck. The route she drives has had a few women attacked while parked at night. She experienced childhood trauma and is having increasing difficulty sleeping for fear of being attacked. She has a large bully dog who protects her at home but wants to know if she would qualify for a ESD or a PSD so she could take him on the road. The company she drives for does not allow them to carry weapons or to carry a dog so women are left without protection.

PSD letters are helpful but do not have to be submitted to airlines in order to fly with a psychiatric service dog. You would need to complete the DOT’s Service Animal Transportation Form: https://esadoctors.com/dot-service-animal-air-transportation-form/

I would need this when flying.

If you are the trainer you can put yourself down on the form. Please see this article for information on how to complete the DOT form: https://esadoctors.com/dot-service-animal-air-transportation-form/