How to Qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog (Simple ADA Guide)

The ADA’s Two‑Part Test (Made Easy)

You may qualify as a service‑dog team if both are true:

1) Disability
You have a mental health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., sleeping, concentrating, thinking, communicating, emotional regulation, working, learning, social interaction).

2) Trained Tasks
Your dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks that help with those limitations (more than comfort by presence).

Good to know: PSDs can be self‑trained or professionally trained. What matters is reliable task performance and appropriate behavior in public (dog is under control and housebroken).

PSD Tasks: What They Look Like (quick examples)

Choose tasks that directly address your symptoms and everyday challenges.

B) PTSD
Night‑Terror Interruption: Dog wakes you when it detects movements/vocalizations during nightmares.

Crowd Buffer (“Blocking”): Dog positions to create comfortable space in lines or crowded rooms.

Exit to Safe Spot: On cue, dog guides you to a door or pre‑mapped quiet area during flashback onset.

C) Depression & Executive Function
Motivation Cues: Structured prompts to begin morning routine (retrieve clothing item, nudge to bathroom).

Medication Assist: Dog retrieves a med pouch or alerts at set times.

Item Retrieval: Fetches water/phone during episodes of low energy.

D) ADHD/Autism/OCD
Task‑Start/Transition Cue: Gentle alerts to begin tasks or switch activities.

Interrupt Harmful Compulsions: Dog interrupts specific repetitive behaviors when they become unsafe or function‑limiting.

Wayfinding to Low‑Stim Space: Leads you to a quieter area to prevent overload or escalation.

One‑line task format for your log: “On cue or trigger X, my dog performs Y, which mitigates Z.”

Training: What “Good Enough” Looks Like (self‑trained or pro)

1. Reliability: Task happens on cue or trigger, not randomly.
2. Generalization: Works in multiple settings (home, store, sidewalk).
3. Public Manners: No lunging or uncontrolled barking; settles under tables; ignores food and strangers.
4. Health & Hygiene: Vaccinated as required; clean; safe around people/animals.

Helpful prep (optional but practical):

1. Task Planner & Training Log (document cues/triggers and progress)
2. Wallet task summary (short description of tasks)
3. Handler identification gear (vest/ID/patch leash) to reduce interruptions and keep conversations brief

Public Access: The Essentials for PSD Teams

Where you can go: Most places open to the public (stores, restaurants, hotels, rideshares, public transit).

When access can be limited:

• Dog is out of control or not housebroken.
• Presence would fundamentally alter the service (e.g., sterile surgical suites).
• Locations not covered by ADA public‑accommodation rules (e.g., certain religious organizations and truly private clubs).

What staff may ask (only two):

• “Is the dog required because of a disability?”
• “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?”

Not allowed: request medical details or diagnosis; require the dog to perform the task on the spot; charge pet fees (they may charge for actual damage if it occurs).

Build your Handler Support Kit — vest + ID card + task‑log templates → be ready for real‑world interactions without oversharing medical details.