Do I legally need a PSD letter?

The ADA does not require certification. However, a clinician's PSD recommendation letter strongly supports housing accommodations and air travel under DOT rules.

How is a PSD letter different from an ESA letter?

A PSD letter recommends a service dog trained to perform tasks (ADA public access). An ESA letter supports housing-only emotional support animals (FHA, no public access).

Does the dog need to be already trained?

No — the ADA allows owner-training. Many handlers begin PSD training after receiving the recommendation letter.

How to Get a PSD Letter in Colorado

A complete clinical and legal guide to obtaining a Psychiatric Service Dog recommendation under the ADA — written by Colorado-licensed clinicians.

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Two Things You Must Establish

1. Qualifying Disability

A psychiatric disability under the ADA — substantially limiting one or more major life activities. Documented via clinical evaluation.

2. Trained Task

A specific behavior the dog performs (or will be trained to perform) that directly mitigates symptoms of your disability.

The 6-Step Process

1
Free 7-minute online PSD screening
2
45-minute clinical evaluation by Colorado-licensed clinician
3
ADA-compliant recommendation letter (72 hr)
4
Choose training pathway: owner-train / program / hybrid
5
Document task training milestones
6
Submit to housing & DOT for air travel

PSD vs ESA — Critical Differences

Aspect	PSD	ESA
Law	ADA + FHA + DOT	FHA only
Public access	Yes — anywhere public	No
Trained task	Required	Not required
Air travel	Yes (DOT form)	No (since 2021)
Pricing	$199	$149

Choose Your Training Path

Owner-Trained

Most affordable. ADA-permitted. 12–18 months typical.

Program-Trained

Pre-trained dog from accredited program. $20K+ but ready faster.

Hybrid

Foundation from program; task work owner-trained with consultant.

PSD Letter FAQ — Colorado

Is a PSD letter legally required?

Not by ADA — but strongly supports housing & air travel rights.

Difference from ESA?

PSD has trained tasks + public access; ESA is housing-only emotional support.

Pre-trained dog required?

No — owner-training is permitted under ADA.

How long is the letter valid?

12 months for housing; renewed annually.

Pricing?

$199 — includes evaluation and ADA-compliant letter.

Begin Your Colorado PSD Journey

Free screening · ADA-compliant evaluation · $199.

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