Frequently Asked QuestionsPreguntas Frecuentes

A service dog is a dog that has been trained to do a specific job (called a “task”) that helps a person with a disability. For example, a guide dog helps someone who is blind navigate. A psychiatric service dog might remind someone to take their medication or calm them during a panic attack. The key is the dog must be trained to do something specific — not just provide comfort by being there.Un perro de servicio es un perro entrenado para hacer un trabajo específico (llamado “tarea”) que ayuda a una persona con una discapacidad. La clave es que el perro debe estar entrenado para hacer algo específico — no solo proporcionar confort con su presencia.

An emotional support animal provides comfort and emotional relief to someone with a mental health condition. Unlike service dogs, ESAs don’t need special task training. They help just by being there. ESAs have housing rights under the Fair Housing Act, but they don’t have the same public access rights as service dogs.Un animal de apoyo emocional proporciona confort y alivio emocional a alguien con una condición de salud mental. A diferencia de los perros de servicio, los ESA no necesitan entrenamiento especial. Ayudan simplemente estando ahí. Los ESA tienen derechos de vivienda pero no los mismos derechos de acceso público.

A service dog is task-trained to help YOU with a disability and can go anywhere the public goes. An ESA provides emotional comfort to YOU and has housing rights but limited public access. A therapy dog visits hospitals and schools to help OTHER people — not its owner. If your dog helps you personally with a mental or physical condition, you likely need a service dog or ESA — not a therapy dog. See the full comparison chart →Un perro de servicio está entrenado para ayudarLE con una discapacidad. Un ESA proporciona confort emocional y tiene derechos de vivienda. Un perro de terapia visita hospitales para ayudar a OTRAS personas. Ver la tabla comparativa →

No. There is no legal requirement for a service dog to wear a vest, harness, or special identification. However, many handlers choose to use them because it helps other people recognize the dog is working and reduces the number of questions they get asked.No. No hay un requisito legal para que un perro de servicio use un chaleco o identificación especial. Sin embargo, muchos dueños eligen usarlos porque ayuda a que otras personas reconozcan que el perro está trabajando.

In most cases, no. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must allow service dogs and ESAs as a “reasonable accommodation” — even in “no pets” buildings. They cannot charge pet fees or pet deposits for your animal. They also cannot deny you based on the animal’s breed, size, or weight. However, you may need to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional.En la mayoría de los casos, no. Bajo la Ley de Vivienda Justa, los propietarios deben permitir perros de servicio y ESA — incluso en edificios de “no mascotas.” No pueden cobrar depósitos o tarifas por mascotas ni negar por raza o tamaño.

For housing, you typically need a clinical letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter confirms that you have a disability-related need for the animal. It should be on the provider’s letterhead and include their license information. We provide these letters as part of our documentation packages. Start your free screening →Para vivienda, típicamente necesita una carta clínica de un profesional de salud mental autorizado que confirme su necesidad. Comience su evaluación gratis →

Yes. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines must allow trained service dogs to fly with you at no extra charge. Most airlines will ask you to fill out a DOT (Department of Transportation) form before your flight. You should always check your specific airline’s policy and submit any required paperwork ahead of time. Read our full travel guide →Sí. Las aerolíneas deben permitir perros de servicio entrenados sin cargo adicional. La mayoría le pedirán un formulario DOT. Lea nuestra guía de viaje →

It depends on the airline. Since 2021, most major U.S. airlines stopped recognizing ESAs as service animals for free cabin travel. Some airlines still allow ESAs as pets (with a pet fee). However, if your animal qualifies as a psychiatric service dog (PSD) — meaning it’s trained to do a specific task — it can fly as a service animal. That’s one of the reasons a PSD letter can be more helpful than an ESA letter for travel.Depende de la aerolínea. Desde 2021, la mayoría de las aerolíneas dejaron de reconocer ESA para viaje gratis en cabina. Sin embargo, si su animal califica como perro de servicio psiquiátrico (PSD) puede volar como animal de servicio.

No. There is no federally required registry, certification, or ID for service dogs in the United States. Any website that claims to provide “official” registration is misleading. However, many handlers find that having proper clinical documentation, training records, and registration in a reputable directory makes everyday life easier — especially with landlords, airlines, and businesses.No. No existe un registro, certificación o identificación federal requerido para perros de servicio. Sin embargo, tener documentación clínica adecuada facilita la vida diaria con propietarios, aerolíneas y negocios.

Your letter is written and signed by a nationally certified and licensed mental health professional. Every evaluation goes through a real clinical review — we never use automated “instant approvals.” That’s what makes our documentation legitimate and accepted by landlords, airlines, and housing authorities.Su carta es escrita y firmada por un profesional de salud mental certificado y autorizado. Cada evaluación pasa por una revisión clínica real — nunca usamos “aprobaciones instantáneas” automatizadas.

We offer three packages: Basic ($99 — digital letters and forms for 1 year), Premium ($149 — adds lifetime registration), and Ultimate ($199 — includes physical ID cards, certificate, and accessories mailed to you). All packages include a clinical evaluation by a licensed provider and are 100% satisfaction guaranteed. See pricing details →Ofrecemos tres paquetes: Básico ($99), Premium ($149) y Ultimate ($199). Todos incluyen evaluación clínica y garantía de satisfacción. Ver detalles de precios →

Under the ADA, a business can only ask you two questions: (1) Is this a service animal required because of a disability? (2) What task has the dog been trained to perform? They cannot ask you about your disability, demand medical records, require certification, or ask the dog to demonstrate its task.Bajo la ADA, un negocio solo puede hacerle dos preguntas: (1) ¿Es este un animal de servicio requerido por una discapacidad? (2) ¿Qué tarea ha sido entrenado el perro para realizar? No pueden preguntar sobre su discapacidad ni exigir registros médicos.

If you’re denied access because of your service dog, stay calm and state your rights. Document the incident (date, time, names, what was said). You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice (ADA violations) or HUD (housing violations). See our full discrimination guide with state-by-state resources →Si le niegan acceso por su perro de servicio, mantenga la calma y documente el incidente. Puede presentar una queja ante el Departamento de Justicia. Vea nuestra guía de discriminación →

Yes, many states have their own service animal and support animal laws that go beyond federal protections. Some states use different terms like “assistance animal.” For your specific state’s laws, visit USServicePet.org’s 50-State Guide →Sí, muchos estados tienen sus propias leyes. Para las leyes específicas de su estado, visite la Guía de 50 Estados de USServicePet.org →