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Official Service Dogs — Verification & Documentation Center
🎉 Celebrating 10+ Years of Trusted Service Celebrando 10+ Años de Servicio Confiable

Is Your Service Dog or Support Animal Properly Documented?

¿Tiene Su Perro de Servicio o Animal de Apoyo la Documentación Correcta?

We help you get verified, legitimate documentation from licensed mental health providers. Free screening. No obligation. Trusted by thousands of families since 2016.

Le ayudamos a obtener documentación verificada y legítima de proveedores de salud mental licenciados. Evaluación gratuita. Sin obligación. Confiable para miles de familias desde 2016.

501(c)(3) NonprofitSin Fines de Lucro 501(c)(3)
Licensed ProvidersProveedores Licenciados
HIPAA CompliantConforme con HIPAA
Same-Day DocumentsDocumentos el Mismo Día
Not sure which one you need? ¿No está seguro de cuál necesita?

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.

For Home & Housing Para Hogar y Vivienda

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).
Best if: Ideal si: you need your pet in a no-pets apartment, want relief from deposits, or need housing documentation. necesita su mascota en un apartamento sin mascotas, quiere evitar depósitos, o necesita documentación de vivienda.
For Public Access & Travel Para Acceso Público y Viajes

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.
Best if: Ideal si: you need your dog with you in public, on flights, or at work — and your dog is (or is becoming) task-trained. necesita su perro en público, en vuelos o en el trabajo — y está (o está siendo) entrenado para tareas.
Side-by-side at a glance Comparación rápida
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
50,000+
People HelpedPersonas Ayudadas
4.7 ★
Avg. RatingCalificación Promedio
10+
Years of ServiceAños de Servicio
501(c)(3)
Verified NonprofitSin Fines de Lucro

Three Simple Steps

Tres Pasos Sencillos

Getting verified documentation is easy. No confusing paperwork. No long waits.

Obtener documentación verificada es fácil. Sin papeleo confuso. Sin largas esperas.

1

Free Screening

Evaluación Gratis

Take a quick 3-minute anonymous screening. No credit card. No personal info needed to start.

Realice una evaluación anónima de 3 minutos. Sin tarjeta de crédito. Sin información personal para comenzar.

2

Instant Review

Revisión Instantánea

Our system reviews your answers right away. If you qualify, you can create an account and choose your package.

Nuestro sistema revisa sus respuestas de inmediato. Si califica, puede crear una cuenta y elegir su paquete.

3

Get Your Documents

Reciba Sus Documentos

A licensed mental health provider reviews your case and issues your letter and documentation -- often the same day.

Un proveedor de salud mental licenciado revisa su caso y emite su carta y documentación -- a menudo el mismo día.

Service Dog vs. Support Animal vs. Therapy Dog

Perro de Servicio vs. Animal de Apoyo vs. Perro de Terapia

Many people mix up these terms. Here is what each one means and what legal rights they have.

Muchas personas confunden estos términos. Aquí está lo que significa cada uno y qué derechos legales tienen.

TypeTipo What They DoQué Hacen Public Access (ADA)Acceso Público (ADA) Housing (FHA)Vivienda (FHA) Air Travel (DOT)Viaje Aéreo (DOT) We Help?¿Le Ayudamos?
Psychiatric Service DogPerro de Servicio Psiquiátrico Trained for specific tasks for a disabilityEntrenado para tareas específicas para una discapacidad ✓ Yes
Emotional Support AnimalAnimal de Apoyo Emocional Provides comfort through companionshipProporciona consuelo a través del compañerismo ✓ Yes
Therapy DogPerro de Terapia Visits facilities to help others (volunteer)Visita instalaciones para ayudar a otros (voluntario)

Our Packages

Nuestros Paquetes

Same pricing for 10+ years. No hidden fees. Screening is always free.

Mismos precios por más de 10 años. Sin cargos ocultos. La evaluación siempre es gratis.

Basic

Electronic Delivery

Entrega Electrónica

$99
  • Clinical evaluation with licensed providerEvaluación clínica con proveedor licenciado
  • ESA or PSD letter on provider letterheadCarta ESA o PSD en papel del proveedor
  • Digital documents (instant access)Documentos digitales (acceso instantáneo)
  • 1 year of portal access1 año de acceso al portal
  • Email & chat supportSoporte por email y chat
Get StartedComenzar

Ultimate

Physical & Electronic Delivery

Entrega Física y Electrónica

$199
  • 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
Get StartedComenzar

Screening is always FREE -- no obligation to proceedLa evaluación siempre es GRATIS -- sin obligación de continuar

You only pay if approved by a licensed providerSolo paga si es aprobado por un proveedor licenciado

All donations are tax-deductibleTodas las donaciones son deducibles de impuestos

Registration is provided for convenience and peace of mind, and is not legally required.

El registro se proporciona por conveniencia y tranquilidad, y no es legalmente requerido.

A Service Dog or Support Animal Can Help With

Un Perro de Servicio o Animal de Apoyo Puede Ayudar Con

Mental and emotional conditions

Mental & Emotional

Mental y Emocional

  • Anxiety & Stress
  • Ansiedad y Estrés
  • Depression
  • Depresión
  • PTSD
  • TEPT
  • OCD
  • TOC
  • Fears & Phobias
  • Miedos y Fobias
  • Autism
  • Autismo
Physiological conditions

Physiological

Fisiológico

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Presión Arterial Alta
  • Diabetes Type I & II
  • Diabetes Tipo I y II
  • High Cholesterol
  • Colesterol Alto
  • Panic Attacks
  • Ataques de Pánico
  • Neurological Distress
  • Angustia Neurológica
Physical conditions

Physical

Físico

  • Wheelchair Mobility
  • Movilidad en Silla de Ruedas
  • Arthritis
  • Artritis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Distrofia Muscular
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Esclerosis Múltiple
  • Amputation
  • Amputación
Not sure which package is right for you? ¿No está seguro de qué paquete es adecuado?

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.

Question 1 of 3 Pregunta 1 de 3

What do you primarily need documentation for? ¿Para qué necesita documentación principalmente?

Question 2 of 3 Pregunta 2 de 3

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.

Question 3 of 3 Pregunta 3 de 3

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.

One more question Una pregunta más

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.

Your Recommendation Nuestra Recomendación

    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.

    How to Avoid Online Scams

    Cómo Evitar Estafas en Línea

    There is no federal registry for service dogs. Watch out for these red flags.

    No hay registro federal de perros de servicio. Esté atento a estas señales de alerta.

    🔍

    Look for organizations that clearly explain what they do and what they do not do.

    Busque organizaciones que expliquen claramente lo que hacen y lo que no hacen.

    Confirm the provider is legitimate, accountable, and transparent about policies.

    Confirme que el proveedor es legítimo, responsable y transparente sobre sus políticas.

    ⚠️

    Avoid "instant approvals" with no review -- real credibility takes a real process.

    Evite "aprobaciones instantáneas" sin revisión -- la credibilidad real requiere un proceso real.

    Independent, verified reviews are one of the strongest trust signals online.

    Las reseñas independientes verificadas son una de las señales de confianza más fuertes en línea.

    Service dog handler
    ⭐ Trusted & Verified⭐ Confiable y Verificado

    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.

    Why Official Service Dogs Exists

    Por Qué Existe Official Service Dogs

    We exist to provide clear, honest, and practical guidance for people who rely on service dogs and support animals every day. We cut through the confusion so you can live with confidence.

    Existimos para proporcionar orientación clara, honesta y práctica para personas que dependen de perros de servicio y animales de apoyo todos los días. Eliminamos la confusión para que pueda vivir con confianza.

    🏛️

    Nonprofit Organization

    Organización Sin Fines de Lucro

    Dedicated to providing clinical letters and saving pets from no-kill shelters.

    Dedicados a proporcionar cartas clínicas y salvar mascotas de refugios.

    😊

    Guaranteed Satisfaction

    Satisfacción Garantizada

    Guaranteed satisfaction to all donors and clients for their generous support.

    Satisfacción garantizada a todos los donantes y clientes por su generoso apoyo.

    🔒

    Privacy & HIPAA Compliant

    Privacidad y Cumplimiento HIPAA

    The only compliant website to meet all federally required cyber securities.

    El único sitio web que cumple con todas las seguridades cibernéticas federales.

    🤝

    Advocacy & Resources

    Defensa y Recursos

    Gives back to the community through sponsorship and free resources.

    Contribuye a la comunidad a través de patrocinios y recursos gratuitos.

    Ready to Get Started? Screening is Free.

    ¿Listo Para Comenzar? La Evaluación es Gratis.

    Start Free Screening Now Comenzar Evaluación Gratis Ahora

    Our Clinical Team

    Every article is written by our team and clinically reviewed. Meet the experts behind our content.

    Ryan Gaughan, BA, CSDT #6202 — Executive Director
    Ryan Gaughan, BA, CSDT #6202
    Executive Director · Author
    Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, NCC — Founder and Clinical Director
    Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, NCC
    Founder · Clinical Director · The Service Animal Expert™

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Quick answers to help you understand your rights and our services.

    What questions can a business ask about my service dog?
    Under the ADA, businesses and their employees can only ask two questions: (1) Is this a service animal required because of a disability? (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? They cannot ask about your disability, request medical documentation, require the dog to demonstrate its task, or ask you to remove the dog unless it is out of control or not housebroken.
    How should businesses handle service dog access?
    Businesses should train all customer-facing employees on ADA service dog requirements. When a customer enters with a dog, staff should welcome them normally. If there is a question, they may ask only the two permitted questions. Businesses should never touch, distract, or feed a service dog. Separate seating or restricted areas for service dog handlers violate the ADA.
    Can a hotel charge a pet fee for a service dog?
    No. Hotels and lodging establishments cannot charge pet fees, deposits, or cleaning surcharges for service dogs under the ADA. Service dogs are not pets. If the service dog causes actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, the hotel may charge the same damage fees applied to any guest, but no upfront pet-related charges are permitted.
    What should I do if my service dog is denied entry?
    Stay calm and politely educate the business about ADA requirements. Ask for a manager. If access is still denied, document the incident including date, time, location, and names of employees involved. You can file a complaint with the Department of Justice, your state attorney general, or a disability rights organization. Many denials result from lack of employee training, not malice.
    Are emotional support animals allowed in businesses?
    No. Emotional support animals do not have public access rights under the ADA. Only trained service dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) have the right to enter businesses, restaurants, and other public places. Support animals have housing rights under the Fair Housing Act and limited travel protections, but not general public access.
    How can a business or landlord verify if a service dog document is legitimate?How can a business or landlord verify if a service dog document is legitimate?

    For TheraPetic documentation, landlords and businesses can use the free public verification portal at officialserviceanimal.com. Enter the verification code from the document to confirm authenticity and current status. Every TheraPetic document includes the Licensed Clinical Doctor's NPI number, which can be independently verified at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov.

    For TheraPetic documentation, landlords and businesses can use the free public verification portal at officialserviceanimal.com. Enter the verification code from the document to confirm authenticity and current status. Every TheraPetic document includes the Licensed Clinical Doctor's NPI number, which can be independently verified at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov.

    Can an employer deny a service dog in the workplace?Can an employer deny a service dog in the workplace?

    Employers must provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which can include allowing a service dog. The employer may request documentation from a healthcare provider but cannot deny without demonstrating undue hardship.

    Employers must provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which can include allowing a service dog. The employer may request documentation from a healthcare provider but cannot deny without demonstrating undue hardship.

    What training do employees need for service dog compliance?What training do employees need for service dog compliance?

    Employees should be trained to recognize service dogs, understand the two permitted ADA questions, know not to pet or distract working dogs, and understand that vests and certificates are not required. ADA compliance training reduces legal risk.

    Employees should be trained to recognize service dogs, understand the two permitted ADA questions, know not to pet or distract working dogs, and understand that vests and certificates are not required. ADA compliance training reduces legal risk.

    What if my support animal documentation is not accepted at a business?What if my support animal documentation is not accepted at a business?

    For public access, only trained service dogs are protected under the ADA — emotional support animals are not covered in businesses. For housing, TheraPetic documentation meets all FHA requirements and can be verified at officialserviceanimal.com. If your service dog is denied public access, file a DOJ complaint.

    For public access, only trained service dogs are protected under the ADA — emotional support animals are not covered in businesses. For housing, TheraPetic documentation meets all FHA requirements and can be verified at officialserviceanimal.com. If your service dog is denied public access, file a DOJ complaint.

    What is an NPI number and why does it matter for verification?What is an NPI number and why does it matter for verification?

    A National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique 10-digit number assigned by CMS to healthcare providers. It verifies that the provider is a real, credentialed professional. You can verify any NPI at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov. TheraPetic providers carry verified NPI numbers on all documentation.

    A National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique 10-digit number assigned by CMS to healthcare providers. It verifies that the provider is a real, credentialed professional. You can verify any NPI at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov. TheraPetic providers carry verified NPI numbers on all documentation.

    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.

    The Invisible Disability by Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD
    From Our Clinical DirectorDe Nuestro Director Clínico

    The Invisible Disability

    Exploring the Hidden Toll of Unseen Conditions in a World Built for What It Can SeeExplorando el Impacto Oculto de Condiciones Invisibles en un Mundo Construido para lo Visible

    By Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhDThe Service Animal Expert™

    A deep dive into the lived experience of invisible disabilities — from chronic pain to mental health — and the systems that fail to see them.Una exploración profunda de la experiencia vivida con discapacidades invisibles.

    See the full series →Ver la serie completa →

    From Our ExpertsDe Nuestros Expertos