Is TheraPetic a real medical practice or an online letter mill?

TheraPetic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit healthcare provider founded in 2016 by Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, NCC, LPC — a Licensed Professional Counselor with peer-reviewed doctoral research on support animal therapeutic outcomes. Every evaluation is conducted by a Licensed Clinical Doctor, not a chatbot or automated quiz. Our providers carry verified NPI numbers and state licenses. We have served over 50,000 people across the United States and Canada.

How fast do I receive my documentation and is there a money-back guarantee?

If your clinical evaluation determines you qualify, you receive same-day personalized documentation delivered electronically to your secure client portal. Ultimate package physical items — holographic ID card, medal tag, and identifying leash — ship overnight via UPS or FedEx. If your evaluation determines you do not qualify, you receive a 100% full refund. Physical items can be returned within 30 days.

What is a psychiatric service dog?

A psychiatric service dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a handler's mental health disability — such as interrupting anxiety attacks, providing deep pressure therapy during panic episodes, or alerting to dissociative episodes. Unlike emotional support animals, psychiatric service dogs are protected under the ADA for public access.

Do I need a letter from a doctor for my service dog?

For housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act, you need documentation from a Licensed Clinical Doctor confirming your disability-related need. For public access under the ADA, documentation is not legally required but recommended. TheraPetic provides comprehensive clinical documentation covering housing, airline, and public access needs — all signed by a Licensed Clinical Doctor with a verified NPI number.

How is MyPSD different from online registry sites?

MyPSD is the flagship clinical evaluation platform of TheraPetic Healthcare Provider Group — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a doctoral-level clinical director, NPI-verified Licensed Clinical Doctors, and over 10 years of operation. Registry sites sell certificates and database listings that have zero legal standing. TheraPetic provides real clinical documentation with a public verification portal at officialserviceanimal.com.

What does the screening process involve?

The free 3-minute anonymous screening covers generalized anxiety, depression, and related conditions using validated clinical assessment tools. No account required. No cost. No obligation. If the screening indicates you may benefit from support animal documentation, you can proceed to a clinical evaluation with a Licensed Clinical Doctor.

Is my information kept private?

Yes. All evaluations are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Your personal health information is encrypted and never shared with landlords, airlines, employers, or third parties without your explicit consent. Only your Licensed Clinical Doctor and TheraPetic clinical staff have access to your evaluation records.

Do you accept HSA, FSA, and insurance?

Yes. We accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Affirm financing. Our medical classification code (MCC 8099) qualifies for HSA and FSA reimbursement as a healthcare expense.

Can my landlord verify my documentation?

Yes. Every TheraPetic document includes the Licensed Clinical Doctor's name, license number, NPI, and direct contact information on the letterhead. Landlords and property managers can verify documentation instantly through our public verification portal at officialserviceanimal.com or verify.mypsd.org.

What if my landlord denies my support animal request?

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot deny a reasonable accommodation request supported by valid clinical documentation from a licensed provider. If your request is challenged, your TheraPetic documentation includes all legally required elements for FHA compliance. You may also file a complaint with HUD at no cost. TheraPetic documentation has been designed to meet federal verification standards for over 10 years.

My landlord is demanding documentation within 48 hours — can TheraPetic help?

Yes. TheraPetic delivers electronic documentation same-day. Even if your landlord pressures you with a short deadline, your documentation can be in hand within hours of your clinical evaluation. There is no federal law requiring you to produce documentation within 48 hours — HUD guidance gives landlords 10 business days to respond to your request. Your documentation includes your Licensed Clinical Doctor's NPI, license number, and contact information for immediate verification at officialserviceanimal.com.

How does TheraPetic help with airline documentation and the DOT 48-hour requirement?

Airlines require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form to be submitted at least 48 hours before departure for trained psychiatric service dogs. Every TheraPetic package includes pre-completed DOT forms signed by your Licensed Clinical Doctor, delivered same-day with your documentation — ready to submit to your airline well before the 48-hour deadline. Emotional support animals no longer have guaranteed airline cabin access under federal law, but psychiatric service dogs with proper DOT documentation retain full cabin access rights.

Blog

Service Dog vs Support Animal: Why the Legal Difference Matters

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 11, 2026June 6, 2026

The service dog vs support animal distinction is a real legal difference. Learn how the ADA and FHA apply differently and what rights each category provides.

Can Any Animal Be a Support Animal? What the FHA Actually Says

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 10, 2026June 6, 2026

Support animal species are not limited to dogs under the FHA. Learn what the law actually says about cats, rabbits, birds and more.

Support Animal Denied by Landlord: How to Fight Back and Protect Your Rights

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 9, 2026June 6, 2026

Support animal denied by your landlord? Learn how to document the denial, contact your local fair housing agency, and file a HUD complaint with real timelines.

Does Your Support Animal Need a Vest or ID Tag?

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 8, 2026June 6, 2026

No federal law requires a support animal vest or ID tag. Learn what the Fair Housing Act and ADA actually say and what documentation truly matters.

Support Animal Accommodation Requests: A Landlord’s Guide to FHA Compliance

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 7, 2026June 6, 2026

A clear 2026 guide for landlords on support animal accommodation requests. What to ask, what to avoid, and how to stay FHA compliant.

Support Animal Housing Rights: What Your Landlord Can and Cannot Ask

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 6, 2026June 6, 2026

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlord questions about support animals are limited to two. Learn what landlords can ask, what they cannot, and how to respond.

Support Animal Rights in Illinois: Chicago and Statewide Protections Explained

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 5, 2026June 6, 2026

Illinois support animal rights go beyond federal law. Learn how the Illinois Human Rights Act and Chicago ordinances protect renters with support animals.

Support Animal Rights in Canada: How Each Province Handles Accommodation

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 4, 2026June 6, 2026

Support animal rights in Canada vary by province. This 2026 guide covers each province's protections, the human rights tribunal process, and what documentation you need.

Why Petting a Dog Lowers Your Blood Pressure: The Science Explained

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 3, 2026June 6, 2026

Learn the real science behind why petting a dog lowers your blood pressure, including oxytocin, vagus nerve activation, and cortisol reduction.

Flying with a Support Animal on Canadian Airlines: What You Need to Know in 2026

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
May 2, 2026June 6, 2026

Flying with a Support Animal on Canadian airlines in 2026? Learn Air Canada and WestJet policies, CTA regulations and what documentation you actually need.

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