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

support animal registration — 5 Dangerous Myths About Support Animal Registration That Cost You Money

Support Animal Registration Scams: Why No Government Registry Exists

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

Discover the truth about support animal registration scams and learn what legitimate documentation actually requires. No government registry exists for support animals.

breed restrictions — 5 Dangerous Myths About Support Animal Breed Restrictions That Could Cost You Housing

Support Animal Breed Restrictions: Why Federal Law Prohibits Landlord Discrimination

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

Landlords cannot legally impose breed restrictions on support animals under Fair Housing Act protections. Learn why size and breed limits violate federal disability rights.

support animals depression — 7 Ways Support Animals Transform Depression Recovery Through Therapeutic Bonds

How Support Animals Transform Depression Recovery Through Therapeutic Bonds

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

Discover how support animals depression interventions create therapeutic bonds that provide routine, purpose, and unconditional love to transform mental health recovery through proven healing relationships.

hotel policies — 7 Essential Hotel Policies for Service Dogs and Support Animals You Must Know

Hotel Policies for Service Dogs and Support Animals: What to Know Before You Book

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

Learn essential hotel policies for service dogs and support animals before booking your next trip. Understand ADA requirements, documentation needs, and booking strategies.

support animal accommodation — 7 Things to Know When Your Roommate Has Allergies and Your Support Animal Request

Roommate Allergies vs Support Animal Rights: How Fair Housing Law Decides

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

When roommates have allergies and you need a support animal accommodation, landlords cannot automatically reject your request. Learn how Fair Housing law handles competing accommodations.

breed restrictions — 5 Myths About Landlord Breed Restrictions for Support Animals Debunked

Landlord Breed Restrictions for Support Animals: Myths vs Reality

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

Landlords cannot apply breed restrictions to support animals under Fair Housing Act protections. Learn your rights and the accommodation process for legitimate therapeutic animals.

Can Landlords Apply Breed Restrictions to Support Animals?

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

Learn how breed restrictions interact with Fair Housing Act protections for support animals. Discover when landlords can and cannot deny housing based on your animal's breed.

support animal letter — 5 Red Flags That $20 Support Animal Letters Are Dangerous Scams

Why $20 Support Animal Letters Are Dangerous Scams: Red Flags to Avoid

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

Cheap support animal letters for $20 are dangerous scams. Learn the red flags of fraudulent services and what legitimate clinical evaluations actually involve.

support animal laws — 7 Major Changes to Support Animal Laws in Florida You Need to Know

Florida Support Animal Law Updates: New Anti-Fraud Rules and Documentation Requirements

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

Florida support animal laws have changed significantly with new anti-fraud provisions and documentation requirements. Learn what these updates mean for your housing rights.

Why No-Pet Policies Cannot Block Your Support Animal

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

No pet policy restrictions don't apply to support animals under federal housing law. Learn why the Fair Housing Act protects your right to reasonable accommodations.

« Previous
1
…
6
7
8
9
10
11
Next »

Research-backed guidance on service animals & your rights

Official Service Dog & Support Animal Resources