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

Do Service Dogs Make a Difference?

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
January 27, 2026April 16, 2026

Home › Blog › Do Service Dogs Make a Difference? Written By: Ryan Gaughan, BA, CSDT #6202 Clinically Reviewed By: Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, LPC, NCC Published: January 27, 2026 • Last reviewed: April 16,… Do Service Dogs Make a Difference?

Psychiatric Service Dog PSD

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
December 12, 2025April 16, 2026

Home › Blog › Psychiatric Service Dog PSD Written By: Ryan Gaughan, BA, CSDT #6202 Clinically Reviewed By: Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, LPC, NCC Published: December 12, 2025 • Last reviewed: April 16, 2026 ⚕… Psychiatric Service Dog PSD

5 Common Support Animal Species Beyond Dogs: What the Law Actually Says

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 16, 2026April 16, 2026

Federal law doesn't limit support animal species to dogs. Learn about cats, birds, rabbits and other animals that qualify as support animals under the Fair Housing Act.

7 Reasons Why Nonprofit Mental Health Organizations Provide Superior Support Animal Evaluations

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 15, 2026April 16, 2026

Discover why nonprofit mental health organizations provide superior support animal evaluations compared to for-profit letter mills through mission-driven care.

7 Components of a Legitimate Support Animal Evaluation Process

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 14, 2026April 16, 2026

Learn what a legitimate support animal evaluation includes, from Licensed Clinical Doctor assessments to proper documentation standards that provide legal protection.

7 Ways Support Animals Help Children with Autism: Complete Parent Guide

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 13, 2026April 16, 2026

Discover how support animals help children with autism through sensory regulation, social skill building, routine establishment, and anxiety reduction. Complete parent guide.

7 Critical ADA Updates That Will Transform Service Dog Rights in 2026

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 12, 2026April 16, 2026

Discover how the 7 critical ADA updates in 2026 will strengthen service dog handler rights, enhance DOJ enforcement, and transform business compliance requirements.

7 Essential Rights for Support Animals in Condos and HOAs You Need to Know

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 11, 2026April 16, 2026

Discover your support animal condo rights under the Fair Housing Act. Learn how federal law protects residents in HOA communities and condos, plus tactics to counter common pushback.

5 Things Landlords Cannot Charge for Support Animals: Pet Deposits & Rent Explained

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 10, 2026April 16, 2026

Learn why pet deposit and pet rent charges are illegal for support animals under Fair Housing Act. Get the facts on legal vs illegal landlord fees and protect your rights.

5 Dangerous Myths About Support Animal Registration That Cost You Money

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 9, 2026April 16, 2026

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

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

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 8, 2026April 16, 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.

7 Ways Support Animals Transform Depression Recovery Through Therapeutic Bonds

by Ryan Gaughan, Executive Director
April 7, 2026April 16, 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.

Official Service Dog & Support Animal Resources

Blog