- Price
- $149 for up to 2 dogs; $229 for up to 3
- Delivery
- Emailed within 24 hours after approval
- State law
- Civil Code 54.2: no extra fee or deposit; ADA violations count
- Where to complain
- California Civil Rights Department
How California PSD Letter works
Book a telehealth evaluation. The clinician asks about your symptoms and the specific tasks your dog is trained for. If you qualify, the signed letter is emailed within 24 hours after approval. If you don't, no letter is issued.
Who it’s for, and who it isn’t
May be a fit
- California renters with a dog trained to do psychiatric tasks
- Handlers asked for documentation by a landlord
- People with up to 3 trained dogs
Usually not a fit
- Dogs that comfort but aren't task-trained
- Anyone who wants to skip California's ESA rules by calling an ESA a service dog; that's a misdemeanor
- Entering stores; staff can't require documentation
- Anyone under 18
What’s included
- Telehealth evaluation with a licensed clinician
- Signed letter with the clinician's license type, number and state
- $149 for up to 2 dogs, $229 for up to 3
- Emailed within 24 hours after approval
Possible side effects
- In California, a fraudulent service dog claim can be punished by a fine of up to $1,000, county jail for up to six months, or both
- You stay liable for any damage your dog causes
- A letter doesn't replace training
This isn’t a complete list. Your clinician reviews risks, interactions and warnings with you before prescribing. In an emergency, call 911.
What the evidence says
Under HUD's May 2026 guidance, housing requests for task-trained dogs are presumptively reasonable, and the ADA limits businesses to two questions and no documentation. California's Civil Code 54.1 and 54.2 add state remedies on top of the ADA rather than replacing it.
California's Disabled Persons Act
- Civil Code 54.1 and 54.2 secure access for guide, signal and service dogs in public places, with no extra charge or deposit.
- A violation of the ADA is also a violation of 54.2.
- People training guide, signal or service dogs get access too, if the dog is leashed and tagged by an authorized agency (54.2(b)).
- Handlers and trainers are liable for damage their dogs cause.
Fraud penalties
Penal Code 365.7 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly and fraudulently say you own or are training a service dog. The penalty can be a fine of up to $1,000, county jail for up to six months, or both.
Housing in California
The Civil Rights Department treats service animals and ESAs the same way for no-pets exceptions, deposits and breed limits. If a landlord refuses, file with the Department or with HUD.
Prescription treatments are available only to eligible patients after a clinical evaluation by an independently licensed clinician.
California PSD Letter: common questions
Does the AB 468 30-day rule apply to psychiatric service dogs?
AB 468 is about emotional support dog letters. A PSD letter follows your evaluation and is emailed within 24 hours after approval.
Can a California hotel charge a deposit for my service dog?
No. Civil Code 54.2 bars extra charges and deposits, though you're liable for damage.
Are dogs in training covered in California?
Yes, as long as the dog is on a leash and tagged with identification issued by an authorized agency.
Can a California landlord apply breed limits to my PSD?
The Civil Rights Department says breed limits can't be applied to service animals or ESAs in housing.
How much is the letter?
$149 covers 1 or 2 dogs. A letter for 3 dogs is $229.
Sources
We cite government agencies, professional societies and peer-reviewed research. See our editorial policy.
- Cal. Civil Code 54.2Justia (California Civil Code)
- Housing discriminationCalifornia Civil Rights Department
- Enforcement guidance on requests to use an animal as a reasonable accommodation (May 2026)U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- ADA requirements: service animalsADA.gov (U.S. Department of Justice)