- Price
- $149 for up to 2 dogs; $229 for up to 3
- Delivery
- Emailed within 24 hours after approval
- State law
- 720 ILCS 5/48-8 names psychiatric service animals
- Where to complain
- Illinois Department of Human Rights
How Illinois PSD Letter works
During a telehealth evaluation, tell the clinician about your symptoms and what your dog is trained to do. If they find you qualify, your signed PSD letter is emailed within 24 hours after approval. If not, no letter is issued.
Who it’s for, and who it isn’t
May be a fit
- People in Illinois whose dog is trained, or in training, for psychiatric tasks
- Renters who need documentation for a landlord
- Handlers dealing with a landlord who wants to add fees for a support dog
- Handlers with up to 3 dogs
Usually not a fit
- Comfort-only animals; those are ESAs
- Anyone hoping a letter replaces training
- Anyone under 18
What’s included
- Telehealth evaluation with a licensed clinician
- Signed letter on letterhead with 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
- No medical side effects
- Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog is illegal in many states
- You are responsible for your dog's behavior and any damage
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
HUD's May 2026 guidance presumes housing requests for task-trained animals, including psychiatric service dogs, to be reasonable. The ADA limits businesses to two questions and no documentation. Illinois runs its Criminal Code provision, 720 ILCS 5/48-8, alongside the ADA and explicitly includes psychiatric service animals and animals in training.
Public places under the ADA and Illinois law
Federal law gives staff two questions: is the dog required because of a disability, and what is it trained to do? Illinois adds protection through its Criminal Code.
- 720 ILCS 5/48-8 covers dogs and miniature horses that are trained or being trained
- Trainers accompanied by a service animal have entry rights, so dogs in training are covered
- Knowingly denying a handler or trainer access is a Class C misdemeanor
Renting in Illinois with a PSD
Separately, the Illinois Human Rights Act makes it unlawful for a landlord to turn away, or add fees for, a tenant who relies on a guide, hearing or support dog. A clinician's letter documents the need when it isn't obvious.
If you are refused in Illinois
Housing complaints go to the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and federal ones to HUD. Because knowingly denying access is a misdemeanor in Illinois, keep a note of when and where it happened.
Prescription treatments are available only to eligible patients after a clinical evaluation by an independently licensed clinician.
Illinois PSD Letter: common questions
Does Illinois law mention psychiatric service dogs?
Yes. 720 ILCS 5/48-8 names psychiatric service animals explicitly.
Can my dog in training enter Illinois businesses?
Yes. The law protects trainers accompanied by a service animal, which includes dogs still in training.
What happens if a business refuses my service dog in Illinois?
Under subsection (b) of 720 ILCS 5/48-8, a knowing denial of access is a Class C misdemeanor.
Can an Illinois landlord charge extra for my service dog?
The Illinois Human Rights Act bars extra fees for tenants who use guide, hearing or support dogs.
What does the PSD letter cost?
$149 for one or two dogs and $229 for three.
Sources
We cite government agencies, professional societies and peer-reviewed research. See our editorial policy.
- 720 ILCS 5/48-8: Service animal accessIllinois General Assembly
- Illinois Department of Human RightsIllinois Department of Human Rights
- 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)