- Price
- $149 for up to 2 dogs; $229 for up to 3
- Delivery
- Signed letter emailed within 24 hours after approval
- State law
- SDCL 20-13-23.2 covers psychiatric disabilities
- Where to complain
- South Dakota Division of Human Rights
How South Dakota PSD Letter works
In a telehealth evaluation, a licensed clinician asks about your psychiatric condition and the specific tasks your dog has been trained to do. If you qualify, the signed letter is emailed within 24 hours after approval, ready to give a South Dakota landlord. If you don't qualify, no letter is issued.
Who it’s for, and who it isn’t
May be a fit
- South Dakota handlers whose dog is trained to perform tasks for a psychiatric condition
- Renters who need to document that need for a landlord under SDCL chapter 43-32
- Handlers with up to 3 trained dogs
Usually not a fit
- Dogs that provide comfort only; an ESA letter fits that situation
- Anyone hoping a letter will turn an untrained dog into a service dog
- Getting into shops or restaurants; staff can't require documentation there
- Anyone under 18
What’s included
- Telehealth evaluation with a licensed clinician
- Signed letter with the clinician's license type, number and state
- $149 covers 1 or 2 dogs and $229 covers 3
- Emailed within 24 hours after approval
Possible side effects
- No medical side effects
- Since SB 82 (March 2026), intentionally passing off an animal as a service animal in a public place is a Class 2 misdemeanor in South Dakota
- You are responsible for any damage your dog causes, including in hotels and restaurants
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 enforcement guidance, housing requests for task-trained animals such as psychiatric service dogs are presumptively reasonable. In public places the ADA allows only two questions and no documentation. South Dakota's SDCL 20-13-23.2 adds a state right of access for people with psychiatric or mental disabilities and bars extra charges for the animal.
Public places in South Dakota
Hotels, restaurants and other public places must admit a trained service animal under both the ADA and SDCL 20-13-23.2. Staff get two questions: is the dog required for a disability, and what has it been trained to do. A letter is off the table.
A business can't charge you extra because of the dog, but you pay for any damage it causes.
South Dakota service animal rules
- Refusing lawful access to a handler or trainer is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
- A trainer can bring a dog that is still learning, provided its gear (collar and leash, harness or cape) marks it as in training.
- Senate Bill 82, signed in March 2026, made deliberately passing off an animal as a service animal to gain entry to a public accommodation a Class 2 misdemeanor.
- SB 82 is about public places. Rental questions still fall under SDCL chapter 43-32 and the Fair Housing Act.
Renting with a psychiatric service dog
When your need is not obvious, a South Dakota landlord may ask for documentation from a licensed health care provider that links your disability to the dog. If your request is refused, you can contact the South Dakota Division of Human Rights or file with HUD.
Prescription treatments are available only to eligible patients after a clinical evaluation by an independently licensed clinician.
South Dakota PSD Letter: common questions
Does South Dakota law protect psychiatric service dogs?
Yes. SDCL 20-13-23.2 lists psychiatric and mental disabilities among those covered for public access.
What did SB 82 change in 2026?
It created a Class 2 misdemeanor for deliberately claiming a pet is a service animal so it can enter a business or other public accommodation. Rental rules are unchanged.
Can a South Dakota restaurant ask for my PSD letter?
No. Under the ADA, staff may ask only the two permitted questions and cannot require documentation.
Can I train my own dog in public in South Dakota?
State law lets trainers bring a dog in training into public places if it wears gear marking it as in training, such as a harness or cape.
How much is a PSD letter?
$149 covers 1 or 2 dogs and $229 covers 3, emailed within 24 hours after approval.
Sources
We cite government agencies, professional societies and peer-reviewed research. See our editorial policy.
- SDCL 20-13-23.2 (South Dakota Legislature)South Dakota Legislature
- Division of Human RightsSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
- 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)