How do you verify a Psychiatric Service Dog?

How does someone prove they own a psychiatric service dog (PSD), not just a regular everyday pet? The law limits the ways someone can ask about your service dog. This is to protect the privacy of handlers while also ensuring they have a clear way to prove their need for a PSD. 

You do not have to specifically identify your disability or demonstrate the task your PSD has been trained to perform. 

ServiceDogCertifications.org

Typically, only verbal verifications of service dogs are allowed. The major exception is air travel. If you’re flying with your psychiatric service dog, airlines will ask you to submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Airplane and airport staff can also ask the two questions above to verify a dog is a PSD.

For a guide to flying with a service dog, click this link. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has stated that airlines can also observe the dog’s behavior to see whether it remains under the handler’s control. If the dog is disruptive or out of control, that may be evidence the dog has not been successfully trained to be in public. 

The DOT also allows airlines to look at paraphernalia such as harnesses, vests, and tags to determine whether a dog is a PSD. These items can help signal that your dog is a PSD and is one indicator airline staff can consider to determine whether a dog is a service animal. PSD owners find these accessories especially useful because they suffer from mental health disabilities that are not visible.  

Having a PSD outfitted with appropriate paraphernalia helps to cut off unwanted approaches from strangers and broadcasts that the dog is on duty. Keep in mind, however, that accessories alone do not make a PSD – that comes from proper service dog training.