Michigan Psychiatric Service Dog Letter — Get an Appointment Today
Michigan’s service animal law, MCL 750.502c, follows the ADA and spells out details many states leave vague, from restaurant dining rooms to sterile hospital areas. It expressly includes veterans with PTSD. A PSD letter from a clinician licensed in Michigan documents your need for housing, work and school, and you pay only if approved.
- Michigan-licensed clinicians
- Charged only on approval
- Video visits from Detroit to the U.P.
- License details printed on your letter
Same-day visits · 7 days a week · Pay only if approved
Michigan Spells Out What Businesses Can and Can’t Do
Michigan’s statute reads almost like a checklist for store managers. Here are the parts that matter most to PSD handlers.
Food areas included
Your service dog may go into all areas open to the public, including dining rooms and food-service areas, even where health codes would otherwise bar animals.
No paperwork, no demos
Staff may not ask about your disability, demand medical documentation or ID, or ask the dog to demonstrate a task. If the task is obvious, they may not ask anything.
No isolation or surcharges
Businesses may not seat you apart, treat you less favorably or charge fees other customers don’t pay.
Narrow exceptions
A dog can be removed only if it is out of control and you don’t correct it, or isn’t housebroken. Sterile areas like surgery suites and burn units may be off limits. Allergies and fear are not valid reasons.
Michigan Psychiatric Service Dog Laws Explained
Michigan’s rules are built on the ADA’s definition of service animal, with state penalties added.
Veterans Named in the Law
Michigan’s definition of a person with a disability expressly includes veterans diagnosed with PTSD, traumatic brain injury or other service-related disabilities.
Raisers and Trainers
Animal raisers and trainers with a service animal in training have the same access rights, and are liable for damage the animal causes.
Control Requirements
Use a harness, leash or tether unless it interferes with the dog’s work or your disability, in which case voice or signal control is fine.
Denial Is a Misdemeanor
Violating the access rules, such as refusing entry or charging a surcharge, is a misdemeanor in Michigan.
Harm and Interference
Willfully and maliciously harassing, injuring or interfering with a service animal is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
No License Fee
A service animal used by a person with a disability, or owned by an organization that trains service animals, is exempt from licensing fees.
Where Michigan Stands on Fake Service and Support Animals
Michigan lawmakers have tried for years to address fake emotional support animals. In 2019–2020, HB 4910 proposed a Misrepresentation of Emotional Support Animals Act, with documentation rules, misrepresentation penalties and a state complaint hotline. As of this review, Michigan has no enacted statute that specifically penalizes misrepresenting a service or support animal.
What does exist: businesses can exclude a dog that is out of control or not housebroken, and emotional support animals have no public access rights under the ADA.
Good documentation still matters
- A live evaluation, not a quiz
- A Michigan-licensed clinician
- A letter that states need, not diagnosis
- No registry certificates or ID cards
Psychiatric Service Dog vs. Emotional Support Animal in Michigan
MCL 750.502c protects trained service animals only. ESAs rely on fair housing law.
| Feature | Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) | Emotional Support Animal (ESA) |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan law | MCL 750.502c, 750.50a | Fair housing reasonable accommodation |
| Training | Individually trained for disability tasks | Not required |
| Restaurants, QLine, Comerica Park | ✓ Yes Protected | ✕ No Not protected |
| Rental housing | ✓ Yes Reasonable accommodation | ✓ Yes Case by case |
| License fee exemption | ✓ Yes Yes | ✕ No No |
| Flights | ✓ Yes In cabin with DOT form | ✕ No Generally treated as pets |
Who Qualifies for a Psychiatric Service Dog in Michigan
Michigan uses the ADA definition of disability, and adds service-related conditions for veterans.
PTSD
Michigan law names veterans with PTSD and TBI directly, including those connected to Selfridge and Camp Grayling.
Panic disorder
Spotting early signs and using body pressure to calm breathing.
Generalized anxiety
Interrupting worry spirals at work, school or the grocery store.
Major depression
Gray-winter routines: wake-ups, walks and medication reminders.
Bipolar disorder
Keeping sleep and daily rhythms steady.
Autism spectrum
Grounding and safe exits in overstimulating places.
How to Get Your Michigan PSD Letter
Four steps online, from the Thumb to Copper Country.
Answer a secure intake
Tell us about your symptoms, history and the tasks your dog performs.
Pick a visit time
Same-day appointments are often available, every day of the week.
Talk with a Michigan clinician
A clinician licensed in Michigan evaluates you live over video.
Receive your letter
If a psychiatric service dog is clinically appropriate, your signed letter arrives by email. If not, you pay nothing.
Michigan PSD Letter Pricing
One evaluation, one flat fee, and only if your clinician approves your letter.
PSD Letter
For psychiatric service dogs · up to 2 dogs
- Covers up to 2 psychiatric service dogs
- Video visit with a licensed clinician
- Signed letter listing license type and number
- Supports housing, work and school accommodations
PSD Letter · Up to 3 Dogs
For psychiatric service dogs · up to 3 dogs
- Covers up to 3 psychiatric service dogs
- Video visit with a licensed clinician
- Signed letter listing license type and number
- Supports housing, work and school accommodations
Public access under the ADA and Michigan law is based on how your dog is trained. The letter supports accommodation requests; it isn’t a public access pass.
Meet Our Clinical Team
Every evaluation is completed by a real, licensed clinician — never an automated form. Our team brings years of psychotherapy and medical experience to animal-assisted mental health care.
Amelia Skaggs
Licensed Clinical Social WorkerLCSW licensed in 30+ states with extensive psychotherapy experience. Pet owner and advocate for animal-assisted mental health treatment.
Steven Salas
Licensed Independent Clinical Social WorkerLicensed therapist with 13 years of healthcare experience serving individuals, couples, and families with flexible, goal-focused care.
Andrew Patel, MD
Family Medicine PhysicianBoard-certified family medicine physician with experience providing evidence-based, patient-focused care across inpatient, urgent care, outpatient, and telemedicine settings.
What You Can Expect From a Healify Evaluation in Michigan
Careful documentation keeps your rights strong and protects real service dog teams.
Real conversations, not checkboxes
Every request is reviewed by a licensed clinician who talks with you live before deciding.
A Michigan license on the page
Your clinician holds a Michigan license, and the number is printed so it can be checked.
No approval, no bill
When a psychiatric service dog isn’t the right clinical fit, we say so and you aren’t charged.
Your diagnosis stays private
Visits are HIPAA-secure, and letters describe need, not diagnosis.
Where Your PSD Can Go in Michigan
All areas open to the public, statewide.
DDOT, SMART, QLine & The Rapid
Plus CATA in Lansing and TheRide in Ann Arbor.
DTW, GRR, FNT & TVC
In-cabin travel with the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Mackinac Island & the lakeshore
Ferries, hotels and attractions must admit trained service dogs.
U-M, MSU, Wayne State & GVSU
Campus housing requests through disability services offices.
What to Do If You Are Denied Access in Michigan
Note the date, place, names and what was said, then choose your path.
Police report
Denying access under MCL 750.502c is a misdemeanor, as is malicious interference with a service animal.
Michigan Department of Civil Rights
Handles disability discrimination in public accommodations, housing and employment. Complaints are generally due within 180 days.
Federal agencies
File with ADA.gov, HUD or the EEOC, depending on where it happened.
PSD Letters Across Michigan
Telehealth visits for residents of all 83 Michigan counties.
- Detroit
- Grand Rapids
- Warren
- Sterling Heights
- Ann Arbor
- Lansing
- Dearborn
- Clinton Township
- Canton
- Livonia
- Troy
- Westland
- Farmington Hills
- Flint
- Kalamazoo
- Novi
- Southfield
- Rochester Hills
- Wyoming
- Pontiac
- Saginaw
- Traverse City
- Marquette
- Sault Ste. Marie
Michigan PSD Letter FAQs
Does Michigan law protect psychiatric service dogs?
Yes. MCL 750.502c uses the ADA definition of service animal, which includes dogs trained for psychiatric disabilities, and it names veterans with PTSD in its definition of a person with a disability.
Can a Michigan restaurant keep my PSD out of the dining room?
No. MCL 750.502c allows service animals in all areas open to the public, including food-service areas, even where health codes would otherwise prohibit animals.
Can Michigan businesses ask for my dog’s ID or papers?
No. Staff may not ask for medical documentation, ID or a demonstration. If the task isn’t obvious, they may ask only the two ADA questions.
Are dogs in training allowed in Michigan?
Yes. Animal raisers and trainers with a service animal in training have the same access rights and are liable for any damage.
What is the penalty for harming a service dog in Michigan?
Willfully and maliciously harassing, injuring or interfering with a service animal is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Is faking a service dog illegal in Michigan?
Michigan has no enacted statute that specifically penalizes misrepresentation. Proposals such as HB 4910 have been introduced, but businesses currently rely on the ADA’s control and housebreaking rules.
Do I pay a license fee for my service dog in Michigan?
No. MCL 287.291 exempts service animals used by people with disabilities from licensing fees.
How long do I have to file with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights?
Complaints are generally due within 180 days of the incident.
Sources for Michigan PSD Laws
Every legal statement on this page is checked against the primary sources below.
- MCL 750.502c — Service animals in public accommodationsMichigan Legislature
- MCL 750.50a — Harassing, injuring or interfering with a service animalMichigan Legislature
- MCL 287.291 — Dog licensing; no fee for service animalsMichigan Legislature
- HB 4910 (2019–2020) — Proposed Misrepresentation of Emotional Support Animals Act, Senate analysisMichigan Senate Fiscal Agency
- Michigan Department of Civil RightsState of Michigan
- ADA.gov — Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADAU.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. DOT — Service Animals on flightsU.S. Department of Transportation
- HUD withdraws 2020 assistance-animal guidance (April 2026)Orrick, summarizing the Federal Register notice
Medically reviewed by Steven Salas, LICSW · Last updated November 6, 2026 · Next scheduled review: May 2027
Get Your Michigan Psychiatric Service Dog Letter Online
Meet a Michigan-licensed clinician online today. Private, secure, and you pay only if approved.
This page is for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws change; consult an attorney about your situation. A PSD letter does not make an untrained dog a service dog. Letters are issued only at the discretion of licensed clinicians after a clinical evaluation.