Updating your PSD letter after a move

Does your PSD letter work after a move

Federal law doesn't set a fixed expiration date for a psychiatric service dog letter. What matters is whether it gives your new housing provider reliable, current information about your disability-related need for a trained dog.

A letter from a clinician who evaluated you recently, and whose license covers where you lived at the time, may still be accepted. But a new landlord seeing a letter that's more than a year old, or that was written by a clinician licensed in a different state, may ask for something more current. Getting an updated letter before you apply can avoid delays.

Moving within the same state

If you're staying in the same state, your current letter may be fine, especially if it's recent. Read it through the eyes of your new landlord: is the clinician's license still active, is the date reasonably current, and does it clearly describe your need for a trained dog?

If anything has changed, such as a new dog joining your household or a long gap since your last evaluation, an updated letter can make the request simpler. A new dog doesn't change your disability-related need, but your provider may ask about the animal itself.

Moving to a new state

Licensing follows the patient's location. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains that telehealth providers generally must be licensed or legally permitted to practice in the state where the patient is located. If you've moved, a new evaluation should take place with a clinician who can lawfully evaluate you in your new state.

We only evaluate people where our clinicians can lawfully do so, and the booking step confirms your state. If we can't serve your new state, we'll tell you before you book.

Housing rules after a move

The federal Fair Housing Act applies nationwide, but federal guidance has changed. In May 2026, HUD issued enforcement guidance treating requests for animals individually trained to do disability-related tasks as presumptively reasonable, and it rescinded its 2020 assistance animal notice. Untrained emotional support animals are now reviewed case by case.

State and local fair housing laws vary and may add protections or procedures. Some states also have laws about misrepresenting a pet as a service animal. When you move, take a few minutes to check your new state's fair housing agency website.

Requesting accommodation in new housing

Send your reasonable accommodation request in writing, ideally before you sign the lease or as part of your application. Explain that you have a disability and that your dog is trained to perform specific tasks related to it.

If the disability or need isn't obvious, the provider may ask for supporting information. A current PSD letter can provide it. Our letters include the clinician's name, license type, license number, issuing state and the date, so the provider can verify the license on the state board's website.

What doesn't change when you move

Your dog's public access under the ADA comes from its training, not from paperwork, and it travels with you to every state. Businesses can still ask only the two permitted questions, and no letter is needed.

Air travel works the same way everywhere in the U.S. Airlines may require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, which is about your dog's health, training and behavior. A clinician's letter doesn't replace it.

PSD moving checklist

A little planning makes moving day easier for you and your dog.

• Check whether your new housing provider has a reasonable accommodation process and form
• Book an updated evaluation if your letter is older or from a clinician not licensed in your new state
• License your dog under your new city or county's dog licensing rules; ADA.gov notes these apply to service dogs too
• Keep rabies vaccination records current and find a new veterinarian
• Update your dog's microchip with your new address and phone number
• Practice your dog's tasks in the new home and on new routes before you need them

Getting an updated PSD letter

Updating your letter follows the same process as getting one the first time: book online, have a 5–10 minute phone or video evaluation with a licensed clinician, and, if the clinician finds it appropriate, receive a signed PDF letter. It costs $149 for one or two dogs or $229 for three, booking is free, and you pay only if a letter is approved.

Moving is stressful, and stress can make symptoms flare. Keep in touch with your treatment team during the transition, and if you're in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.