ESA Letters & PSD Evaluations
in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Michigan-licensed clinicians provide both Emotional Support Animal letters and Psychiatric Service Dog evaluations for Ann Arbor residents — accepted by Washtenaw County landlords, University of Michigan housing, and HOAs statewide.
ESA Letter or PSD Evaluation — Which Do You Need in Ann Arbor?
Both offer critical protections, but their rights differ significantly for Ann Arbor residents.
ESA Letter — $149
Ann Arbor's dense off-campus rental market means ESA housing letters are critical for Washtenaw County tenants living near U-M and EMU.
- No-pet housing accommodation (FHA + PWDCRA)
- No pet fees or breed restrictions from Washtenaw County landlords
- Valid for University of Michigan student housing
- No task training required — any species qualifies
- Delivered in 24-48 hours
PSD Evaluation — $199
Ann Arbor's research hospital community and U-M graduate students often need full ADA PSD rights for library access, campus buildings, and healthcare facilities.
- Full ADA public access rights (restaurants, stores, transit)
- Access to TheRide (AAATA) public transportation
- Workplace ADA accommodation documentation
- Dog must be task-trained for your specific disability
- Strongest legal protection available in Michigan
ESA vs. PSD — Side-by-Side for Ann Arbor Residents
| Feature | ESA Letter | Psychiatric Service Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Rights (FHA + PWDCRA) | Yes — Washtenaw County landlords must accommodate | Yes — strongest protection |
| Air Travel Rights | No longer required (post-2021) | Yes — ADA protections apply |
| Public Access (TheRide (AAATA)) | No — ESAs are not service animals | Yes — all Michigan public spaces |
| Workplace ADA Accommodation | Limited | Yes — full ADA rights |
| Training Required | None — any animal qualifies | Task-trained for your disability |
| University of Michigan Housing | Yes — HUD 2020 compliant | Yes — strongest ADA rights |
| Michigan Cost | $149 | $199 |
| Delivery Time | 24-48 hrs | 24-48 hrs |
Your Legal Rights in Ann Arbor Under Michigan Law
Fair Housing Act
The FHA requires all Washtenaw County landlords — regardless of no-pet policies — to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with a valid ESA letter from a Michigan-licensed clinician.
Michigan PWDCRA
Michigan's Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act reinforces FHA protections. The MDCR enforces violations in Ann Arbor and across all 83 Michigan counties.
ADA (for PSD)
The Americans with Disabilities Act grants full public access rights to Psychiatric Service Dogs — including access to TheRide (AAATA) and Ann Arbor public buildings — that ESAs do not have.
Ann Arbor Neighborhoods & Areas We Serve
All telehealth — every ZIP code in Washtenaw County covered equally.
Ann Arbor ESA & PSD — Common Questions
Do I need an ESA letter or PSD evaluation in Ann Arbor?
If you primarily need housing accommodations in Washtenaw County rentals, an ESA letter ($149) is sufficient. If you need full ADA public access rights — including access to TheRide (AAATA) and Ann Arbor businesses — a Psychiatric Service Dog evaluation ($199) provides broader legal coverage.
How long does the process take for Ann Arbor residents?
Both ESA and PSD evaluations are completed entirely online. After your free screening, a Michigan-licensed clinician reviews your case and delivers your signed letter within 24–48 hours.
Does University of Michigan student housing accept these letters?
Yes. University of Michigan follows HUD 2020 ESA guidelines for housing accommodations. For ADA workplace and campus access, a PSD evaluation provides the strongest legal protection.
Can Washtenaw County landlords refuse my ESA or PSD?
Very rarely. Under the FHA and Michigan PWDCRA, Washtenaw County landlords must make reasonable accommodations for ESAs. PSDs also have full ADA public access rights that override most property restrictions.
Ready to Get Your Ann Arbor ESA or PSD Letter?
Free screening — only pay if you qualify. Michigan-licensed clinicians deliver your letter within 24-48 hours, valid across Washtenaw County and the entire Great Lakes State.