Maryland’s Laws & Regulations for Assistance Animals are as follows:
Acceptance
Always carry your Physical ID Card and visible Recognition Gear. In Maryland—especially around Washington D.C., Baltimore, and suburban counties—having a Prescription Letter, Registration Certificate, and Behavior Certificate helps avoid delays.
Housing
Maryland housing providers follow the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), requiring landlords to reasonably accommodate assistance animals, including ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals, when proper documentation is provided. Maryland also reinforces disability rights through the Maryland Fair Housing Act.
Air Travel
Maryland air travel is governed by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Only trained service dogs qualify as Service Animals. ESAs must fly under airline pet rules. DOT forms may be required when flying from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) or regional airports.
Our registry is approved by all airlines — carrying your Physical ID Card, Registration Certificate, and Recognition Gear ensures quick processing under ACAA rules.
Public Access
Maryland follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maryland Human Relations Law. Only trained Service Dogs (including psychiatric service dogs) must be allowed in restaurants, public transit (including MARC & Metro), hotels, stores, hospitals, and government buildings. ESAs do not qualify for public-access rights.
Additional Notes
- ADA (public access): Only task-trained dogs qualify as Service Animals.
- ACAA (air travel): Only trained Service Dogs must be allowed in cabin.
- FHA & Maryland Fair Housing: ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals qualify with documentation.
- State law: Maryland reinforces anti-discrimination protections for Service Animal handlers.
- Recognition Gear: Helpful in densely populated regions.
Applicable Laws
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
Protected under FHA and Maryland housing law; not recognized for public access or air travel.
Psychiatric Support Animals (PSA):
Recognized as Service Animals only if trained to perform disability-related tasks.
Service Animals:
Recognized under ADA, ACAA, FHA, and Maryland state law.