Mississippi’s Laws & Regulations for Assistance Animals are as follows:
Acceptance
Always carry your Physical ID Card and visible Recognition Gear. Across Mississippi—especially in rural towns—having a Prescription Letter, Registration Certificate, and Behavior Certificate makes verification much faster.
Housing
Mississippi housing providers must comply with the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires them to accommodate ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals with proper documentation. Mississippi does not add additional ESA-specific rules, so federal law governs most housing decisions.
Air Travel
Mississippi follows the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Only trained service dogs are recognized as Service Animals for airline travel. ESAs must travel under the airline’s pet policy. DOT Service Animal forms may be required when flying from Jackson (JAN), Gulfport–Biloxi (GPT), or other airports.
Our registry is approved by all airlines — carrying your Physical ID Card, Registration Certificate, and Recognition Gear ensures smooth airline verification.
Public Access
Public access follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Mississippi Code § 43-6-155. Only trained Service Dogs (including psychiatric service dogs) must be allowed in restaurants, shops, hotels, hospitals, public transit, and government buildings. ESAs do not qualify for public access under ADA or state law.
Additional Notes
- ADA: Only dogs trained to perform tasks are Service Animals.
- ACAA: Airlines accept trained Service Dogs only.
- FHA (housing): ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals qualify when documentation is provided.
- State law: Mississippi penalizes fraudulent Service Animal claims.
- Recognition Gear: Strongly recommended for clarity in rural counties.
Applicable Laws
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
Recognized under FHA for housing but not under ADA or state public-access laws.
Psychiatric Support Animals (PSA):
Considered Service Animals only when task-trained.
Service Animals:
Recognized under ADA, ACAA, FHA, and Mississippi Code § 43-6-155.