Maine’s Laws & Regulations for Assistance Animals are as follows:
Acceptance
Always carry your Physical ID Card and visible Recognition Gear. Maine businesses, rental owners, and transit authorities respond more quickly when you also carry a Prescription Letter, Registration Certificate, and Behavior Certificate.
Housing
Maine housing providers must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires reasonable accommodations for assistance animals—including ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals. Maine also enforces the Maine Human Rights Act, offering additional protections for people with disabilities in rental housing.
Air Travel
All flights to or from Maine follow the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Only trained service dogs qualify. ESAs must travel under airline pet policies. DOT forms may be required at Portland (PWM), Bangor (BGR), or regional airports.
Our registry is approved by all airlines — your Physical ID Card, Registration Certificate, and Recognition Gear help airline staff verify documentation quickly.
Public Access
Maine public access follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maine Human Rights Act. Only trained Service Dogs (including psychiatric service dogs) are guaranteed access to restaurants, shops, government buildings, hospitals, and public transportation. ESAs do not qualify for public access under ADA or Maine law.
Additional Notes
- ADA (public access): Only dogs trained to perform tasks qualify as Service Animals.
- ACAA (air travel): Airlines must accept trained Service Dogs; ESAs travel under pet rules.
- FHA & Maine Human Rights Act: ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals are protected for housing with documentation.
- State protections: Maine enforces strong disability-rights laws under the MHRA.
- Recognition Gear: Recommended for clarity, especially in rural areas and coastal towns.
Applicable Laws
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
Recognized for housing under FHA and MHRA; not recognized for public access.
Psychiatric Support Animals (PSA):
Considered Service Animals only when task-trained.
Service Animals:
Recognized under ADA, ACAA, FHA, and Maine state law.