Michigan’s Laws & Regulations for Assistance Animals are as follows:
Acceptance
Always carry your Physical ID Card and visible Recognition Gear. In Michigan—especially in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor—bringing a Prescription Letter, Registration Certificate, and Behavior Certificate improves acceptance and reduces delays.
Housing
Michigan landlords must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires accommodations for ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals with proper documentation. Michigan also enforces the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which provides additional protections for people with disabilities in housing matters.
Air Travel
Michigan follows the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Only trained service dogs qualify as Service Animals for flights. ESAs must travel under airline pet rules. DOT forms may be required at Detroit Metro (DTW), Grand Rapids (GRR), Flint (FNT), and other regional airports.
Our registry is approved by all airlines — your Physical ID Card, Registration Certificate, and Recognition Gear help ensure quick processing under ACAA rules.
Public Access
Michigan public access follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL § 750.502c). Only trained Service Dogs—including psychiatric service dogs—must be allowed in restaurants, hotels, public transit, hospitals, stores, and government buildings. ESAs do not qualify for public access.
Additional Notes
- ADA: Only task-trained dogs count as Service Animals.
- ACAA: Airlines accept trained Service Dogs only.
- FHA & Michigan law: ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals qualify with documentation.
- State penalties: Michigan imposes penalties for misrepresenting a pet as a Service Animal.
- Recognition Gear: Recommended to ensure smooth interactions statewide.
Applicable Laws
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
Recognized under FHA and state housing protections. No public-access rights.
Psychiatric Support Animals (PSA):
Recognized as Service Animals only when task-trained.
Service Animals:
Recognized under ADA, ACAA, FHA, and Michigan state law.