Traveling Around Vermont with a PSD: Your Legal Checklist

Traveling Around Vermont with a PSD: Your Legal Checklist

Brought to you by PetCerts.com

From Burlington’s scenic Lake Champlain views to the serene trails of the Green Mountains, Vermont offers a peaceful escape for those traveling with a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD). Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, ensuring a smooth and legal journey with your PSD requires knowing your rights and responsibilities.

Here’s your comprehensive legal checklist to confidently navigate Vermont with your PSD — and a few key tips from PetCerts.com to make the experience stress-free.

1. Understand Federal Protections for PSDs

Before even packing your bags, familiarize yourself with the laws that protect PSD handlers across the U.S., including Vermont. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with psychiatric disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their service dogs in public spaces — from restaurants and retail shops to buses and parks.

Key Points:

• Your PSD must be task-trained to assist with a psychiatric condition.

• Businesses can only ask two questions:

  1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?

  2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

They cannot ask for medical documentation or demand your dog demonstrate tasks.

2. Plan Pet-Friendly Accommodations—Legally

Vermont is known for its charming B&Bs and boutique inns. While many are pet-friendly, it’s important to remember that PSD access isn’t the same as pet access. A PSD is legally allowed in accommodations that might otherwise have a no-pet policy — but this only applies if your PSD meets the ADA criteria.

➡️ Tip from PetCerts.com: Having your paperwork organized — including your PSD letter — makes communication with lodging staff smoother. It’s not legally required, but it shows preparedness and can prevent unnecessary confusion.

3. Air Travel in and out of Vermont

Whether you're flying into Burlington International Airport or taking a regional flight, the U.S. Department of Transportation now requires travelers with PSDs to meet specific criteria under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Airlines may ask for completed DOT forms attesting to your dog’s training and health.

Make sure:

• Your dog is harnessed, leashed, or tethered.

• Your PSD can remain under control and behave appropriately in public spaces.

• You have accurate documentation ready in advance of travel.

PetCerts.com provides properly formatted PSD letters that align with these federal expectations, helping travelers avoid last-minute surprises.

4. Know Vermont’s Local Leash and Behavior Laws

Even though PSDs are protected federally, you still need to comply with local regulations. In Vermont, towns may enforce leash laws or require dogs to be under "voice control." Don’t assume PSD status exempts you from local expectations — always check city or town ordinances before you arrive.

Also:

• Always carry waste bags and clean up after your dog.

• Aggressive or disruptive behavior may result in denied access, regardless of PSD status.

5. Dining, Shopping, and Public Access

Vermont’s small towns are packed with farm-to-table eateries and artisan shops. Under the ADA, your PSD must be allowed in these public areas, but keep in mind:

• Your PSD must remain non-disruptive.

• Staff may not charge pet fees or isolate you unnecessarily.

Still, courtesy goes a long way. Alerting staff in advance and being respectful of space helps set the right tone.

6. Be Prepared — Not Just Legally, But Practically

Don’t forget the essentials:

• PSD ID tag or vest (not required by law, but often helpful)

• Food, water, and collapsible bowls

• First-aid supplies for your dog

• Current vet records in case of emergencies

👉 A well-prepared handler reflects a well-trained PSD. At PetCerts.com, we help ensure that you have everything ready for travel with clear, legally recognized PSD letters tailored to your needs.

Enjoy the Journey, Legally and Confidently

Vermont is a dream for peaceful retreats and outdoor exploration — and with the right planning, your PSD can enjoy it alongside you. Federal protections ensure access, but preparedness ensures peace of mind.

At PetCerts.com, we support individuals in their journeys with psychiatric service dogs by providing trusted documentation that helps make travel easier, especially when it matters most.