The Difference Between Dogs

The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.– Konrad Lorenz

Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Emotional Support Animals: Understanding the Differences

For many people, animals can provide important support and comfort. However, it's essential to understand the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals. Since we have incorporated our Therapy Dog In Training, Athena into our practice we’ve received a lot of questions about the differences between the types of dogs people see.

Service Dogs:

Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. These tasks can include guiding individuals who are blind, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, and even alerting others if the handler is in distress. Service dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are allowed to accompany their handlers in public places.

Therapy Dogs:

Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and affection to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. They work with their handlers to provide emotional support to people in need. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do not have the same legal protections and are not granted public access rights under the ADA. Instead, they are invited into facilities to provide support and companionship.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):

Emotional support animals provide comfort to individuals with mental health conditions or emotional disorders. While ESAs do not require specific training, they are prescribed by mental health professionals to provide support through companionship and affection. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not granted public access rights under the ADA, but they are protected under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, allowing them to accompany their owners in housing and during air travel.

Understanding these differences is crucial for respecting the roles and rights of these animals and their handlers. Whether it's a service dog, therapy dog, or emotional support animal, each plays a valuable role in providing support and companionship to those in need.