Dogs play an incredible role in enhancing our lives and providing valuable support and companionship. In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the various roles dogs can play in helping individuals with different needs. Three common terms that are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings and purposes are service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these types of assistance dogs to gain a better understanding of their roles and how they contribute to the well-being of their handlers.
If you are confused about the difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs and therapy dogs, you’re certainly not the only one. While both types of dogs help people with disabilities, the two groups have clear distinctions with different rights under the law.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are highly trained canines that assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks related to their handler's condition. These dogs undergo extensive training to help individuals with physical, sensory, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities. They are protected by laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States.
Key characteristics of service dogs include:
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Task-specific training: Service dogs are trained to perform tasks that mitigate their handler's disability. For example, they may assist individuals with mobility issues by retrieving dropped items, opening doors, or providing balance and stability.
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Public access rights: Service dogs are granted legal access to public spaces, including restaurants, stores, and transportation, to ensure their handlers can lead independent lives.
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Focus on an individual handler: Service dogs are trained to bond with and respond to the specific needs of their handler. Their training is tailored to meet the unique requirements of the individual they serve.
A service animal must do one or more specific jobs for their handler, aka the person with a disability whom they assist. Examples include:
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Guiding people who are blind
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Alerting people who are deaf
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Pulling a wheelchair
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Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
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Reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications
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Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack
These are just a few examples, not an exhaustive list. In general, if a dog performs any specific action that assists a person with their disability, they can be considered a service animal.
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Service Dog Rights
So, what rights do service dogs have under the law? The most notable right is that no service dog can be denied entry into public spaces—including buses, airports, planes and workspaces—even if the establishment has a “no pets allowed” policy. (Service animals in training are often awarded the same rights, though each state has its own set of allowances.)
Service animals are also allowed to stay in your residence regardless of your landlord’s or building’s pet policies. In addition, housing providers may not charge any pet fees or deposits for service dogs.
In addition, people and businesses cannot ask what your disability is, require medical documentation, training documentation, or ask that the dog demonstrate their abilities. The only exception is in the case of flying on airplanes, which is part of new rules by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Service Dog Registration
Registration is not required for service animals under the ADA. In fact, there is no “official” service animal registry, and registration granted through private companies does not convey any additional rights. In fact, neither the ADA nor the Department of Justice recognizes registration as proof that a dog is a service animal.
However, some people choose to register their service dogs in order to get official-looking paperwork that says their dog is a service animal. This documentation can sometimes help prevent unnecessary confrontations or potential discrimination if a person’s disability is unlawfully disputed.
Regardless of registration, all service dogs must follow the same local licensing and vaccination rules that apply to other dogs in their area.
Emotional Support Dogs
Emotional support dogs provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to individuals with psychological or emotional conditions. While they offer therapeutic benefits, they are not classified as service animals under the ADA. However, they may have certain accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
Key characteristics of emotional support dogs include:
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No task-specific training: Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks. Instead, their presence and companionship alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other emotional conditions.
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Focus on emotional well-being: Emotional support dogs provide a sense of comfort and emotional stability to their handlers. Their primary role is to offer unconditional love and support.
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Restricted public access: Emotional support dogs do not have the same public access rights as service dogs. However, they may be permitted to accompany their handlers in certain housing situations or on flights, subject to specific regulations and documentation.
Emotional Support Animal Rights
When it comes to rights under the law, ESAs are quite different from service animals. For example, ESAs are not guaranteed acceptance in all public places like service dogs are. If a business has a “no pets” policy, for example, they are within their rights to turn your emotional service dog away, too.
However, ESAs do have some important protections and rights, especially when it comes to housing. According to the Fair Housing laws, which prohibit housing discrimination against people with disabilities, “no pet” rules and pet deposits must be waived for ESAs. Additionally, because these animals are not considered pets under the law, they cannot be counted toward any pet limit imposed by a landlord, condo board or homeowners’ association.
As with service animals, a housing provider can’t ask about the nature or extent of your disability. However, they may request documentation, such as a letter from your mental health professional, to confirm that the accommodations you’re seeking are due to a disability.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs and therapy animals are trained to provide comfort, affection, and support to various individuals in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. Their purpose is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of people in need, rather than serving a single individual. Therapy dogs often work with trained handlers who facilitate their interactions with different individuals and groups.
Key characteristics of therapy dogs include:
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Temperament and socialization: Therapy dogs and therapy animals must possess a calm and friendly temperament. They are extensively trained to interact positively with strangers, including children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.
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Public access varies: Therapy dogs typically require permission or invitations to enter certain establishments or events. Their access is dependent on the specific facility's policies and the purpose of their visit.
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Non-specific support: Unlike service dogs and emotional support dogs, therapy dogs do not focus on providing aid to a single individual. Instead, they contribute to the overall well-being of multiple individuals through their presence and interactions.
Certification and Training Requirements
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Service Dogs: Service dogs undergo rigorous training from specialized organizations or professional trainers. They must meet specific standards and pass assessments to ensure their ability to perform tasks reliably.
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Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs do not require specialized training or certification. However, they should still exhibit good behavior and be well-socialized to be effective in providing emotional support. They are often companion animals.
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Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs also need to undergo training and certification to ensure they are well-behaved, comfortable in various environments, and can interact safely with different individuals.
Legal Protections:
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Service Dogs: Service dogs are protected by laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. A service animal has the right to accompany their handlers in public places, housing, and transportation.
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Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support animals and dogs have some legal protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). They may be allowed in housing and on flights with proper documentation and approval, but they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.
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Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs do not have the same legal protections as service dogs or emotional support dogs. A therapy dog's access to facilities and events is determined by the policies of the specific organization or establishment they are visiting.
Targeted Assistance:
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Service Dogs: Service dogs are individually trained to assist individuals with specific disabilities or conditions. This can include guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting to sounds for individuals with hearing impairments, detecting seizures, or providing support for psychiatric conditions. Service dog owners are often an individual with a disability.
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Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs offer general emotional comfort and companionship to individuals with psychological or emotional conditions. Their presence can help reduce anxiety, provide a sense of security, and improve overall well-being.
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Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs work with trained handlers to provide emotional support and comfort to various individuals in therapeutic settings. They can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and facilitate social interaction and communication.
Ownership and Responsibilities:
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Service Dogs: Service dogs are owned by individuals with disabilities and serve as working animals. Their handlers are responsible for their care, training, and well-being.
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Emotional Support Dogs: An emotional support dog is considered a pet rather than a working animal. Their owners are responsible for their care and well-being, but they do not have the same public access rights or task-specific training requirements as service dogs.
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Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs are typically owned by their handlers or volunteers who work with organizations providing therapy services. The organizations are responsible for coordinating and scheduling therapy visits, and the handlers are responsible for the dog's care and training.
Similarities and Differences
Emotional Support Dog vs Service Dog
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Service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) have different rights under the law.
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Service dogs perform specific tasks to assist people with disabilities. Emotional support animals provide comfort to people with disabilities mainly through their calming presence.
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By law, service dogs must be allowed in public places. Public establishments have the right to deny entry to emotional support animals.
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In light of new travel rules, most airlines offer special accommodations to trained service dogs only. ESAs and service dogs in training must adhere to an airline’s general pet policy.
Service Dog vs Therapy Dog
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A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospice, disaster areas, retirement homes, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and more.
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Therapy dogs are used in facilities to comfort people and give affection.
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Therapy dog certification can be achieved through various organizations.
Conclusion
While service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs all play essential roles in providing assistance and support, their functions, training, and legal protections vary significantly. Service dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities and have public access rights. Emotional support dogs provide emotional support, they do not have the same level of training or legal rights as service dogs.
Service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs each have unique roles and contributions in providing assistance and support to individuals in need. Understanding the distinctions between these types of dogs is important for ensuring appropriate recognition, respect, and support for their specific roles and the individuals they serve.
It is important to remember that the terms "service dog," "emotional support dog," and "therapy dog" should not be used interchangeably. Misrepresenting an animal's role can lead to confusion, legal issues, and challenges for individuals who genuinely require the assistance of these specially trained dogs.
By appreciating the differences between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs, we can foster a greater understanding of the diverse ways in which dogs positively impact the lives of people with disabilities, emotional needs, or those undergoing therapy. These remarkable animals provide invaluable support, comfort, and companionship, enhancing the well-being and quality of life for their handlers and those they interact with.
In conclusion, service dogs are highly trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities and have public access rights. Emotional support dogs offer emotional comfort and companionship to individuals with psychological or emotional conditions, but they do not have public access rights like service dogs. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are trained to provide comfort and support to various individuals in therapeutic settings, under the guidance of trained handlers. Each type of assistance dog has its unique purpose, training requirements, and legal protections, all aimed at enhancing the lives of those they serve.
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