What are the Differences Between Therapy Dogs, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals?

Edited by Brittany Albright MD, MPH

In recent years, the use of animals in therapeutic and support capacities has gained significant traction. Whether it's a dog helping someone navigate a busy street or a cat providing comfort during tough times, animals have proven to be indispensable allies for many individuals. However, there's often confusion surrounding the terms "therapy dog", "service animal", and "emotional support animal." Let's delve into the differences.

1. Therapy Dogs:

Definition: Therapy dogs are volunteer dogs that are trained to provide comfort and affection to individuals in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, and disaster areas. They provide therapeutic contact for people who may be experiencing stress, trauma, or health challenges.

Training: While therapy dogs require training to be well-behaved in various settings, they don't typically perform specific tasks for an individual as service animals do.

Access Rights: Unlike service animals and emotional support animals, therapy dogs do not have special rights to access public places that aren't pet-friendly. However, they are often welcomed in the specific institutions they serve, like hospitals or schools.

To get your dog certified as a volunteer therapy dog, we highly recommend Alliance of Therapy Dogs: https://www.therapydogs.com

2. Service Animals:

Definition: Service animals, most commonly dogs, are highly professionally trained to perform very specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. These can range from guiding the visually impaired, detecting an impending seizure, pulling a wheelchair, or even retrieving dropped items.

Training: Service animals undergo rigorous training to perform their specific tasks. The training ensures that they're not only proficient in their tasks but also well-behaved in public settings.

Access Rights: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are allowed access to most public places. Establishments cannot deny access or service to someone because they have a service animal.

3. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):

Definition: Emotional support animals provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias. Unlike service animals, they aren't trained to perform specific tasks or functions.

Training: ESAs do not require specific task-oriented training. However, for the sake of public courtesy and safety, it's ideal that these animals are well-behaved.

Access Rights: ESAs do not have the same access rights as service animals. They're not granted access to all public areas or establishments. However, under federal law, individuals with verified disabilities can live with their ESAs in housing units that have a "no pets" policy. Some airlines also have policies to accommodate ESAs, but this is changing, so it's always best to check with the airline first.

Conclusion:

While therapy dogs, service animals, and emotional support animals all serve crucial roles, they are distinct in their training, purpose, and access rights. Recognizing these differences is essential for both those who benefit from these animals and the establishments they frequent. If you or someone you know is considering incorporating one of these animals into your life, it's crucial to understand these distinctions and seek out the appropriate resources and training.