There is a lot of misinformation regarding service dogs, therapy dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) online. This can make it hard to discern the differences between these different working animals and it is very common to run into someone either in the general public or even in the assistance animal community who may be following misguided information. The following labels do have very different jobs, levels of training, types of training, and rights under USA's federal laws.
Service Dogs (SDs)
Description of the job:
An dog who is individually trained to perform tasks or do work that directly mitigate a person's disability.
Examples of work:
Who qualifies for one?
What type of animal is allowed to be a Service Dog?
Minimum training level required?
Rights for public access:
Rights for employment:
Rights for housing:
Rights for air travel:
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Description of the job:
An animal whose sole job is to provide comfort to someone who is disabled. The animal must provide some specific relief in connection to their disability.
Examples of work:
Who qualifies for one?
What type of animal is allowed?
Minimum training level required?
Rights for public access:
Rights for employment:
Rights for housing:
Rights for air travel:
Therapy Dogs (TDs)
Description of the job:
An animal, typically a dog, who is trained to comfort people other than their handler in a polite and controlled manner.
Examples of work:
Who qualifies for one?
What type of animal is allowed?
Minimum training level required?
Rights for public access:
Rights for employment:
Rights for housing:
Rights for air travel:
Sources:
The information listed above is correct as of November 15th, 2023. Always double check this information through the primary sources listed.
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