Service Dogs vs. Therapy, Emotional Support, and Comfort Dogs
The term service dogs is often used interchangeably with emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, and comfort dogs, but there are important differences. Here is a description of each of their roles and services they provide.
Service Dog—According to the American with Disabilities Act( ADA), a service dog is “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” To achieve this label, a dog must go through months of training. Service dogs, unlike regular pets, must be allowed access to buildings and other public areas. Service dogs are mobility dogs, guide dogs, and medical alert dogs (diabetes, seizures), and assist those in wheelchairs and who suffer from PTSD or have mobility issues. Service dogs are allowed on planes and trains, and allowed in housing and hotels. No extra charge can be applied for a service dog.
Therapy Dog, Emotional Support Dog, Comfort Dog—Not considered a service animal under the ADA. The ADA says “these support animals provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and sometimes help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias, but do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities.” Pet owners’ dogs can become therapy dogs, usually with the approval of therapy dog organizations. This allows them to make visits to places such as hospitals and schools and become part of a patient or student therapy program.
Emotional support animals are covered under the Fair Housing Act. Please see the chart below for the different descriptions.
Heartland Service Dogs specializes in the training of service dogs. Contact us if you are interested in applying for a service dog.
Service Dog—According to the American with Disabilities Act( ADA), a service dog is “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” To achieve this label, a dog must go through months of training. Service dogs, unlike regular pets, must be allowed access to buildings and other public areas. Service dogs are mobility dogs, guide dogs, and medical alert dogs (diabetes, seizures), and assist those in wheelchairs and who suffer from PTSD or have mobility issues. Service dogs are allowed on planes and trains, and allowed in housing and hotels. No extra charge can be applied for a service dog.
Therapy Dog, Emotional Support Dog, Comfort Dog—Not considered a service animal under the ADA. The ADA says “these support animals provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and sometimes help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias, but do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities.” Pet owners’ dogs can become therapy dogs, usually with the approval of therapy dog organizations. This allows them to make visits to places such as hospitals and schools and become part of a patient or student therapy program.
Emotional support animals are covered under the Fair Housing Act. Please see the chart below for the different descriptions.
Heartland Service Dogs specializes in the training of service dogs. Contact us if you are interested in applying for a service dog.