Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals: What's the Difference?
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Service dogs Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support animals are not the same thing. Learn about the differences between these types of animals and their roles in helping people.
Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support animals are often confused, but they have different roles and legal protections. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, while emotional support animals provide comfort and companionship to those with mental health conditions. Learn more about the differences between these types of animals and how they can help people in need.
What is a Therapy dog?
Therapy dogs provide opportunities for petting, affection, and interaction in a variety of settings on a volunteer basis. Therapy dogs and their owners bring cheer and comfort to hospital patients, assisted living center residents, stressed travelers in airports, college students during exams, and in other situation where friendly, well-trained dogs are welcome. Therapy dogs are also used to relieve stress and bring comfort to victims of traumatic events or disasters. Many groups that train therapy dogs or that take dogs on pet therapy visits have matching ID tags, collars, or vests.
What is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a specially trained animal that provides assistance to people with disabilities. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help their owners with daily activities, such as opening doors, retrieving objects, and alerting them to sounds. Service dogs are protected under the disabilities Act and are allowed to accompany their owners in public places, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides comfort and support to individuals with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not require any specific training and are not protected under the Disabilities Act. However, individuals with ESAs may be allowed to have their animal with them in housing that otherwise does not allow pets
Choosing the Right Type of Assistance Animal for Your Needs.
When deciding whether to get a service dog or an emotional support animal, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the tasks you need assistance with. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, while emotional support animals provide comfort and support to individuals with mental health conditions. It’s also important to consider the legal protections and requirements for each type of animal, as they differ under the specific countries laws. Consulting with a healthcare provider and a trained professional can help you make the best decision for your needs.