Working dogs helping humans have made a huge impact on society and that amazing aid is only growing. It’s easy to confuse what dogs with a specific designation do, what that designation means, and what they are required to do to fit the criteria. Here we break down Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs. For laws regarding the specific governance, we suggest owners consult their local state statutes and town ordinances. In most instances, especially for Service Dogs, State Statute takes precedence unless the town ordinance provides greater access for the animals and their owner. We advise getting to know those for the area you are in.
Service Dogs
Service dogs carry the largest responsibility and highest level of training. They are trained to perform tasks to help their owner deal with a specific disability. Service dogs are trained to accompany their owners to all places and are permitted to do so by the law. Legally, service dogs are considered medical equipment. There are very limited circumstances where a service dog is not permitted to be with their owner. Service dogs are often able to perform tasks and requisite responsibilities around a year of age but require continuous training throughout their development into puberty and adulthood to maintain and improve their skill levels.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional Support Dogs are not considered service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act for Title II and Title III. However, emotional support animals (ESA) are granted certain protections by the law. Emotional Support animals are meant to be companions to their humans and can be especially helpful in helping owners cope with anxiety, depression and other psychological issues. There are no set training or behavioral requirements for an ESA. To qualify someone usually must obtain a note from their doctor documenting the need for an ESA due to a health condition, generally mental health related. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination against people with ESA’s regardless of the breed of dog, size, or the facilities policy for regular pets. Rental companies or communities are not allowed to charge “pet rent” fees for an ESA. Additionally they cannot discriminate based on breed or size of the dog regardless of general pet policies.
Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs are dogs that have been trained to give psychological support to individuals other than their owners in public settings. Typically, therapy dogs are easy going and friendly, as it is their job to interact with new people. They are often seen in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and hospice care. Therapy dogs differ from service dogs in that they are encouraged to interact with new people instead of discouraged to only focus on their owner. Additionally, they do not have the same legal status as service dogs. Therapy Dog jobs vary from directly providing rehabilitation support, to making someone who is sick feel a little better, or even just helping to boost students’ confidence before a test.
Overall, service, emotional support, and therapy dogs each serve a valuable purpose in society. Service dogs are there to assist with their owner’s disabilities, therapy dogs help public citizens in difficult situations, and ESAs provide a reassuring presence, the companionship of each can have a significant, positive impact in a person’s life. These animals have improved the quality of millions of lives and their benefits are indisputable. We look forward to seeing where research takes us in the future to integrate service dogs into medicine more frequently and effectively.
