Puppy Love: Knowing the Differences between Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, and Emotional Support Dogs

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There are many different types of dogs that provide support and assistance to their human companions, including therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support dogs. While these dogs may seem similar, they serve different purposes and have different legal protections. In this post, we will explore the differences between these types of dogs and their roles in helping people.

Therapy Dogs Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and affection to people in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster sites. They are not considered service dogs or emotional support animals and do not have the same legal protections. Therapy dogs are often used in therapeutic settings to provide emotional support and help reduce stress and anxiety in people.

Service Dogs Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, such as guiding the blind, alerting the deaf, and retrieving items for people with mobility issues. Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which allows them to accompany their handlers in public places such as restaurants, stores, and hotels. Service dogs must be trained to perform a specific task related to their handler's disability and must be well-behaved and under control at all times.

Emotional Support Dogs Emotional support dogs are dogs that provide comfort and support to people with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These dogs are not considered service dogs and do not have the same legal protections. However, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), emotional support dogs are allowed to live with their owners in housing that otherwise prohibits pets. Additionally, under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), emotional support dogs are allowed to fly with their owners in the cabin of an airplane without having to pay an additional fee.

While therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support dogs all provide support and assistance to people, they have different roles and legal protections. It is important to understand the differences between these types of dogs and their specific purposes in order to fully appreciate their contributions to society.

Here are some additional resources to learn more about therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support dogs:

While therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support dogs may seem similar, they serve different purposes and have different legal protections. It is important to understand these differences in order to fully appreciate the important roles that these dogs play in helping people live happier and more fulfilling lives.

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