Service Dogs Vs Emotional Support Animals

While it may seem that the terms emotional support animal therapy dog and service dog are interchangeable make no mistake these dogs have very different training and certification.

Service dogs vs emotional support animals. The Difference Between Service Dogs Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Dogs. Therapy dogs wont be granted access that can be acquired by service dogs or emotional support dogs. Emotional support animals are different than service animals Ochoa says.

Emotional support animals do not have the same level of access as service dogs and are only allowed in planes for travel and in homes that normally do not allow pets. Unlike service and therapy dogs emotional support animals are not expected to perform specific tasks related to their owners condition nor must they adhere to any behavior standards or training. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen.

The benefits afforded to emotional support animals are not as extensive as those afforded to service dogs. So while there are some key differences between a service dog and an emotional support animal there are certain rights that owners of each are entitled to. Although service dogs for the deaf and blind have been used for decades doctors and mental health professionals are now attesting to the benefits dogs and other animals bring to those individuals that need emotional or stress-relieving help.

Emotional Support Animals also known as ESAs are those animals that provide companionship and comfort to people who are dealing with mental emotional or psychological issues. As mentioned previously one of the biggest differences between a service dog vs emotional support animal is that service dogs have free access to places where animals are forbidden. Service dogs therapy dogs a dog that provides therapy for others and does not perform work or tasks for the handler and emotional support animals a dog that just by being there provides emotional support to its owner are not the same thing.

The same goes for a person who has an emotional support animal. The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. Most important facts that should be taken into consideration.

Service dogs are intelligent highly trainable intuitive loyal and even-tempered. They are trained to follow basic commands but are not trained for a specific. Emotional service animals ESA help people who are physically able to function but have emotional or psychological issues that interfere with major life activities.