Service Dogs VS Emotional Support Animals

Service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) are often confused, but they serve different roles and have different legal rights. In this blog, we will explore the differences between service dogs and emotional support animals.

Service dogs

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers. These tasks are related to the handler's disability and can include things like guiding someone with a visual impairment, alerting someone with hearing loss, or helping someone with a mobility impairment. Service dogs are highly trained and go through rigorous training programs to ensure they are well-behaved and able to perform their tasks.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers in all public places, including restaurants, stores, and other businesses. Businesses must allow service dogs to enter even if they have a "no pets" policy. Service dogs are also allowed to travel with their handlers on airplanes and stay in hotels.

It's important to note that not all dogs can be service dogs. Service dogs must be trained to perform specific tasks related to their handler's disability, and the handler must have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Emotional support animals

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are different from service dogs in that they are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Instead, they provide emotional support to their owners. ESAs are often prescribed by mental health professionals as part of a treatment plan for people with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), people with ESAs are allowed to live in housing that does not allow pets. This includes apartments and rental properties. People with ESAs are also allowed to fly with their animals in the cabin of an airplane without paying additional fees.

However, ESAs do not have the same rights as service dogs. They are not allowed in public places that do not allow pets, and businesses do not have to allow them to enter. Additionally, ESAs do not have the same level of training as service dogs and may not be as well-behaved in public.

It's also important to note that not all animals can be ESAs. ESAs must be prescribed by a mental health professional as part of a treatment plan for a mental health condition. They do not have to be trained in specific tasks like service dogs, but they should be well-behaved and not pose a threat to others.

Choosing between a service dog and an emotional support animal

Choosing between a service dog and an emotional support animal depends on the individual's needs and the nature of their disability. If someone has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities and requires assistance with specific tasks, a service dog may be the best option.

If someone has a mental health condition and requires emotional support, an emotional support animal may be the best option. However, it's important to note that ESAs do not have the same rights as service dogs and are not allowed in public places that do not allow pets.

It's also important to consider the cost and responsibility of owning a service dog or emotional support animal. Service dogs can be expensive to train and require ongoing care and maintenance. Emotional support animals do not require specific training, but they still require care and attention.

Conclusion

Service dogs and emotional support animals serve different roles and have different legal rights. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to their handler's disability and have the right to accompany their handler in all public places. Emotional support animals provide emotional support to their owner and have the right to live in housing that does not allow pets and fly in the cabin of an airplane. However, ESAs do not have the same rights as service dogs and are not allowed in public places that do not allow pets.

Choosing between a service dog and an emotional support animal depends on the individual's needs and the nature of their disability. It's important to consult with a medical professional or therapist to determine which option is best for you.

It's also important to consider the responsibility and cost of owning a service dog or emotional support animal. Service dogs can be expensive to train and require ongoing care and attention. Emotional support animals do not require specific training, but they still require care and attention.

Regardless of whether you choose a service dog or an emotional support animal, it's important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a pet owner. Both service dogs and emotional support animals can provide invaluable support and companionship to their owners. However, it's important to remember that they are not interchangeable and serve different roles.

In summary, service dogs and emotional support animals are two different types of animals that serve different roles for their owners. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to their handler's disability and have the right to accompany their handler in all public places. Emotional support animals provide emotional support to their owner and have the right to live in housing that does not allow pets and fly in the cabin of an airplane. When choosing between a service dog and an emotional support animal, it's important to consider your needs, the nature of your disability, and the responsibility and cost of owning a pet.