Service dogs and emotional support dogs provide vital assistance and companionship to numerous people. However, there are some major differences between service dogs and emotional support dogs that you should be aware of. Our article goes over these differences and helps you understand more about these valuable companion animals.
Service Dogs Versus Emotional Support Dogs
Service dogs and emotional support dogs are sometimes thought of as the same thing, but there are some very important differences between these two companion animals. State and federal laws, specific access protections, and the methods for obtaining each kind of dog differ greatly, and it’s important to understand your rights with both kinds of dog.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are dogs trained to help an individual with a qualifying disability. Most people are familiar with service dogs trained to guide those with visual or hearing impairments, but service dogs can also be medical alert dogs, mobility assistance dogs, therapeutic companion dogs, and psychiatric aid dogs.
The range of tasks that a service dog is trained to do varies greatly based on their owner’s needs, and most service dogs are purchased fully trained from an organization that specializes in certain types of service dogs, such as guide dogs or psychiatric service dogs.
Because service dogs are so integral to the life of someone who has a disability, and these individuals typically need their service dogs for disability-related tasks throughout the day, service dogs are granted fairly wide-reaching public access rights.
A service dog can accompany their owner into any private business or public area, including restaurants, malls, and small businesses, and they can also live alongside their owner regardless of pet or breed restrictions,
Minor exceptions apply to these access rights for service dogs, and your service dog may not be allowed without express permission in certain religious organizations. You are also not able to bring your service dog into any area where their presence poses a safety risk, such as a sterile operating room.
Emotional Support Dogs
Emotional support dogs differ from service dogs in that they are not able to accompany their owners into most private spaces. These dogs do not provide help with disability-related tasks, and they are not specifically trained to deal with disabilities such as visual impairments, medical disabilities, or psychiatric conditions.
Instead, emotional support dogs provide relief for their owners who have certain mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress with their presence and companionship.
The routine of caring for an emotional support dog can help an owner with their mental health condition, and many studies have shown that interacting with a beloved animal can improve positive feelings and help mitigate major instances of stress, anxiety, and depression.
An emotional support dog is typically only protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which states that any individual in need of support from an emotional support dog can live alongside their dog in an area of suitable housing, regardless of breed and pet restrictions. Individuals with emotional support dogs are not required to pay extra pet fees, pet rent, or pet security deposits.
However, it’s important to note that you cannot bring your emotional support dog with you into private spaces unless they are designated as pet or dog-friendly. You can also be denied emotional support dog accommodations if your dog is out of control, dangerous, or destructive to others around a housing complex.
Where Can I Get a Service Dog?
You can adopt a service dog through a reputable organization, or you can train your own service dog based on your needs. In general, you will need to speak to your medical provider first to ensure that adding a service dog to your treatment plan is the right step for you and your disability.
However, most of the time, service dogs are very valuable and helpful companions, and there are not many instances where you will be denied access to a service dog.
Where Can I Get an Emotional Support Dog?
In order to get an emotional support dog, you must meet with a licensed mental health care provider in your state. This can be a virtual or in-person meeting, and your mental health care provider will evaluate your mental health condition and your need for an emotional support dog.
Once you have been approved for a support animal, your provider will write you an emotional support animal letter, and you can use this letter to request accommodations from housing providers.
Obtaining the Help You Need
Whether you need a service dog or an emotional support dog, it’s important to understand your rights with each of these animals. If you think that adding either of these animals to your life can help you go about your daily tasks with greater comfort or ease, speak to your medical provider or a licensed mental healthcare provider about your needs.
