12 Differences Between Service Dog and Emotional Support Dog

Are you confused about the difference between a service dog and an emotional support dog? You’re not alone!

While both types of dogs provide support, there are some important differences to understand.

In this short blog post, we’ll break down the key distinctions between these two types of canine companions.

Whether you’re considering getting a service or emotional support dog, or just curious about the topic, read on to learn more!

Difference Between Service Dog and Emotional Support Dog

A service dog is a dog that is specially trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

The tasks could include guiding a blind person, alerting a deaf person, or warning a person with a seizure disorder.

An emotional support dog, on the other hand, provides comfort and emotional support to an individual with a mental or emotional disability but is not trained to perform specific tasks.

While both types of dogs provide important assistance to their owners, only service dogs have public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Let’s break it down further…

The following are some of the most common difference between service dog and emotional support dog:

1. Purpose and Function

Service Dogs: Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities. These tasks may include guiding the visually impaired, alerting to sounds for the hearing impaired, providing stability and balance for individuals with mobility challenges, or even detecting seizures.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs, on the other hand, are not trained to perform specific tasks. Instead, they provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to individuals experiencing emotional or mental health challenges. Their primary function is to alleviate symptoms and provide a sense of emotional well-being.

2. Training and Certification

Service Dogs: Service dogs undergo extensive training to learn specialized tasks that cater to the specific needs of their handlers. They are trained by professional trainers or organizations and must pass rigorous assessments to ensure their reliability and obedience.

Emotional Support Dogs: Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not require specialized training or certification. However, they should still exhibit basic obedience and good behavior in public spaces.

3. Legal Status

Service Dogs: Service dogs have legal recognition under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. They are granted access to public places, including restaurants, stores, and transportation, to accompany their handlers.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs do not have the same legal status as service dogs. However, they may be granted certain housing and travel accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) in the United States, respectively.

4. Documentation and Legal Requirements

Service Dogs: Service dogs do not require any official certification or identification. Businesses and establishments are only allowed to ask two questions: whether the dog is a service animal required because of a disability, and what specific tasks the dog is trained to perform.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs may require documentation from a licensed mental health professional, such as a letter stating the need for an emotional support animal. This documentation is usually required for housing or travel purposes.

5. Public Etiquette

Service Dogs: Service dogs are meticulously trained to remain calm, focused, and unobtrusive in public settings. They are usually equipped with specialized gear, such as vests or harnesses, indicating their working status.

Emotional Support Dogs: While emotional support dogs should be well-behaved in public, they are not required to wear any specific gear or identification. However, it is always good practice to ensure their behavior is respectful and considerate of others.

6. Accessibility

Service Dogs: As previously mentioned, service dogs are permitted in public places due to their trained abilities. They accompany their handlers to provide assistance and carry out necessary tasks, making them essential lifeline for individuals with disabilities.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs do not have the same level of public access as service dogs. Their access is limited to housing and travel arrangements, where they can provide emotional support to their owners.

7. Handler’s Disability

Service Dogs: Service dogs are trained to assist individuals with various disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, or medical conditions. They are matched with handlers based on their specific needs and requirements.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs primarily assist individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They provide emotional support and help alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

8. Medical and Healthcare Facilities

Service Dogs: Service dogs are typically permitted to accompany their handlers in medical and healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. They can provide vital assistance during medical procedures or emergencies.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs do not have the same access to medical and healthcare facilities as service dogs. However, some facilities may consider allowing emotional support dogs on a case-by-case basis.

9. Public Interactions

Service Dogs: Service dogs are trained to remain focused on their handler’s needs and should not be distracted or approached without permission. It is crucial for the public to respect their working status and avoid interfering with their tasks.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs may receive more social interactions from the public due to their role in providing emotional comfort. However, it is still important to respect their owner’s space and privacy, especially when they are displaying signs of distress.

10. Insurance Coverage

Service Dogs: Some insurance policies may cover the costs associated with service dogs, including training, veterinary care, and equipment. However, coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific circumstances.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs are generally not covered by insurance policies. However, certain housing and travel accommodations may be available for individuals with documented needs for an emotional support animal.

11. Training Providers

Service Dogs: Professional trainers or organizations specializing in service dog training provide the necessary training for service dogs. They have expertise in identifying and training dogs for specific tasks based on the handler’s disability.

Emotional Support Dogs: While emotional support dogs do not require specialized training, some owners may choose to enroll them in obedience classes or work with professional dog trainers to ensure they are well-behaved and responsive to commands.

12. Tasks and Skills

Service Dogs: Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that directly relate to their handler’s disability. These tasks may include retrieving objects, opening doors, pulling wheelchairs, or even alerting to medical conditions.

Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs do not possess the same task-oriented training as service dogs. Instead, they offer emotional comfort, companionship, and a calming presence to individuals struggling with mental or emotional distress.

Learn more about the most common dog training mistakes.

Related questions

What’s the difference between a service dog and an emotional support dog?

A service dog is specially trained to perform a task that helps its owner with a disability. On the other hand, an emotional support dog offers emotional support and comfort to its owner but does not have any specific tasks to perform.

Learn more about socializing a puppy.

Can any breed of dog be a service dog?

Yes, any breed of dog can be trained to become a service dog as long as it is capable of performing the task required by its owner.

Does an emotional support dog have the same access rights as a service dog?

No, emotional support dogs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are therefore not granted the same access rights.

Can an emotional support dog fly on an airplane?

Emotional support dogs are allowed to fly with their owners in the cabin of an airplane if the owner provides the necessary documentation and follows airline regulations.

How can I tell if a dog is a trained service dog?

Service dogs are trained to perform a specific task that helps their owner, such as guiding a blind person or alerting someone with hearing loss to sounds. A trained service dog will display well-mannered behavior, will be focused on its owner’s needs, and will wear a specialized harness or vest.

Is an emotional support dog the same as a therapy dog?

No, an emotional support dog provides comfort and support to its owner on a daily basis, while a therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and support to other people, such as in hospitals or nursing homes. Therapy dogs also require temporary certification to work with organizations.

Learn more about training a dog not to run away.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both service dogs and emotional support dogs provide valuable support to their owners, but they have different roles and legal protections.

Whether you’re in need of a service dog or an emotional support dog, it’s important to understand the differences between them to ensure that you get the right animal for your needs.

So, whether you’re looking to train a service dog or register an emotional support dog, make sure you do your research and get the support you need to live your best life with your furry friend by your side.

After all, our dogs are more than just pets – they’re our companions, our helpers, and our best friends.