Service Dog vs Therapy Dog vs Emotional Support Dog
Service dogs have a high level of training. They are individually trained to perform specific tasks (i.e. services) for a person with a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act law states that only service dogs have the legal right to be allowed in public facilities.
Therapy Dogs have received comprehensive training but are very different than Service dogs. Therapy dogs provide physiological and emotional support to multiple individuals. They are usually escorted by their handler/owner to facilities such as hospitals, schools, retirement homes, etc.
Emotional Support Dog provide emotional comfort to a specific individual. These dogs are not required to have any specific training and their owners do not have the right to bring an emotional support dog to a public facility. They are allowed to fly with an individual but they must have written proof and documentation from their physician.
