Therapy Dogs in Schools

What's the difference?

Service, emotional support, and therapy animals

These terms are often used interchangeably, and many people do not know the differences between these types of animals and the services they perform. Read on to learn about these important categories.

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Did you know? There are only two types of animals recognized as service animals: dogs and horses.

A service animal is an animal trained to perform specific duties for someone with a diagnosed disability. A service dog is not a pet. Examples of tasks service dogs can perform include: bracing their handler to help him/her stand, fetching keys, opening a door, alerting of a seizure, guiding a wheelchair, providing a safety zone for a handler with PTSD, or guiding a handler who is visually impaired. 

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An emotional support animal is a companion animal that provides emotional or therapeutic support to his/her person. The person must have a disability verified by a mental health professional or physician. An emotional support animal, however, is NOT a service animal, and is not afforded the same public access rights as a service animal.

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A therapy animal can be a wide range of animals, from dogs to cats to pigs and horses. A therapy dog is a household companion who may accompany his/her handler to hospitals, nursing homes, or schools in order to bring comfort and affection to the people they visit.