What is the difference between a therapy animal service and an emotional support animal?

Therapy animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are both types of animals that provide therapeutic benefits to people, but there are some key differences between the two.

Therapy Animals

* Therapy animals are trained to provide specific tasks or services to help people with disabilities or illnesses.

* They may be used in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and private homes.

* Therapy animals are typically owned and trained by a professional organization or individual, and they must meet specific training and temperament requirements.

* Therapy animals are not considered to be pets, and they are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Emotional Support Animals

* ESAs are animals that provide comfort and support to people with mental or emotional disabilities.

* They may be any type of animal, but they are most commonly dogs or cats.

* ESAs do not need to be trained to perform any specific tasks, and they do not need to meet any specific training or temperament requirements.

* ESAs are considered to be pets, and they are covered by the ADA. This means that people with ESAs have the right to bring their animals with them into public places, such as restaurants, stores, and hotels.

Which is Right for You?

If you are interested in getting a therapy animal or an ESA, it is important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional to discuss which type of animal is right for you. They can help you assess your needs and determine whether a therapy animal or an ESA would be a good fit for you.