Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs: Are They The Same?

“Dogs have boundless enthusiasm but no sense of shame. I should have a dog as a Life Coach” -Moby

Though COVID-19 reared its ugly head four years ago, people worldwide are still dealing with the lingering effects of lockdowns. Since those lockdowns were lifted, the demand for service dogs and emotional support animals has risen significantly. These animals can be incredibly beneficial for those struggling with mental illness, but it’s important to understand that service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not the same. The training they require and the access they’re allowed are very different, and knowing these distinctions is essential.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

To qualify for an emotional support animal, you must have professional documentation from a mental health professional stating that you suffer from a mental disability such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, or phobias. This documentation allows you to live with an ESA in housing with strict “no-pet” policies.

Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals don’t require special training. Their primary purpose is to provide companionship, alleviate loneliness, and sometimes help ease symptoms of mental illness. Because of this lack of training, ESAs don’t have full access to public buildings. Unless a business is pet-friendly, the management and staff have the right to ask you to leave if you bring your ESA inside. The same restrictions often apply when flying with an ESA.

Another key difference is that nearly any pet can be an emotional support animal. There have been reports of people using birds, turtles, snakes, and even alligators as their ESA. While these animals can offer emotional comfort, they should not be mistaken for service dogs, which undergo extensive training and provide specific assistance.

What Is a Service Dog?

Qualifying for a service dog is a similar process to qualifying for an ESA, but service dogs also assist individuals with physical disabilities like visual or hearing impairments. Service dogs must pass rigorous behavioral and task-based training. A reactive dog cannot qualify as a service dog because the handler must maintain complete control of the dog at all times in public.

Because of their extensive training, service dogs are granted access to “no-pet” public places, can accompany their handlers on flights, and are allowed in housing with “no-pet” policies. This special access reflects the vital role they play in their handler’s well-being and independence.

The Commitment to Training

As someone who relies on a service dog, I understand the importance of continuous training — not just for my dog’s performance but also for the safety of others. My service dog, Dobby, has been training since he was six months old, and even though he’s turning three this year, our training continues every day.

While our training looks different now than when we started, we regularly practice basic commands, down-stays, home distractions, and the specific tasks Dobby performs to support my mental health. Consistent training ensures I can depend on him when I need him most.

One of Dobby’s key tasks is performing deep pressure therapy (DPT) when I’m anxious. When he senses my anxiety rising, he gives me cues to sit on the floor with him. Once I’m seated, he leans against me and applies his body weight, which helps lower my anxiety and regulate my breathing. This is a task we use both at home and in public, offering immediate and essential support.

When we’re out in public, we continue to reinforce calm behaviors, maintain down-stays, practice focus, and work on tasks like creating space in crowded environments. Even though Dobby excels in public settings, ongoing practice helps us maintain our hard-earned skills. After all, practice makes perfect.

Choosing the Right Support Animal for Your Needs

Depending on your needs, both emotional support animals and service dogs can be incredibly beneficial. However, it’s essential to choose the right type of support and understand the responsibilities involved. If you need your dog with you at all times, you may want to look into getting on a waitlist for a service dog or working with a professional service dog trainer. Keep in mind that not all dogs are suited to service work, and proper training is vital for everyone’s safety.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the New Year and start working on our personal goals, remember that dedicating time to your growth is crucial. Join me next week as I discuss time management strategies and how to stay on track toward achieving your goals.

Always remember — we all can rise from our ashes and soar.