What’s the Difference? Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals vs. Therapy Pets
In recent years, animals have played increasingly important roles in supporting people’s health and well-being. But not all support animals are the same — and understanding the difference is essential, especially when it comes to rights, responsibilities, and access to public spaces.
So what’s the difference between a service animal, an emotional support animal (ESA), and a therapy pet? Let’s break it down.
Service Animals: Task-Oriented Helpers
Service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. These tasks directly relate to the individual’s condition — for example, guiding someone who is blind, alerting a person with epilepsy before a seizure, or helping someone with PTSD interrupt panic attacks.
🟢 Protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
🟢 Allowed in most public places, including restaurants, stores, and airplanes
🟢 Training is intensive and specific to the individual’s disability
🔴 Only dogs (and in some cases, miniature horses) are recognized as service animals
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Companions for Comfort
An emotional support animal provides comfort and emotional stability just by being present. They are typically prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to individuals with conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
🟢 Do not require special training
🟢 May be allowed in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA)
🔴 Not granted access to most public places like restaurants or malls
🔴 Not recognized as service animals under the ADA
ESAs can be any type of animal, though dogs and cats are the most common.
Therapy Animals: Soothing Strangers in Shared Spaces
Therapy animals are trained — not to assist a single owner — but to provide affection and comfort to many people. You’ll often find them visiting hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or disaster relief areas.
🟢 Trained for calmness, obedience, and sociability
🟢 Work with their handler as a volunteer team
🔴 Not protected by the ADA or FHA
🔴 Must be invited or approved by institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools)
These animals are there to brighten someone else’s day — they’re not personal support animals.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Service Animal | ESA | Therapy Animal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Task Training | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Basic obedience |
| Public Access Rights | ✅ Broad (ADA) | ❌ Limited | ❌ Limited/None |
| Housing Rights | ✅ Yes (ADA) | ✅ Yes (FHA) | ❌ No |
| Purpose | Disability Aid | Emotional Support | Comfort for Others |
| Animal Type | Dog (or horse) | Any animal | Usually dog/cat |
Conclusion
While all three types of support animals provide comfort, their roles and legal rights are very different. Knowing the distinction helps prevent misunderstandings — and ensures both people and their animals are treated with respect.