Frequently Asked Questions about Assistance Dogs!

What are Assistance Dogs?

Assistance Dogs are able to do functions and tasks that an individual with a disability won't be able to do themselves. These dogs can be trained to assist with tasks for a wide range of disabilities. These can be but aren't limited to, Deafness, Blindness, epilepsy, mobility issues, alerting to a medical crisis, and providing assistance in a medical crisis, servery limiting psychiatric conditions and much much more.

What is The Difference Between Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs?

Service Dogs are Assistance Dogs that are trained to perform certain tasks and commands that are associated to their handle's disability. But they aren't just companion dogs that can do special tricks. the tasks the dog performs help the owner gain the independence he/she is needs.

Therapy Dogs like Service Dogs have to go through certain training, but there job is different. They have to provide physiological and psychological therapy to people other than there handlers, who are their owners. These dogs usually work in Hospitals, Schools, Hospices, Psychotherapy offices, and nursing homes.

Emotional Support Animals are not required to go through special training like Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs. The tasks that they provide for their disabled owners is to give them emotional comfort. This can help the disabled owner psychologically. Sometimes a little comfort and unconditional love can help fight off debilitating depression. For More difference's between the three types look at the chart on the right hand side of the page.

Are All Assistance Dogs Allowed In Public Places?

No, only Service Dogs are required by The American with Disabilities Act: to be allowed in state, local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public and to allow service dogs to be with their owners in all areas were the public would normally be allowed to go. Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support Animals are not covered by the ADA, so they aren't allowed to go into public places.