People often believe Service Dogs and ESAs are the same things, with similar access rights. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Emotional Support Animals aren’t Service Dogs, they don’t have public access, and they don’t require specialized training. Keep reading and dig into the nitty-gritty facts about ESAs.
Emotional Support Dogs Don’t Have Public Access
Contrary to popular belief and pop culture, Emotional Support Animals don’t possess public access rights. They do not belong in grocery stores, restaurants, or in places of public accommodation. This includes hospitals, doctors offices, pharmacies, and other medical environments. Nothing grants ESAs public access rights, not even a vest or an ID card, because, under U.S. federal law, ESAs do not have public access rights. Period. End of story. ESAs may accompany their handlers only in places where pets are allowed, with a couple of notable exceptions.
ESAs Have Access to Housing
Both Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals are permitted to live with their handlers under federal housing law. It’s not unusual for a landlord to require a physician letter or other form of documentation from those who use Service Dogs. ESA status does not exempt someone for being responsible for any damages caused by their ESA.
ESAs Don’t Require Specialized Training
Unlike Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals don’t require specialized training however they must be capable of working safely, which means no timidity, no fear, no aggression, no out of control behavior, and no excessive vocalizing.
Emotional Support Animals Aren’t Service Dogs
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are an important type of working dog, but they are not Service Dogs. Let’s say it again for the people in the back — ESAs differ from Service Dogs. While ESAs add value to their handler’s lives, legally, they have the same rights as pets, unlike Service Dogs. Service Dogs receive accommodation under America’s disability access laws, whereas ESAs do not. To learn more about the difference between therapy dogs, Service Dogs, ESAs, and other working dogs, check out this article.
Emotional Support Animals Are Pets
Legally, ESAs are pets. They’re allowed in no-pets-housing but outside of that, ESAs are simply pets. Someone gets an ESA when their doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist says animal companionship would benefit them and writes a letter documenting that fact. Most ESAs were simply family pets before their handler obtained a letter of necessity from a medical caregiver.
The United States Service Dog Registry (USSDR) has been helping Service Dog handlers for over 10 years. Learn more >
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Often, people who suffer from invisible disabilities have trouble advocating for themselves and their canine partners. Service Dog Standards is here to help. Learn more >