When it comes to Emotional Support Animals, misconceptions and myths abound. 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 Animals Aren’t Service Dogs

Emotional Support Animals, including Emotional Support Dogs, 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 and on air transportation with the proper documentation, 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.

 

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are an important type of working dog

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are an important type of working dog, but they are not Service Dogs. There is no legal or valid certification or training requirements for Emotional Support Animals. We don’t allow Emotional Support Animals to be included as part of Service Dog Standards or the The United States Service Dog Registry because they are not Service Dogs and therefore not covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). A simple letter from a physician or counselor stating need (but not mentioning any specifics) is the only documentation that is recognized under law.

Emotional Support Animals Don’t Require Specialized Training

ESAs help individuals by comforting them with their presence but are not required to perform work or tasks related to a disability. ESAs have their own rights, separate from Service Dogs.

Emotional Support Animals 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.

Of course, handlers of Emotional Support Animals do not have public access rights and should not be bring their animal partners into restaurants, stores or other public places. Since Emotional Support Animals don’t have public access, they do not need to wear vests or any identifying gear.

 

Emotional Support Animals Are No Longer Permitted To Fly

In early 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOT) updated Service Dog travel rules for Service Dog travel by air and banned Emotional Support Animals on planes.

 

Emotional Support Animals Are Allowed in Housing

An ESA with the appropriate temperament and training may be allowed in no-pets-allowed housing. Landlords or Home Owner’s Associations may choose to require a letter from a person’s doctor or psychiatrist, proof of vaccinations or some sort of proof of training. Some housing situations may ask for a signed statement of liability. Of course, having an Emotional Support Animal status doesn’t not exempt anyone for being responsible for any damages — just as if they, their child or a guest damages things.