Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Animals and Facility Dogs

These terms describe different roles. A dog's friendly behavior, vest or registration does not establish a legal category.

Kea Grace
Published February 10, 2022

Service-Dog Behavior in Public: Practical Expectations and ADA Rules

Public work requires a dog that can remain under effective control and perform its trained assistance.

Kea Grace
Published December 20, 2021

Service Dogs in Hospitals: Access and Care Planning

Service dogs generally may accompany people with disabilities in hospitals and other healthcare settings, including patient rooms and inpatient stays.

Kea Grace
Published January 2, 2020

Five Questions to Consider Before Partnering With a Service Dog

These questions can help you compare a service dog with other assistance options.

Kea Grace
Published May 15, 2019

Trained Service-Dog Tasks and Natural Behavior

The ADA requires individually trained work or tasks related to a person's disability. Comfort from a dog's presence alone does not meet that definition.

Terry McCormack, CDT
Published May 10, 2019

Five Benefits That Are Different from Trained Service-Dog Tasks

Living with a dog can offer companionship, a comforting routine and enjoyable time together. Those benefits alone do not establish service-dog status under the ADA.

Kea Grace
Published April 22, 2019

Misrepresentation, Service-Dog Access and Fair Treatment

Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog can harm access and create safety problems.

Anything Pawsable Staff
Published February 28, 2019

2017–2018 Service-Dog Travel Guide: Current Rules

This guide retains its original publication date. Use the current guidance below rather than the airline policies that applied during 2017–2018.

Kea Grace
Published November 22, 2017

Making an Evacuation Plan With Your Service Dog

Plan around your access needs, local hazards and your dog's care. Follow evacuation orders promptly; belongings are replaceable.

Kea Grace
Published September 8, 2017

Psychiatric Hospitalizations and Service Dogs

A psychiatric admission can raise practical questions about your service dog at a time when you need care.

Kea Grace
Published May 9, 2017