Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners

For many people with disabilities or mental health conditions, a well-trained dog can be an important lifeline. However, not all assistance animals are the same. Service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) serve different roles, have different legal protections, and require different levels of training.  

Out in the world, these differences are important to understand. Not only to know and protect your own rights but to respect the rights of others while out in public.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between service dogs and ESAs, their legal rights, and the training involved.  

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What Is a Service Dog?

A service dog is specially trained to perform tasks that mitigate a person’s disability. These dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have full public access rights, meaning they may accompany their handler into most places where the general public is allowed.  

Service Dog Training Requirements  

To qualify as a service dog, the dog must:  

1. Be trained in at least three disability-related tasks (e.g., guiding a blind handler, alerting to seizures, interrupting panic attacks, retrieving medication).  

2. Complete public access training, ensuring the dog is well-behaved, non-disruptive, and under control in all environments.  

3. Pass a temperament standard to ensure the dog is stable, non-aggressive, and able to work in distracting settings.  

Because of the rigorous training involved, most service dogs we train spend 2-3 months in a professional board-and-train program before being placed with their handler. In our programs, handlers also receive 12 or more lessons with their service dog program in order to receive appropriate education and maintenance of skill.

Resident service dog Karuna assisting our trainer Sal while shopping for groceries. One of the many jobs of a tried and true service dog!

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal which provides comfort and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not required to be task-trained and do not have public access rights under the ADA.  

ESA Training Requirements

While ESAs do not require specialized training, they should still be generally well-behaved in the home and in public if taken to pet-friendly locations. Some owners choose to enroll their ESA in basic obedience training to improve manners and socialization.  

At our company, ESAs can receive training through:  

• Private lessons (for foundational obedience and skill development)  

• A basic 3-week board-and-train program (for more structured training including obedience and pet-level “public access”)  

Legal Protections: Service Dogs vs. ESAs

Service Dog Rights 

• Public Access: Allowed in businesses, restaurants, and other public spaces under the ADA.  

• Housing: Protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), even in otherwise strictly no-pet housing.  

• Air Travel: Covered by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), allowing them to fly in the cabin with the handler without additional cost to the handler.

It is important to note that a service dog may still be asked to leave a business or other public establishment if it misbehaves (barking, growling, soiling an establishment, or otherwise being disruptive).  

Additionally, private residences (e.g., a friend’s home) are not legally required to allow a service dog. 

ESA Rights

• Housing: Protected under the FHA, allowing them in no-pet or limited-pet housing with proper documentation. 

• Air Travel: Previously covered under the ACAA, but as of 2021, ESAs no longer have automatic airline access. Rules vary by airline but currently emotional support animals are not inherently granted airline accommodations.

• No Public Access Rights: ESAs are not allowed in non-pet-friendly public spaces. They come with the same set of rules as pet dogs. However, having a well-trained and well-behaved ESA can encourage public spaces to allow them on a permission basis, so we always encourage training your ESA with high standards regardless.

Angelo, mobility service dog extraordinaire.

Training Options for Service Dogs & ESAs

Whether you need a service dog or an ESA, proper training is key to a successful partnership.  

For Service Dogs:

While it is perfectly legal to self-train a service dog from home, the dog must meet the aforementioned behavioral and task requirements before taking the service dog label and accessing legal protection. For this reason, we highly recommend consulting with a professional trainer.

Hiring a trainer can also be helpful in order to have a reference to call who can vouch for your dog's training and validity. Most airlines and some high-end establishments may ask handlers to provide the name and phone number of the dog's trainer to check that the dog is in fact a real service dog.

A trainer can also advise you on an ideal service dog candidate, since not all dogs will be a perfect fit for the demanding job. A trainer with behavior specialty such as ourselves can either work with a provided dog (after approved via in-person evaluation) or assist in sourcing a dog from an appropriate breeder or through one of our rescue partners.

At Dedication Dog Training, we dont even charge to help you find the perfect dog for the job. 

Due to the intensive nature of service dog training, our company only offers training for service dogs in the form of an extended board-and-train program. Most dogs complete training in 2-3 months, and receive ongoing care in the form of included free lessons.

For Emotional Support Animals: 

ESAs should complete basic obedience and manners training to ensure they can emotionally assist their owners and accompany to pet-friendly-spaces without causing a distruption or being overly distracted.

At Dedication Dog Training, we are flexible with options for ESA obedience and manners training, and will happily provide services in the form of individualized lessons or a custom board-and-train program. 

Shipley the psychiatric service dog, who came to us to finish his service dog training!

And, if you’re not sure which of the two you need or are prepared for, we offer 100% free consultations to help you navigate your needs and choose a path forward between getting a service dog or getting an emotional support dog.

Ultimately, service dogs and ESAs serve different but both very valuable roles. If you need a dog for disability-related tasks, a service dog is the right choice, but be prepared to invest in extensive training. If you primarily need emotional comfort at home, an ESA may be sufficient, though they do not have public access rights.  

At Dedication Dog Training, we’re here to help with both ESA obedience training and professional service dog training programs. Contact us today to discuss the best option for you!