ESA vs Service Dog vs Therapy Dog
ESA vs Service Dog vs Therapy Dog
Legal rights and definitions for assistance animals.
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So if my building is NO dogs allowed, what should I go for? I have severe chronic depression
And make sure your ESA is not barking at a service dog from a shopping cart. You would think all that barking would cause more stress than comfort.
A service dog is trained to help people with disabilities such as visual impairments, mental illnesses, seizure disorders, diabetes, etc. A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospice, disaster areas, retirement homes, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and more. Emotional support dogs provide their owners therapeutic benefits through companionship
You seem like a lovely person
I get panic attacks at home and school and i have depression that make me space out for days at a time and not be able to get work done. Would I be able to get a an ESA or would a SD help to keep me grounded throughout everyday events?
i know this is an old video but I am so happy to have found a good thing to send to people who are confused as to my dog’s job. he is a therapy dog who’s primary placement through our organization is a nursing home. many people think he is a service animal for me. his job has very little to do with me actually and it’s annoying to explain.
Does it make sense that my ESA is trained to help with panic attacks?
Therapy dogs are used in facilities to comfort people and give affection. Spending time with a therapy dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce anxiety and increase endorphins and oxytocin. Therapy dogs do not have to be trained to perform specific tasks like service dogs.
Idk if I. Need a esa or a service dog because sometimes (not really often) I get anxious or something I don’t really know what when I run to much or just I lose a lot of breathe and I run I feel like basically I lose my vision and I feel really sick (and I promise it feels really bad) oh and it happens when I get to hot sometimes I just discovered that because when I was on a field trip with my class I felt sick and I lost my vision a little bit but I didn’t lose all my vision cuz when that happens I need to rest otherwise it will make my thing worse
I give Meghan F I V E S T A R S ! ! !
Oh the finches
ESA = pet…
So here’s the thing, I am registering my ESA. I have terrible depression, and I am afraid of people and don’t like to go in public. Do I register him as a Service dog for anxiety, or a ESA?
I’m so glad you made this video!
VERY informative, thanks so much ! I’ve learned that in canada, the MIRA foundation (for the blind ans phisically disabled) take the puppies that don’t pass the "test" and switch their training for therapy dogs, OR somewhere between therapy/service dogs for autistic and ptsd people, therefore are allowed in public places. I am not aware of the rights act, like the one you mention for the US, but i will definately make my researches as i want my boys with autism to have an ESA dog 🙂
So i have a question…
I have anxiety and i more then often have panic attacks that cause me to cause myself harm or start to unconsciously… i do have a rat and she helps 24/7 by sitting on my shoulder or (this irritates my mom but its calming for me) her nails do slight scratches that snap me out of my anxiety of whatever situation im in. But, i have a ton of attacks while in school. I know that i would have to train her if she does become a service animal *shes 4 almost 5 months now* whould i be able to have her as a esa or a service animal. I’ve delt with the anxiety since 6th grade but my physical atracks have happened for 2 years now. Whould i be able to get her qualified to be a support animal?
Depending on where you plan to take your therapy dog, you may not need to register him/her. Therapy dog certification can be achieved through various organizations but we recommend the AKC. To earn the AKC Therapy Dog title, you and your dog must do the following:
Be certified by a therapy dog organization that is recognized by the AKC
Perform the required number of visits:
AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) – 400 visits
AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX) – 200 visits
AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA) – 100 visits
AKC Therapy Dog (THD) – 50 visits
AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) – 10 visits
Dog must be registered with AKC (both purebred and mixed breed dogs are eligible)
also my esa is trained the same extent as my service dog
Are you asking yourself, “Can my dog be a therapy dog?” It’s important to first state that not all dogs are good candidates to be therapy dogs. Therapy dogs should be naturally calm as well as affectionate and friendly to strangers. They need to be obedient in addition to having regular wellness check-ups and also be well-groomed for each visit.
To train a dog to be a therapy dog, you may wish to do the following:
Socialize your dog to new people, places and things
Complete obedience training with commands like look and leave it in addition to teaching them to not jump on people and more
Enroll your dog in a therapy dog class
Register your dog with a national therapy dog organization
Unfortunately the information in this is NOT correct. An Emotional Support Dog/Animal is NOT one that is there to just "make our life better" because we have a stressful job. That’s the definition of a "pet" not an ESA! An ESA is *supposed* to BY LAW be prescribed by a mental health professional for the SOLE reason that they alleviate the symptoms of a diagnosed mental disorder, typically something like PTSD or crippling anxiety. Just making you "feel better" is NOT sufficient for needing an ESA and people should not be using online sites that will provide doctors letters without legitimately having sessions with you and treating you for some kind of mental disorder and feels an ESA would help with it. The abuse of the allowance for ESAs by people that "certify" their PETS is going to result in them having to put more and more restrictions on people that have a LEGITIMATE need for an ESA and aren’t just looking to get around rules in terms of having their pet live or fly with them.
Can a boerbel mastiff be a ESA?
i have a service dog but i also have a esa there different and not the same
I’m getting an anxiety+ service dog, but it’ll preform tasks
my service dogs for anxiety panic attack ptsd and much more service dogs can be used for anxiety
An emotional support dog is just a pet.
Question I need someone to answer please
Is there an age requirement for a service dog? I keep searching it on ada.gov but nothing is showing. I ask this because in the comments under a video someone said “that dog is too old to be in training” it definitely wasn’t an elderly dog but it wasn’t a puppy either.
What about abandonment issue
therapy dogs can come to mental hospitals too!
You really shouldn’t wear such a low cut dress if you’re a professional. It tarnished your credibility
Glad to see all this. My landlord wants to make me get rid of my dogs, but after your 2 videos, I realize I’m the only one telling the truth about just having dogs not fake service pets lol
Do you know NOT only veterans have PTSD? Not trying to be rude. 7:32 – 8:16 is very helpful. Thanks for the nice vid!!
I emotional support dog they never had training all I needed was my therapist to sign off and under the American Disabilities Act you do not have to force your dog into any type of training I can bring my dog anywhere and I have been for over 3 years now this video is what is causing people not to understand that a person needs a therapist to say that their dog is an emotional support therapy dogs for themselves for their anxiety and they can be brought anywhere you can bring your emotional support dog anywhere without formal types of training you can and I’ve been doing it and I have a little tiny card for her and all eight grocery store restaurant or any other place can ask is your dog a service animal / pet therapy yes what is it that helps relieve my anxiety and they can’t do anything or ask me to leave under the hip a lot you should not have to brag that you have a disability or show that you have one there is a lot of scrutiny about post-traumatic stress disorder or any type of mental illness weed shouldn’t have to explain it in detail or wear it out of our dog is with us our dog is with us many places won’t even look at the card
I’m getting a service dog/ therapeutic dog for anxiety.. to preform tasks for me. Cause it effects my everyday life, also my PTSD and cardiac issue
Do Emotional Support Animals have to be dogs? Because if not my lepord gekeo would make a great ESA
Could I qualify for a service dog? I have Crohn’s
Q: What kind of dog helps a person when they experience social anxiety while flying?
A: Emotional support dog
Q: What kind of dog is needed at school to help children experiencing anxiety?
A: Therapy dog
Q: What kind of dog is needed to pull a wheelchair?
A: Service dog
Q: What kind of dog offers companionship in day-to-day activities for one person?
A: Emotional support dog
Q: What kind of dog is needed to protect someone who is having a seizure?
A: Service dog
Q: What kind of dog is needed to remind a person with mental illness to take their prescription?
A: Service dog
Q: What dog helps a person with autism?
A: Service dog
Q: What kind of dog works with numerous people?
A: Therapy dog
Q: What kind of dog calms a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
A: Service dog
I have diagnosed severe PTSD. Do I qualify for a service dog?
Does my moms emotional support dog have to be trained because every time we go to a store like pets mart or any were if he sees a dog he barks a lot should we train him for that so he can behave him self
Can you bring ESAs into public places with permission, for example, a mall, or a restaurant?
My cat is a ESA and I’m going talk to my therapist about it I sometimes have anxiety and other things like ADHD so an ESA is probably the best thing and a lot of places where I live allow pets so it’s ok
I have PTSD and I’m getting a dog to help with that, where would he classify so I know what category I need to train him in. Would he classify in the emotional support or Therapy dog category or neither?
Emotional support dogs provide comfort, a calming presence and company. Emotional support dogs do not have access to all public areas, but there are two legal protections. First, they can fly with a person who has an emotional or psychological disability. Second, they can qualify for no-pet housing. A letter from a physician may be requested by housing authorities and airlines because the use of emotional support dogs has been abused by some over the years.
There is no formal training needed to be an emotional support dog, which is why you may see some that are not the most well-behaved. However, there are some characteristics you’ll want to know, so you have the best experience with your emotional support dog.
Bruh…before this video played I got an ad for a fake website to "register" your dog as a service dog and get a certificate, which is ironic .
PTSD IS NOT JUST FOR VETRENS SO PLZ GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT
i have a therapy dog hes the best
Your emotional support dog should be devoted to you and responsive to your emotions and commands. The dog should also be calm and laid back. A rambunctious dog has the capability of becoming an emotional support dog, but it will require more training. It is recommended to look for a dog that is around one year old so you can build that relationship with him and have him be out of his curious puppy phase. However, puppies can be emotional support animals as well; they’ll just need to be a breed that is people-oriented (e.g. Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Goldendoodle, poodle, etc.).
Service Dog: Severe Allergy Alert Dogs (AADs)
Job: To alert their handler to life-threatening allergens that may be in the area, especially tree nuts, gluten or shellfish
Handler: May or may not have visible signs of disability
Gear: Allergen Alert Dogs typically wear a vest with pockets for emergency information, medical information and/or medication. For their handler’s safety in the event of an emergency and to ensure fast and accurate medical care, AADs should sport a patch that says, “IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY CHECK POCKETS.”
Notes: Often partnered with children, but can be seen partnered with any person with a life-threatening allergy. Most Allergen Alert Dogs carry medical information and emergency protocol in their vest or on a USB key attached to their collar.
Service Dog: Autism Assistance Dogs
Job: To assist in calming and grounding an individual on the autism spectrum via tactile or deep pressure stimulation. May also assist in teaching life skills, maintaining boundaries or finding a “runner.”
Handler: Likely to be a child, but could be older. May or may not show visible signs of disability, and may or may not be verbal.
Gear: Autism Assistance Dogs don’t have distinguishing gear. If a dog’s partner is young and non-verbal, the dog should carry emergency protocol and contact information in his vest.
Notes: Autism Assistance Dogs and Sensory Processing Disorder Dogs fall into the same category and usually perform identical task work.
Service Dog: Brace/Mobility Support Dogs (BMSD)
Job: A Brace/Mobility Support Dog works to provide bracing or counterbalancing to a partner who has balance issues due to a disability. Many BMSDs also retrieve, open/close doors or do other tasks to assist in day-to-day life or in an emergency.
Handler: Will vary in presentation depending on disability. Could be any age.
Gear: Most Brace/Mobility Support Dogs wear a specially-fitted and designed harness to help them safely assist their partner. However, just because a dog isn’t wearing a brace harness doesn’t mean he may not be a brace dog
Notes: Brace/Mobility Support Dogs must be large enough to safely support their human partner. In general, BMSD must be at least 23″ tall and 55 pounds to perform brace/counterbalance work safely, and must be proportionally larger if their human is larger than average. [/alert][alert style=”grey”]
Service Dog: Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs)
Job: To alert their handler to dangerous or potentially deadly blood sugar highs and lows. Many dogs are trained to call 911 on a special K-9 Alert Phone if their partner cannot be roused.
Handler: May show signs of visible disability, but likely will not. Could be any age from very, very young to a senior citizen.
Gear: Diabetic Alert Dogs typically don’t wear special gear. DADs should carry emergency protocols in their vest if the dog would ever be the first point of contact with an emergency medical team.
Notes: Diabetic Alert Dogs are also known as “Blood Sugar Alert Dogs.”
Service Dog: Hearing Dogs
Job: To alert their deaf
or Deaf handler to specifically trained environmental sounds, including, but not limited to, alarms, doorbells, knocking, phones, cars or their name.
Handler: Likely won’t show signs of disability. May or may not speak verbal English.
Gear: Hearing Dogs don’t require special gear, but many state laws designate bright orange as reserved for Hearing Dogs.
Notes: Hearing Dogs can be trained to respond to any environmental sound or cue their handler needs to know about. Just because you can’t see what a Hearing Dog is responding to doesn’t mean he’s not working.
Service Dog: Medical Alert Dogs (MADs)
Job: To alert their handler to dangerous physiological changes such as blood pressure, hormone levels or another verifiable, measurable bodily symptom.
Handler: May or may not show signs of disability.
Gear: Depending on the handler’s disability, the dog may or may not have specialized gear.
Notes: Medical Alert Dogs’ jobs and functions can vary widely. Also, all DADs are Medical Alert Dogs, but not all Medical Alert Dogs are DADs.
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Service Dog: Medical Assistance Dogs
Job: To assist their handler with a medical disability via trained, specific, mitigating task work.
Handler: Can vary widely in presentation of disability and age.
Gear: Can vary widely based on dog’s job, function and training.
Notes: “Medical Assistance Dog” tends to be a catch-all category for a Service Dog that doesn’t “fit” anywhere else. It’s also commonly utilized when the handler doesn’t feel like going into detail.
Service Dog: Psychiatric Service Dog (PSDs)
Job: To assist their handler with a psychiatric disability such as anxiety, depression or PTSD via specific, trained tasks.
Handler: Can vary widely in presentation but often appears to not have a disability. Often cited as having an “invisible” disability.
Gear: No special gear required.
Notes: Psychiatric Service Dogs are protected under the same fe
deral laws that protect other Service Dogs. They must be given the exact same treatment and access rights. Note: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs are NOT the same as Psychiatric Service Dogs and are not covered under the ADA, and nor do they have any public access whatsoever.
Service Dog: Seizure Response Dogs
Job: To respond to their handler’s seizures via trained tasks. The dog may retrieve medication, utilize deep pressure stimulation to end a seizure early, fetch a nearby person to help or call 911. Other trained tasks are common as well.
Handler: May or may not show signs of physical disability.
Gear: Typically no special gear required.
Notes: Seizure Alert Dogs fall under this category. Please keep in mind that you cannot train a Seizure Response Dog to alert to seizures — it must be something the dog comes to do naturally via association with their human partner and an intuitive nature.
Service Dog: Visual Assistance Dogs
Job: To guide their visually impaired or blind handler.
Handler: May or may not show signs of visible disability.
Gear: Visual Assistance Dogs will wear a guide dog harness, typically of which at least some part is white. White is the color protected for use by guide dogs and visually impaired individuals.
Notes: Visual Assistance Dogs are commonly called “Guide Dogs” or “Leader Dogs.” Most are Labs, Goldens or German Shepherds, but they can be any sturdy, even-tempered, medium or large breed dog.
Service Dog: Wheelchair Assistance Dogs
Job: To assist their partner by retrieving dropped objects, opening doors, retrieving the phone, helping with transfers or anything else their partner may need.
Handler: Is in a wheelchair. May or may not be ambulatory at times.
Gear: No special gear required, but many wear a special harness to assist in pulling a chair or opening a door.
Notes: Wheelchair Assistance Dogs can vary widely in trained tasks and actual job.