Distinguishing Emotional Support, PTSD, Therapy, and Service Dogs

Emotional support animals (ESAs), psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), therapy dogs, and service dogs are all types of animals that can provide companionship and support to people with disabilities. However, there are important distinctions between these four types of animals.

• Emotional support animals are not trained to perform specific tasks. They provide comfort and companionship to people with mental or emotional disabilities, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ESAs are not granted public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but they may be allowed in housing that does not allow pets, with a letter from a mental health professional.
• Psychiatric service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help people with mental or emotional disabilities. These tasks can include things like providing deep pressure therapy, reminding someone to take medication, or calming someone down during an anxiety attack. PSDs are granted public access rights under the ADA, and they are not required to wear a vest or identification.
• Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Therapy dogs are not considered service animals under the ADA, but they may be allowed in some public places, such as hospitals and libraries.
• Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help people with physical disabilities. These tasks can include things like opening doors, picking up dropped items, or providing balance. Service dogs are granted public access rights under the ADA, and they are required to wear a vest or identification.

It is important to understand the differences between these four types of animals so that you can choose the right one for your needs. If you are considering getting an animal for emotional support, it is important to talk to your doctor or therapist to get a letter of recommendation. You can also contact a local animal-assisted therapy organization to learn more about therapy dogs. You can visit this blog to know more about this topic.