Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs and their handlers provide a service to others.  There are regional and national organizations that test, certify, and register therapy dogs and their handlers.  Once certified, they are allowed in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, airports (not airplanes), etc to provide comforting services to others.  They do not have special access to businesses, restaurants, etc.

Companion Dogs

These dogs provide emotional support and companionship to their owners.  These dogs have no special privileges.

Emotional Support Dogs

Like Companion Dogs, these dogs provide emotional support and companionship to their owners.  If the owner has a letter from a health care professional describing a need for such a dog, then the dog can become an Emotional Support Dog as long as the following are met.  The letter has to be on the health care professional’s letterhead and must be updated yearly.  The dog must be trained to behave in public with both people and other dogs.  If these requirements are met, then it is allowed to live in housing that does not normally allow dogs, and it can fly in the cabin on airplanes as long as it meets the requirements of Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).  Like Therapy Dogs, they do not have special access to businesses, restaurants, etc.

Therapy cats

Often therapy cats are relied on for emotional support, to provide comfort to those dealing with disabilities, disorders or who are in particular need of companion support, cats are beneficial for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also encourage those they care for to increase their exercise, through play, walks or other means.