
09/09/2025
September is Service Dog Month, and weâre kicking off by clearing up a common question:
Whatâs the difference between a Service Dog and an Emotional Support Animal?
Service Dogs are highly trained to perform tasks that directly assist a person with a disability. Because of this, they are protected under the ADA and allowed to accompany their handler in public spaces.
Emotional Support Animals provide comfort through companionship but are not trained to perform tasks. Their protections are limited to housing, and they do not have public access rights.
Understanding this distinction helps protect the rights of Service Dog handlers and honors the important â but different â role ESAs play.