April 25, 2022 5 min read

Understanding the Difference Between Service Animals and ESAs

Imagine walking into a crowded airport with your companion animal by your side. You’re calm and collected because you know your furry friend offers you the support you need. But as questions from strangers start pouring in—“Is that a service dog?” or “What’s the difference between an ESA and a service animal?”—you realize the world isn’t as informed about these distinctions as it should be.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the differences between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals. By the end of this article, you’ll not only understand their distinct roles but also their legal protections, training requirements, and how they serve individuals with disabilities.

What Are Service Animals?

Service animals are specially trained animals—usually dogs—that assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks. These tasks are directly related to the person’s disability, such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting those who are deaf, or providing stability to those with mobility challenges.

Key Characteristics of Service Animals:

• Training: Rigorous, task-specific training is essential. Can be completed by the handler. No “official” training is required by a “certified” trainer.
• Legal Protections: Covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to go out in public with their handler. Covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to live with you in your home with NO pet fees. Covered under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to travel with you with NO pet fees.
• Behavior: Must exhibit impeccable behavior in public settings.
• Species: Limited to dogs and, in some cases, miniature horses.

Examples of Tasks Service Animals Perform:

• Guiding a person with visual impairments.
• Detecting blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
• Interrupting self-harming behaviors in individuals with PTSD.

Legal Framework:

Under the ADA, service animals are not considered pets. Businesses can only ask two questions:

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

What Are Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)?

Emotional Support Animals provide comfort and emotional relief to individuals with mental health conditions or emotional disorders. Unlike service animals, they do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks.

Key Characteristics of ESAs:

• Purpose: Offer emotional support to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions.
• Legal Protections: Covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to live with you in your home with NO pet fees).
• Training: No specialized training is required.
• Species: Can be any animal that provides comfort.

Benefits of ESAs:

• Alleviate anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
• Provide a sense of purpose and routine.

Legal Framework:

The FHA allows individuals with ESAs to live in housing that may otherwise prohibit pets. However, ESAs are not granted public access rights like service animals.

Key Differences Between Service Animals and ESAs

Practical Tips for Acquiring a Service Animal or ESA

Steps to Obtain a Service Animal:

1. Assess Your Needs: Determine if a service animal is necessary for your specific disability.
2. Find a Reputable Organization/Breeder: You can purchase almost any dog and train them yourself. You can purchase a dog and have them trained by a service dog trainer. Or, you can seek a reputable non-profit service dog training organization that may be able to pair you with a dog.
3. Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with ADA protections (going out in public), the FHA (your housing rights), and the ACAA (your air travel rights).
   

Steps to Obtain an ESA:

1. Consult a Mental Health Professional: Obtain a letter confirming the need for an ESA.
2. Choose an Appropriate Animal: Select an animal that suits your lifestyle and emotional needs.
3. Understand Housing Rights: Ensure your landlord is aware of FHA protections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can my dog be both an ESA and a service animal?
Yes, a dog may be both; however, a service animal has more rights than an ESA so if your dog is qualified as a service dog, it doesn’t make much sense to also identify them as an ESA as they have more rights than the ESA designation.

2. Do I need to register my ESA?
No, it’s not required by law; however, it can often increase the chances that your ESA will be accommodated while out in public with helpful identification.

3. Can service animals be denied entry anywhere?
Service animals are allowed in most public spaces, but exceptions include areas where their presence would compromise safety or hygiene, such as certain hospital zones.

4. Are ESAs allowed on airplanes?
As of 2021, airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs under the ACAA for free. A handler may still be accommodated with their ESA provided they follow the airlines’ pet policies. However, service animals are still permitted for free.

5. How can I spot a fake service animal?
It’s almost impossible to spot a fake service dog because as long as the handler has a disability and the animal has been trained to perform a task related to the individual’s disability, it is a service dog. However, while working the dog should be well-behaved and focused while working. This doesn’t mean they cannot be happy while out in public, but they should not be distracted by sounds and activities around them, they should not excessively bark (unless it’s their assigned task to alert others and/or their handler), and should not poop or pee in an establishment.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between service animals and emotional support animals is the first step in making informed decisions. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our comprehensive guide to obtaining an ESA letter or connect with a licensed therapist today. Share this article with others who may benefit from learning more about this critical topic.