Therapy Dogs: Dogs are trained and certified by Therapy Dog organizations to provide comfort and/or assistance in a variety of activities. Therapy Dogs are handled by their owners who Volunteer to take the dog to visit people in nursing homes, hospitals, etc.

Service Dogs: According to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) a service dog is specifically trained to assist a person with a medical or psychological disability. Service dogs are trained in public access as well as two or more tasks that specifically assist the person’s disability. They go everywhere with the person with the disability. According to the ADA, a service dog is not a comfort care dog.

Guide Dogs: Service Dogs trained to assist the blind.

Public Access Test for Service Dogs: Tests to assure that a Service Dog is ready to be permitted into public areas

Emotional Support Dog: A dog that comforts a person who has a psychological disability. By Law, an ESA does not qualify as a Service Dog, but, according to the Fair Housing Act, is allowed to live with their person in an apartment or home that does not allow pets. ESAs do NOT have Public Access.