Service Dog vs. Therapy Dog

Attribute	Service Dog	Therapy Dog
Trained to assist individuals with disabilities	Yes	No
Protected by ADA laws	Yes	No
Task-oriented training	Yes	No
Public access rights	Yes	No
Emotional support	No	Yes

Training

Service dogs and therapy dogs undergo different types of training to prepare them for their respective roles. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities. This training is highly specialized and tailored to the needs of the individual they will be assisting. On the other hand, therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and emotional support to people in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Their training focuses on socialization, obedience, and temperament.

Legal Rights

Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have specific legal rights to accompany their handlers in public places. These rights include access to restaurants, stores, and other public spaces. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, do not have the same legal rights as service dogs. They are typically only allowed in places where they have been invited to provide therapy services.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Service dogs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks depending on the needs of their handlers. These tasks can include guiding individuals who are blind, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, and even detecting seizures or changes in blood sugar levels. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, do not perform specific tasks. Their primary responsibility is to provide emotional support and comfort to people in need.

Settings

Service dogs are typically with their handlers at all times and are trained to assist them in various settings such as at home, work, and in public places. They are considered working dogs and are focused on their tasks when they are on duty. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are brought into different settings to provide emotional support to individuals who may benefit from their presence. These settings can include hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and disaster areas.

Selection Process

Service dogs are carefully selected based on their temperament, intelligence, and ability to perform specific tasks. They undergo rigorous training to ensure they are able to assist their handlers effectively. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are selected based on their friendly and calm demeanor. They must be comfortable around people of all ages and backgrounds and be able to remain calm in various environments.

Impact on Individuals

Service dogs have a profound impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. They provide independence, assistance, and companionship to their handlers, allowing them to live more fulfilling lives. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, provide emotional support and comfort to people in need. They can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness in individuals who may be going through difficult times.

Conclusion

While service dogs and therapy dogs both play important roles in assisting and supporting individuals, they have distinct differences in terms of training, legal rights, tasks, responsibilities, settings, selection process, and impact on individuals. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities and have legal rights to accompany their handlers in public places. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are trained to provide emotional support and comfort to people in various settings and do not have the same legal rights as service dogs. Both types of dogs make a positive impact on the lives of those they interact with.