Difference between an emotional support dog and a service dog

In our ongoing quest for the health and happiness of our pets, certain terms arise that are important to understand. One of the most relevant is the distinction between a service dog and an emotional support dog. This is a frequent question in our community, and today we want to clarify it so you can learn more about the important role these animals play.

In summary, the fundamental difference between the two lies in their purpose and training .

Service Dog

A service dog is not just a pet; it's a working partner . They are rigorously and specifically trained to assist people with disabilities. They have specific and vital tasks that contribute to their owner's independence and safety.

• Examples: Guide dogs for blind people or medical alert dogs for people with diabetes or epilepsy.

• Identification: You will usually see them wearing a distinctive vest that says "service dog".

• Protocol: They should not be petted or interrupted without first asking the owner.

Emotional Support Dog

An emotional support dog, on the other hand, provides comfort and stability to its owner. Its primary purpose is to help manage stress, anxiety, or depression through companionship.

• Training: They do not have specific training to perform tasks like a service dog does.

• Public access: Unlike a service dog, an emotional support dog does not have guaranteed access to all places by law.

At Waggy's, we believe that service and emotional support dogs deserve to live happy and healthy lives. We love knowing they're helping their owners live their best lives, filled with love and joy.

Do you have any experiences you'd like to share on this topic? Leave your comments below.