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What Is a
Service Dog?

Understanding the difference between service, therapy, and emotional support dogs.

Not All Support Animals Are Service Dogs

Canines for Service is an ADI-accredited organization that trains service dogs to perform highly specific tasks that help Veterans regain independence, confidence, and connection.

Understanding the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals (ESAs) helps protect access rights, preserve public trust, and ensure that each animal is serving its true purpose

Service Dogs

Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a person’s disability. These tasks go far beyond basic obedience—they’re essential, often life-saving skills tailored to the individual they serve.

Canines for Service dogs are trained to support Veterans with physical or psychiatric service-connected disabilities. That might include but not limited to:

  • Retrieving dropped items
  • Opening doors
  • Waking a Veteran from a nightmare
  • Interrupting panic attacks
  • Providing mobility support
  • Creating space in crowds

Access Rights
Service dogs are legally allowed in public places, including restaurants, stores, airplanes, and workplaces—anywhere their handler goes.

Apply for a Service Dog

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are used in group settings to provide comfort and emotional support. You might find them in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or disaster relief areas. These dogs are usually trained for calmness and sociability, but they do not perform tasks related to a specific person’s disability.

Access Rights
Therapy dogs do not have public access rights under the ADA and must be invited into facilities.

Canines for Therapy Program

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Emotional support animals offer emotional comfort and well-being to individuals living with conditions such as anxiety or depression. While they offer important companionship, they are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate a disability.

Access Rights
ESAs are not classified as service animals under the ADA and do not have public access rights. They may be covered under the Fair Housing Act for certain residential accommodations.

Distinctions at a Glance

Key roles and access rights between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals.

Access & Roles
Service Dogs
Therapy Dogs
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Covered by ADA
Allowed by law to go into all public areas
Trained for One Person
Meets specific needs for an individual
Tolerance
Experienced with different environments & people
Housing
May live with it’s owner despite “No Pets” policy
Companionship
Main purpose is to provide emotional companionship
Comfort People
Provides groups with emotional support & comfort
Why Distinction Matters

Why Distinction Matters

Understanding these differences benefits everyone, especially those who rely on legitimate service dogs. When animals are misrepresented, it creates confusion, damages public trust, and can lead to increased barriers for people with disabilities

Canines for Service upholds the highest standards of training and ethics, including full accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI). By helping educate others and setting an example, we work to protect public access and preserve the integrity of service dog partnerships for those who truly depend on them.

Mission & Accreditation

One Veteran. One Dog.
No Barriers.

Join us in changing lives—through service, loyalty, and love. Together, we can ensure every Veteran who needs a service dog has a partner by their side.