Neglecting Differences
Barking up the wrong meaning: Service vs. Emotional Support vs. Therapy
Service Dogs
Service dogs belong to an individual and provide a physical act for their owner. The specific tasks are related to the owner's disabilities. For example, a service dog can open a refrigerator and grab an item from inside for a person with incapable muscles. A service dog could also pull a wheelchair for their owner or help guide their blind owner down a sidewalk to avoid road traffic. A service dog can provide emotional support as well as performing these tasks.
Emotional Support Dogs
An emotional support dog belongs to an individual. This dog brings comfort and support to its owner through love and affection. Emotional support dogs often belong to people with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Performing daily tasks for a dog, like bringing them outside, feeding them, and showing them affection, can also help force an individual to be more active and raise their moods through completing these jobs.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are trained and certified to help multiple different people. These dogs are not doing anything for their owner, but rather providing comfort and happiness to other people. These dogs will often go to colleges, universities, adult daycares, retirement homes, libraries, hospitals, and many other places that might need the use of therapeutic services.
