Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs do work for people other than their handler/owner. The must have gentle, solid temperaments and impeccable manners. Usually they are certified through therapy dog programs. These dogs visit nursing homes, schools and medical clinics, help comfort people in times of disaster, work as reading dogs for children and other support activities. Permission to enter facilities for these programs is needed.
Service Dogs: Service dogs perform specific functions for their handler/owner. Usually they are professionally trained. Guide dogs for the blind, dogs that open doors or pick up dropped things for their people are examples. These dogs by law (ADA) are allowed in public places. It is very important that no one tries to pet or interfere with a service dog while it is working. It may put the handler/owner at risk if the dog is distracted. The purchase of on line service dog identification and vest does NOT make your dog a service dog.
Emotional Support Dogs: Emotional support dogs do not require any specific training and are not allowed in public places where dogs are prohibited. This category was created for situations where a dog might provide comfort for their handler/owner such as in a housing complex that might otherwise restrict dogs or other very specific circumstances. Because no specific training required, these dogs are often not suited to be in public situations which easily could be overwhelming.
