Do you have a Service Dog, Emotional Support Dog or a Family Dog?

In my mind, there are some significant differences between a service dog and an emotional support dog. While they both have a critical role in our lives, I totally understand why some businesses do not allow dogs without service vests and/or documentation.

You may be saying, but Joan, I am a wreak without by emotional support dog and that is why I take him/her with me everywhere I go. All the information and laws that you need to understand are listed on the official American Disabilities Association website which is an official government division. Service Animals | ADA.gov. In researching this article, there are hundreds of websites that look official but are only looking to charge you to register your dog.

An emotional support dog is defined as a dog that provides comfort and support in the form of affection and companionship for someone who is suffering from mental or emotional conditions. The emotional support dog does not need to perform specific tasks like a service dog. The emotional support dog assists with conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder/mood disorder, panic attacks, fears/phobias, and other psychological and emotional conditions.

You have many protections for an emotional support dog. When I was growing up there were service dogs mainly for the blind. Now there are service dogs that can detect a problem with your diabetes, assist with opening doors and more. These dogs are classified as service dogs. They have been trained to assist the owner with specific tasks.

Today, you cannot be denied travel or housing if you have an emotional support dog. My suggestion is to click on the link for the ADA and research your specific needs. You are protected.

My only warning is that I suggest you reference the ADA website. While researching the difference between service dogs and emotional support dogs I found many websites that quoted the laws and gave examples of the differences between service and emotional support dogs. With that said, the further you get into their articles you will quickly see that they are trying to sell you "packages" that include I.D. cards for your service or emotional support dog, vests and more. Read up on the laws and you will be able to make a better decision on whether you are interested in purchasing any of their vests or bandanas.

In addition, I must say that while I'm not sure that we would ever classify Duke as an emotional support dog he has been a huge comfort to Dan since his stroke. The interesting thing is that Duke is by his side all the time. Our Fur Babies are very intuitive to our needs. Often people take their Fur Babies for granted but let me tell you they love us unconditionally. Think about it. When you have a bad day, who is there for you? It may not be your partner or your bestie. Yes, it is that tail wagging Fur Baby that loves you beyond measure.

Here at our home of my 8 paw fur boys we are truly blessed to have Duke our Blue Heeler and our rescue kitty RIP. Both give us unconditional emotional support daily. While neither is registered, our home would not be the same without our Fur Babies. The more you get to know us the more you will see that we also have 2 rescue Grand pups Susie Q and Cedar The Tree Eater and Grand pups Cookie a Schnauzer who definitely lives up to her name with a love of sweets and a Grand pup Mary Jane who is a chihuahua and snug bug to the Grandkids.

“Not every person knows how to love a dog, but every dog knows how to love a person.” – Anonymous

The best therapist has fur and four legs.Anonymous