Emotional Support Animals vs Service Animals: Understanding the Key Differences

Introduction

Emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals (SAs) are both specially trained animals that provide various benefits to their handlers. However, there are important distinctions between the two types of animals, including their legal status, training, and allowable access to public spaces.

1. Legal Status

One of the primary differences between ESAs and SAs is their legal status. ESAs are recognized under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This means that they are allowed in housing and on airplanes, even if the handler does not have a disability.

Service animals, on the other hand, are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law gives SAs broad access to public places, including businesses, restaurants, and transportation.

2. Training

ESAs do not require any specific training. They can be trained to provide emotional support in a variety of ways, such as through companionship, affection, and listening.

Service animals, however, are required to receive extensive training. They must be trained to perform tasks that mitigate their handler's disability. These tasks can include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf to sounds, and providing mobility assistance to people who have physical disabilities.

3. Allowable Access

As mentioned above, ESAs are allowed in housing and on airplanes. However, they do not have the same level of access to public places as service animals.

Service animals are allowed in all public places where their handlers are allowed to go. This includes businesses, restaurants, transportation, and government buildings.

4. Costs

The cost of obtaining an ESA or SA can vary significantly. ESAs can be obtained through a variety of sources, including animal shelters, rescues, and breeders. The cost of an ESA will typically range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

Service animals are typically more expensive to obtain. This is because they require extensive training. The cost of a service animal can range from several thousand dollars to over $20,000.

5. Benefits

Both ESAs and SAs can provide a number of benefits to their handlers. ESAs can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness. They can also provide companionship and emotional support.

Service animals can help to improve mobility, independence, and safety. They can also provide companionship and emotional support.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between ESAs and SAs:

6. Choosing the Right Animal

If you are considering getting an ESA or SA, it is important to do your research and choose the right animal for your needs. Here are some tips:

• Consider your needs. What do you need the animal to do for you?
• Research different animals. What types of animals are good at providing emotional support or performing tasks for people with disabilities?
• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine if an ESA or SA is right for you and can recommend a qualified trainer.
• Get the animal trained. If you are getting a service animal, it is important to get it trained by a qualified professional.

7. Conclusion

ESAs and SAs can both provide a number of benefits to their handlers. However, there are important differences between the two types of animals, including their legal status, training, and allowable access to public spaces. It is important to do your research and choose the right animal for your needs.