The difference between service animals, emotional support animals, or therapy animals can be confusing. Are they all covered under the ADA?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog, and sometimes a miniature horse, that has been trained to complete a specific task relative to the needs of an individual’s disability.

Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. While these animals serve a role in companionship, relieving loneliness, and mitigating the effects of some mental health conditions, they do not have special training to perform specific tasks that assist people with disabilities.