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Emotional Support Animal vs Service Animal - Basic Differences

16 february 2023

Emotional Support Animal vs Service Animal - Basic Differences


 

There are so many animals that are known to be very human friendly. It is a fact that animals can help us out with different phases of our personality.  

These two types of animals aim to facilitate the people one way or another. There are many differences between them. Understanding these differences will allow you to properly select and certify an animal for your needs.

 

At realesaletter.com,we understand that there is often confusion between the differences of emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals. That's why we offer a comprehensive guide to help clarify the distinctions between the two. Our guide outlines the basic differences between ESAs and service animals, including the types of animals that qualify for each, the legal protections each receives, and the types of tasks each is trained to perform.

We understand that it's important for individuals to understand the differences between these two types of animals in order to ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment and legal protections. With our guidance, you can make informed decisions about whether an ESA or a service animal is the right choice for you or your loved one. So if you're looking to learn more about the distinctions between emotional support animals and service animals, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide at Realesaletter.

 Emotional support animals are officially known to provide the vibes of comfort to many people. Many of us who are facing emotional issues or mental issues, seek help from animals. Patients of anxiety and depression are particularly prescribed to get a friendly pet to keep them diverted. 

The ESA doesn’t need to go through a proper animal training session since they are particular for emotional support only. 

 

Whereas, a service animal is defined as a dog or any other animal like a horse, that has been individually trained to perform different tasks. Also, the rules and laws for service animals are different from those for an emotional support animal. 

Why are ESA and Service Animals Needed?

Individuals with disabilities usually opt for service animals. Suppose a person with a visual disability will go for a service animal rather than an emotional support animal. On the other hand, a person with a mental illness like depression will opt for an emotional support animal.

There are certain rights and laws of an individual who require these services. Every region or state has its own rules and regulations regarding both these animals.  

 

ESA is usually used domestically and for personal uses. Whereas, the service animals are trained to assist people with physical disabilities.

 

To get a clear idea about them, one should work on the laws and the perception of their country or region. 

How to Get an Emotional Support Animal and Service Animal?

To get an emotional support animal, you need to get an esa letter. To get an esa letter, you will need to ask your mental health professional. If the health professional finds you mentally unstable, he/she will write an esa letter for you right away. 

 

On the other hand, service animals are specially trained to assist people with disabilities. In order to get such a sort of animal, you may get in touch with an animal shelter or a proper service animal center. While getting a service animal, ensure that it can serve its purpose with you.  

Certifications

As these types of support animals provide different services, the certifications also differ. A service dog agency will help to find a specially trained dog to assist with a person's disability. While only a specifically-trained dog can be a service dog, any pet can be considered an emotional support animal. 

 

The person looking to acquire certification needs to have a disability officially diagnosed by a doctor or mental health professional and receive an emotional support dog letter stating how the animal will be of benefit to the individual.

ESA Letter Ohio

At Real ESA Letter, we understand the importance of having a furry companion by your side. That's why we offer emotional support animal (ESA) letters in Ohio, which allow you to live and travel with your ESA without any additional fees or restrictions. Our ESA letters are approved by licensed mental health professionals and are recognized by airlines, housing providers, and other entities. We take pride in helping our clients in Ohio find the comfort and support they need through their ESA, and we're committed to providing them with the highest quality of service and care.

ESA Letter Virginia

Real ESA Letter is your trusted source for emotional support animal (ESA) letters in Virginia. Our team of licensed mental health professionals is dedicated to helping individuals find the emotional support they need to live a fulfilling life. Our ESA letters are recognized by housing providers, airlines, and other entities, allowing you to live and travel with your ESA without any additional fees or restrictions. We understand the important role that an ESA can play in your life, and we're committed to making the process of obtaining an ESA letter as simple and stress-free as possible.

ESA Letter Indiana

At Real ESA Letter, we believe that every individual deserves the comfort and support of an emotional support animal (ESA). That's why we offer ESA letters in Indiana, approved by licensed mental health professionals, which allow you to live and travel with your ESA without any additional fees or restrictions. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and care to our clients in Indiana, and we're committed to helping them find the emotional support they need through their furry companions. So if you're looking to obtain an ESA letter in Indiana, trust Real ESA Letter to provide you with the support and guidance you need.

Breeds and Types of ESA and Service Animals

Usually, there is no such restriction over the breed and type of these two categories. As far as the animal is not exotic, there is no restriction. If a dog is chosen as an ESA or service animal so there is no restriction on the breed as long as the dog is behaving well and keeping up with the environment.

 

Some common dog breeds for ESA and Service Animals are as follows:

 

Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals

  • Labrador Retriever
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Pug
  • Pomeranian
  • Chihuahua
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Boxer
  • Great Dane
  • Border Collie

 

Service Dog vs ESA Dog

A dog is believed to be the best service animal. It is easier to train it and it understands human nature better than any other animal. Moreover, a dog can be trained for one particular job. This quality can not be seen in any other animal.  

Unlike service animals who are individually trained to do work or perform tasks, the ESAs do not require any extensive training. They just have to provide comfort and affection to the patient. For an ESA dog, the only requirement is to be well behaved and not be a trouble for people around.

Both these types of animals have to be registered as ESA or service dogs.

Protection Provided by the Law

People who opt for service animals, they truly depend on them. They need them everywhere they move. For this reason, these animals are protected under certain laws. 

 

Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act protects the rights of such animals and their owners. 

Service animals can be taken anywhere but in contrast, the ESA has to face some restrictions.

 

But yes, they can do the air travel with you under the Air Carrier Access Act. But still showing up with your emotional support animal in a public or workplace is still not allowed.