Working-Dog Terms
Service Dog
A dog individually trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a handler's disability. Service dogs have legal access rights in many jurisdictions, but definitions vary by region.
What It Means in Practice
Includes guide dogs for visual impairment, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs, medical alert dogs, and psychiatric service dogs. Each is trained for specific tasks.
What It Does Not Always Mean
A service dog is not a therapy dog, emotional support animal, or pet. The distinction is based on task training and legal definition, not the handler's bond.
Why Context Matters
Legal definitions differ significantly by country, region, and registry. What qualifies as a service dog in one jurisdiction may not in another.
Commonly Confused With
Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs provide comfort to others in settings like hospitals or schools. They do not have public access rights and are not task-trained for a handler's disability.
Emotional Support Animal
ESAs provide comfort through presence alone. They are not task-trained and do not have the same legal access as service dogs.
Examples
- 1A mobility assistance dog retrieves items and provides bracing support for a handler with a physical disability.
- 2A medical alert dog notifies the handler of an impending medical episode.