Originally published 2022-02-10. Article reviewed on October 4, 2026. Original publication: 2022-02-10.
These terms describe different roles. A dog's friendly behavior, vest or registration does not establish a legal category.
Service dogs
Under ADA rules for state and local government services and public accommodations, a service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or tasks for a person with a disability. The work must relate directly to that disability. Comfort from the dog's presence alone does not meet this definition.
Qualifying dogs generally accompany their handlers in covered public areas, subject to the law's limitations. They must be housebroken and under control. A separate ADA provision covers trained miniature horses subject to an individual assessment.
Therapy dogs
Therapy dogs visit or participate in organized support activities by agreement with a facility or program. Training or a therapy credential does not create a general ADA right for their handlers to bring them everywhere.
Emotional support animals
An emotional support animal provides support through its presence. Housing accommodation law can apply differently from public-access law. Covered housing providers may need to make a reasonable accommodation, depending on the circumstances. An ESA is not automatically an ADA service animal, and U.S. airlines are not required to treat ESAs as service animals.
Facility and courthouse dogs
These dogs work with professionals in a particular organization or setting. Their access, duties and supervision depend on applicable law and the actual program. Being described as a facility or courthouse dog does not itself grant unrestricted public access.
One dog may participate in more than one appropriate role. Assess its welfare, training and the specific rules rather than assuming a label answers every access question. HUD withdrew its 2013 and 2020 assistance-animal guidance in September 2025; consult the current law rather than those old notices.