The Different Types of Service Animals and the Roles They Serve
What Is a Service Animal?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Tasks must be directly related to the individual's condition. Although dogs are most common, miniature horses may qualify in rare situations. Other animals, such as cats, are not recognized as service animals under federal law.
ADA Requirements: Service Animals
Last updated: February 28, 2020
The Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II (State and local government services) and title III (public accommodations and commercial facilities) on September 15, 2010, in the Federal Register. These requirements, or rules, contain updated requirements, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards).
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Overview
This publication provides guidance on the term “service animal” and the service animal provisions in the Department’s regulations.
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
Generally, title II and title III entities must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
How “Service Animal” Is Defined
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
This definition does not affect or limit the broader definition of “assistance animal” under the Fair Housing Act or the broader definition of “service animal” under the Air Carrier Access Act.
Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the relevant State attorney general’s office.
Where Service Animals Are Allowed
Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go. For example, in a hospital it usually would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment.
Service Animals Must Be Under Control
A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
Inquiries, Exclusions, Charges, and Other Specific Rules Related to Service Animals
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room or facility, for example, in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter, they both should be accommodated by assigning them, if possible, to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility.
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.
Establishments that sell or prepare food must generally allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.
People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. In addition, if a business requires a deposit or fee to be paid by patrons with pets, it must waive the charge for service animals.
If a business such as a hotel normally charges guests for damage that they cause, a customer with a disability may also be charged for damage caused by himself or his service animal.
Staff are not required to provide care for or supervision of a service animal.
Miniature Horses
In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s ADA regulations have a separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.
For more information about the ADA, please visit ADA.gov or call our toll-free number.
ADA Information Line 800-514-0301 (Voice) and 1-833-610-1264 (TTY) M-W, F 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Th 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) to speak with an ADA Specialist. Calls are confidential.
For persons with disabilities, this publication is available in alternate formats.
The Americans with Disabilities Act authorizes the Department of Justice (the Department) to provide technical assistance to individuals and entities that have rights or responsibilities under the Act. This document provides informal guidance to assist you in understanding the ADA and the Department’s regulations.
This guidance document is not intended to be a final agency action, has no legally binding effect, and may be rescinded or modified in the Department’s complete discretion, in accordance with applicable laws. The Department’s guidance documents, including this guidance, do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities beyond what is required by the terms of the applicable statutes, regulations, or binding judicial precedent.
The Different Types of Service Animals and the Essential Roles They Serve
Keywords: types of service animals, service animals for disabilities, guide dogs, psychiatric service dogs, emotional support animals, therapy animals, service dog training, ADA service animals, mobility assistance dogs, hearing dogs, PTSD service animals
Service animals are more than just pets — they are vital companions trained to help individuals with disabilities lead more independent and fulfilling lives. From guiding the visually impaired to alerting deaf individuals to sounds or providing comfort during anxiety attacks, service animals play many critical roles in society. As awareness of mental and physical health expands, so does the public interest in the different types of service animals and how they support human well-being.
In this article, we explore the major categories of service animals, describe the tasks they perform, and differentiate them from therapy animals and emotional support animals. Whether you're considering a service animal for yourself or simply want to understand their value, this guide provides insight into their remarkable abilities.
What Is a Service Animal?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.
While dogs are the most common and legally recognized type of service animal, miniature horses can also qualify under ADA guidelines in specific circumstances. Other animals, such as cats or birds, are typically not considered service animals under federal law.
1. Guide Dogs (Seeing Eye Dogs)
Keyword: guide dogs for the blind
Guide dogs are among the most recognized types of service animals. They are specially trained to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired navigate their environment safely.
Tasks Performed:
Guiding the handler around obstacles
Stopping at curbs and stairs
Signaling changes in elevation
Avoiding hazards such as traffic
Common Breeds:
Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retrievers
German Shepherds
Guide dogs must not only be intelligent and obedient but also calm under pressure. Their job requires precise movements and continuous focus to ensure their handler’s safety.
2. Hearing Dogs
Keyword: hearing assistance dogs
Hearing dogs assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds in their environment. This could include a doorbell, alarm clock, fire alarm, or someone calling their name.
Tasks Performed:
Making physical contact with the handler when a sound occurs
Leading the handler toward or away from the sound source
Alerting to emergency sirens or smoke alarms
These service dogs dramatically increase the independence and awareness of people with hearing impairments.
3. Mobility Assistance Dogs
Keyword: mobility service animals
Mobility assistance dogs help individuals with physical disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs or have difficulty walking. These dogs are trained to perform tasks that increase mobility and reduce the need for a full-time caregiver.
Tasks Performed:
Opening and closing doors
Retrieving dropped items
Pressing elevator buttons
Providing physical support for balance and stability
Assisting with dressing or undressing
They are often large breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or Bernese Mountain Dogs, which are strong enough to support the physical needs of their handler.
4. Psychiatric Service Dogs
Keyword: psychiatric service animals for PTSD
Psychiatric service dogs are trained to assist people with mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe anxiety and depression.
Tasks Performed:
Interrupting self-harming behaviors
Performing deep pressure therapy during anxiety attacks
Waking a person from night terrors
Reminding the handler to take medication
Leading the handler to a safe place during a panic attack
Psychiatric service dogs are not the same as emotional support animals — they are task-trained and protected under the ADA.
5. Diabetic Alert Dogs
Keyword: diabetic service dogs
Diabetic alert dogs use their incredible sense of smell to detect changes in blood sugar levels. They can identify chemical changes in a person’s body odor that occur during hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) episodes.
Tasks Performed:
Alerting the person before symptoms appear
Retrieving glucose or insulin kits
Alerting a family member in emergencies
Activating emergency systems
These dogs allow individuals with diabetes to manage their condition more safely, especially when they are prone to severe fluctuations.
6. Seizure Alert and Response Dogs
Keyword: seizure response service dogs
Seizure response dogs are trained to help people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. While some dogs appear to "predict" seizures, most are trained to respond after a seizure begins.
Tasks Performed:
Protecting the individual from injury during a seizure
Fetching help or alerting family members
Retrieving medication
Activating emergency systems
Providing deep pressure therapy during recovery
These dogs give their handlers a greater sense of security and independence, especially when alone.
7. Autism Service Dogs
Keyword: autism service animals for children
Autism service dogs are often placed with children or adults on the autism spectrum. They provide emotional stability, assist in social situations, and prevent harmful behaviors.
Tasks Performed:
Preventing elopement (wandering or running off)
Interrupting repetitive behaviors
Helping with transitions in public places
Providing deep pressure stimulation
Offering social comfort
These service animals are instrumental in helping children with autism attend school or public outings with greater ease and less stress.
8. Allergy Detection Dogs
Keyword: service dogs for allergies
Though less common, some dogs are trained to detect allergens in food or the environment, which can be lifesaving for individuals with severe allergies, such as to peanuts or gluten.
Tasks Performed:
Sniffing food items before consumption
Alerting to airborne allergens
Identifying contaminated surfaces
This specialized type of service animal is particularly valuable for children with life-threatening allergies, helping them avoid dangerous exposures.
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals vs. Therapy Animals
Keyword: difference between service animals and emotional support animals
There is often confusion between service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs), and therapy animals. Here's a quick breakdown:
1. Service Animals
Trained to perform specific tasks
Covered by ADA and allowed in most public spaces
Examples: guide dogs, mobility dogs, seizure alert dogs
2. Emotional Support Animals
Provide comfort just by being present
Not trained to perform specific tasks
Not recognized as service animals under the ADA
May be allowed in housing or on flights with documentation
3. Therapy Animals
Visit hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to provide comfort
Work with a handler as part of a volunteer or clinical therapy team
Not protected by the ADA
Require certification through organizations like Pet Partners
Understanding the legal rights and distinctions between these animals is crucial, especially when considering access to public spaces or housing.
Laws and Protections for Service Animals
Keyword: ADA service animal laws
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are permitted in public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, schools, and stores. Staff may ask two questions:
1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
They cannot ask for documentation or require the dog to demonstrate the task. State and local laws may offer additional protections, and individuals should always research applicable regulations in their area.
Service Dog Training and Certification
Keyword: service dog training programs
Service dog training is rigorous and often takes 18 to 24 months. Dogs may be trained by professional organizations or by the individual handler. However, the ADA does not require formal certification or registration.
Traits of a Good Service Animal:
Calm and non-reactive in public
Eager to work and please
Strong focus and obedience
Good health and stamina
Organizations such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or Guide Dogs for the Blind offer some of the most reputable training programs worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Service animals transform lives. Whether they are helping someone cross a busy street, preventing a medical emergency, or offering emotional grounding during a mental health crisis, these animals are invaluable. Understanding the different types of service animals and the roles they serve allows for greater empathy, legal compliance, and appreciation of their work.
As awareness of physical and mental health challenges continues to grow, service animals will only become more important in providing independence, security, and companionship to those who need them most.