Service dogs vs. emotional support animals

Getting to know the specific breeds of dogs that our neighbors own can help us to understand the neighborhood we live in. Urban Real Estate managing partner Matt Farrell — a New Eastside resident and loyal dog owner — places a high priority on befriending both the two- and four-legged members of the community.

“While each building has its own criteria for general pets, many of the community’s dogs offer a service far greater than you may know,” he says.

Under the American Disabilities Act, 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 task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.

According to the National Service Animal Registry (NSAR), an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), is NOT regarded as a “working service dog,” but rather as an emotional support animal. “Guide” dogs are classified as working service dogs, and are helpful for those who experience vision problems. “Hearing Alert” dogs are certified if trained to alert you to sounds such as alarms, doorbells, automobile sounds, etc.  They are considered working service dogs, as well.

Medical Assist dogs are certified as working service dogs if the dog is trained to assist when experiencing a physical crisis in which you can’t perform a major life task yourself. Mobility dogs are granted status if the dogs are trained or able to provide stability and support for substantial physical balance problems to you.  Other certifications also exist and are worth researching further to understand the service they provide.

Learn more by visiting the NSAR web site at www.nsarco.com and referring to the American Disabilities Act.