Service Animal vs. ESA FAQs

What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatric Service Dog and An Emotional Support Animal?

They’re both amazing companions, but they have some key differences:

  • Service animals are like four-legged superheroes! They’re specially trained to help people with emotional or mental disabilities.
  • ESAs are more like furry best friends. They don’t need special training, but they’re experts at providing comfort and emotional support. Think of them as living, breathing teddy bears that can help ease anxiety or depression. When it comes to going out and about, service animals have an all-access pass to most public places. ESAs, while super important at home, don’t have the same public access rights.

Can My Furry Friend Join Me In the Skies?

Good news! While the rules around flying with emotional support animal have changed recently, there are still ways to bring your furry friend along on your journey.

  • Emotional Support Animals may not fly for free anymore. But don’t worry – you can still travel with your beloved pet! They’ll just need to follow the regular pet travel guidelines.
  • Here’s exciting news: If you have a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD), they’re still welcome to fly with you at no extra cost. PSDs are amazing helpers trained to assist with mental health conditions, and they have the same rights as other service animals when it comes to air travel. We can help you train your ESA to be a PSD, click here for more info: https://usserviceanimals.org/service-dog-training-consult

Can My ESA Sidekick Join Me In Public Places?

Not every place will roll out the welcome mat for your Emotional Support Animals. 

Emotional Support Animals are wonderful companions that bring comfort and joy, especially at home. While they’re super important for emotional well-being, they don’t have the same public access rights as service animals. Think of ESAs as your cozy, at-home support team!

Exciting news: Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) do have public access rights! They’re trained to assist people with mental health conditions. If you’re interested in having a PSD, we’d love to help you train your dog to become your trusted sidekick, supporting you wherever you go!