Service Dogs Vs Emotional Support Animals. Therapy dogs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers and spend some time with them. An emotional support dog, on the other hand, doesn't share the same legal protections.
Emotional support dogs (if registered) can accompany owners on airlines or stay in residences without paying pet fees. Some states may provide protection for emotional support animals as well. Emotional support animals differ from service dogs in a few key ways.
Emotional support dogs provide comfort, a calming presence and company.
The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. However, emotional support animals—even if they have a special vest and a certificate—don’t have the same rights as service animals. “they are trained to follow basic commands but are not trained for a specific task. These dogs do not need to be trained but they just need to be.