EP03 Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, Therapy Dogs

In this show, Dr. Caryn and The Happy Meemaw discuss the legal and behavioral distinctions between ADA service dogs, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs. She explains that while service dogs require specialized task training for a specific disability, they do not need official government certification and are granted broad public access. Conversely, emotional support animals and therapy dogs offer comfort but lack the same legal protections and public access rights. The conversation also highlights the necessity for appropriate public behavior, reliability and focus in working dogs, advising owners on how to properly train or acquire dogs from accredited nonprofits. Finally, they emphasize the importance of public etiquette, urging people to always request permission before interacting with a working animal to avoid distracting it from its duties.