Animals can be used for various services, and there are different names for each of these services. If you are considering an animal for one of these services, here is what you need to know.

Therapy dogs are support dogs for those in hospitals, nursing homes and facilities while emotional support dog focus on emotional problems. The illnesses covered include anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, panic attacks and other emotional/psychological conditions. The Fair Housing Amendments Act and Air Carrier Access Act protect emotional support dogs. A service dog helps people with disabilities function. These disabilities include everything from visual and hearing impairment to physical mobility. It also includes mental disabilities. This is supported by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.) All three services are protected in all 50 states.

Service dogs, emotional support dogs and a therapy dogs can be any breed, sex or age. In addition, service dogs and emotional support dogs are allowed on planes and in any home regardless of the pet policy. Under the ADA, staff cannot ask questions about a person’s disability, require medical information, require an I.D. card, or refuse service to a customer because of the dog. An emotional support dog requires a note from a doctor; however it is not needed to register. Unlike an emotional support dog, a service dog does not need a note from a doctor.

For more information on how to register your dog, check online at http://usdogregistry.org.