The main difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal (ESA) lies in their legal rights, training, and the specific roles they play for individuals with disabilities.

Here are some key distinctions:

Service Dog:

• Legal Rights: Service dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. They are allowed access to public places, including restaurants, stores, and transportation, and are not subject to pet-related restrictions or fees.

• Disability Assistance: Service dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a person’s disability. They are individually trained to perform tasks such as guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting individuals with hearing impairments to sounds, providing physical support for individuals with mobility impairments, and performing specific tasks to assist individuals with medical conditions.
• Training: Service dogs undergo extensive training to perform their tasks reliably and obediently. They are trained to behave calmly and professionally in public settings, follow commands, and respond appropriately to their handler’s needs.
  Certification: Service dogs do not require official certification or documentation. Handlers may be asked to provide credible verbal assurance of their dog’s training and purpose, but they are not required to carry specific identification.

Emotional Support Animal (ESA):

• Legal Rights: ESAs are not granted the same legal protections as service dogs under the ADA. However, they are protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) in housing situations and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) for air travel, allowing them to reside in housing that may have pet restrictions and accompany their owners on flights.
• Emotional Support: ESAs provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions or emotional disorders. They do not undergo specific task training like service dogs but are chosen for their ability to provide therapeutic benefits through their presence.
• Prescription and Documentation: To qualify for an ESA, individuals must have a valid prescription or recommendation letter from a licensed mental health professional. This documentation is typically required by housing providers and airlines to establish the need for an ESA.
• Training: While training is not mandatory for ESAs, they should still exhibit good manners and behave appropriately in public. Basic obedience training and socialization are recommended to ensure they are well-behaved and do not cause disruptions in public spaces.

It’s important to note that these distinctions may vary depending on the laws and regulations of different countries. It is always advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in your location to understand the rights and responsibilities associated with service dogs and emotional support animals.