Emotional support animals (ESAs) and certified service dogs serve different roles and are granted different legal rights in various situations. While certified service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, emotional support animals provide comfort and emotional support to their owners but are not trained for specific tasks.
The rules and regulations regarding where you can take your emotional support animal or certified service dog can vary depending on the country, state, or local laws. Generally, certified service dogs have broader access rights compared to emotional support animals, as they are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and similar legislation in other countries.
However, there might be some situations where you can take an emotional support animal but not a certified service dog. Here are a few examples:
Housing: In the United States, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with emotional disabilities may be allowed to keep emotional support animals in housing with a "no pets" policy, even if certified service dogs are not allowed.
No-Pets Accommodations: In certain public places or transportation services that do not allow pets, an emotional support animal may be granted access with proper documentation, while certified service dogs are still allowed.
Travel: Some airlines may allow emotional support animals to travel in the cabin with their owners, following specific guidelines, while certified service dogs are generally permitted on flights with their handlers as part of their rights under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) or equivalent laws in other countries.
Educational Institutions: Some colleges and universities may accommodate emotional support animals in student housing or campus facilities, even if they have restrictions on pets. Certified service dogs may already have access rights under ADA.
It's essential to remember that the rules and regulations regarding emotional support animals and certified service dogs can vary depending on the specific location and context. If you have an emotional support animal or a certified service dog, it's essential to research and understand the laws and regulations in your area to ensure you are following the appropriate guidelines and requirements. Additionally, always carry the necessary documentation and identification for your animal when going to places with specific rules regarding animals.