Psychiatric service dogs often assist those with mental conditions that are so severe they impact their ability to carry out their everyday tasks. What Conditions Do Psychiatric Service Dogs Help? While psychiatric service dogs are still afforded protections by the Department of Transportation’s air travel regulations, airlines are no longer required to accept ESAs. Although there may be businesses that allow ESAs inside, their legal protection is limited to housing matters. This means that they may not be allowed access into many of the same areas that a service dog would be permitted. In addition, ESAs do not have the same legal protections that service dogs are provided under the ADA. Rather, their primary task is to provide comfort and companionship to someone suffering from an emotional condition. ESAs may be trained by their handler - but they are not trained to perform specific tasks or duties. Service dogs are specially trained to perform a specific job for their handler. It’s important to understand that psychiatric service dogs are not the same as emotional support animals (ESAs). What is the Difference Between a Psychiatric Service Dog and an Emotional Support Animal? Psychiatric service dogs provide their handlers with critical support in carrying out the activities of their daily lives and allow them to live their lives more independently. However, there are also service dogs that receive special training to help people who suffer from disabilities that cannot be seen. Some of the most common types of service dogs provide assistance to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have a physical disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are defined as those “that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” The ADA does not provide any restrictions concerning the breed or size of a service dog. Service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, are not classified as pets. Not only can they make the day-to-day much easier for their handlers - but psychiatric support dogs can help them enjoy a better quality of life by easing their symptoms and assisting them with averting harmful behaviors. While there are various treatments available based on the severity of the condition and the way it affects an individual’s life, psychiatric service dogs are becoming an increasingly common tool used for vital support. Almost one out of every five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness.
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