There are several types of therapeutic animals. The use of some are protected by law while others are not.
Types of therapeutic animals:
(1) service animals
(2) emotional support
(3) therapy animals
Service animal:
(1) a high-trained animal that aids a person with a significant physical and/or psychiatric disability
(2) use protected by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) although some restrictions may be placed
(3) limited to dogs and miniature horses
(4) psychiatric service animals are a specific subtype
Emotional support animal:
(1) a pet or other animal that accompanies a person with an emotional disorder
(2) the pet helps the person cope
(3) the animal is not specifically trained
(4) not a legal right
Therapy animal:
(1) an animal used to enhance recovery and provide companionship
(2) typically accompanied by a specific owner
(3) animal trained in socialization and obedience, seen as good with people
(4) not a legal right to enter a public establishment but accepted in medical settings
(5) often subject to institutional regulations
