How Service and Therapy Dogs Differ

While therapy and service dogs each play a role in supporting and helping people, there is more than a name difference between the two. Here’s a look some of the distinctions.

Purpose

Service dogs are intended to help people be independent. They are specifically trained to help those who would otherwise be limited by a disability. They work as a team with their respective handlers.

Therapy dogs are trained to give comfort and affection to people under duress, which is not necessarily the owner. They are often taken to schools, hospitals and even disaster areas to provide psychological support to individuals. They may also work with individuals with learning disabilities, to help them gain confidence with different skills.

Admittance

Service animals are legally allowed to enter public establishments in order to assist their owners, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Therapy canines are often taken into schools, hospitals and even disaster areas to provide psychological support to individuals. They are not allowed into stores or other public places.

Temperament

Both therapy and service dogs are trained to tolerate a range of environments and possible experiences. They are also chosen for their stable temperaments. Animals such as golden retrievers are often selected as therapy canines because of their easy-going, friendly personalities.

Handling

Service dogs are prepared to perform specific tasks, and should not be distracted by other people while at work. Non-handlers are discouraged from petting or talking to them, just as you wouldn’t interfere with a person doing a job. In contrast, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with those they are around.

While their roles are different, both therapy and service dogs provide support for those in need. They are both trained to give a specific kind of assistance and chosen based on their personalities. It is important to understand the differences between their roles, as one should not be bothered while at work, while the other is intended to socialize.