Learning the difference

 Under HUD an ESA is defined as an animal companion that offers some type of benefit to an individual with some form of disability. The animal is intended to provide companionship and support that will help alleviate at least one aspect of the disability.

ESA's are covered under HUD and FHA only.
*They are no longer covered under Department of Transportation (DOT)

Therapy animals (TA) are animals that are trained to go into nursing homes, schools, hospitals and treatment centers. They are specifically trained to help others through emotional connections. Many programs offer certification through their training courses. Therapy animals are NOT covered under any federal or state laws. 

Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.  The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Occasionally a miniature horse is classified as a service animal. No other animals are recognized. Service animals in training are not covered by the ADA but may be covered under the individual state law. 

• ESA's are only allowed in non-pet friendly homes with an accommodations request. Landlords cannot deny a disabled person their ESA based on age, size, or breed without proving hardship. * some exceptions apply
• ESA's are considered pets in public and are not allowed in non-pet friendly businesses. This includes but is not limited to grocery stores, restaurants, malls, hospitals etc. 
• ESA's are allow in pet friendly places such as Pet stores, pet approved outdoor eating establishments and many craft and hardware stores (call beforehand to verify your pet can go with you) 

**Just because a business doesn't ask doesn't mean it's okay. 

• TA's are only allowed where they are requested to be. This includes but is not limited to hospitals, nursing homes and schools. There are also reading programs for therapy dogs to have children read to them.
  They are classified as pets and are only allowed in pet friendly businesses. 

• Service animals are allowed to go anywhere their disabled handler is allowed to go for most situations. This includes restaurants, doctors' offices, zoos, and tattoo parlors, grocery stores are a few examples. 
• There are 3 places you can legally be denied with your Service animal. 1. Private homes are not required to allow a handler in with their SD. 2. Churches. Separation of church and state. So, it is always best to get pre-approved permission. They can deny you to bring your SD. (some excepts may apply) 3. Any and all sterilized area's which include surgical areas in hospitals and doctors' offices. (Rule of thumb. If you can wear your shoes in somewhere then your Service dog can be with you)