People who have mental issues, the law has found, are disabled to an extent comparable with those who have physical disabilities, and animals can assist those in either group in many ways. But what is the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal?

Services animals are individually trained to assist the disabled, are allowed by law to accompany owners into areas of public access, alleviate symptoms of mental disability and may be certified as service animals. Emotional support animals are not specifically trained, are not allowed public access but also can alleviate symptoms of mental disability.