Service dog: task-trained for a disability
Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The tasks must be directly related to the person's disability. Service dogs generally have public access rights in places where the public is allowed.
- Trained to perform specific disability-related tasks
- Generally allowed in public accommodations under the ADA
- Staff may ask only two limited questions
- No official certification or registry is required
Emotional support animal: comfort, not task-trained
An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort or emotional support through its presence. ESAs are not considered service animals under the ADA and do not have the same public access rights. They may be covered by other laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, depending on the situation.
- Provides comfort through presence, not task-training
- Not covered by public access provisions of the ADA
- May be addressed by housing or travel rules, not by this registry
- No official ESA certification or registry exists
Which identification does Service Dog ID provide?
Service Dog ID creates identification records for service dogs based on handler declaration. The registration includes a digital ID card, printable card, certificate, QR verification and Wallet passes. It does not certify training, evaluate the dog, or change legal status.