Know the Difference Between a Service + Emotional Support Animals

Our pets become an extension of our family. So much so, we love to take them everywhere we go.

While some locations allow you to bring your furry friend along with you, most places don't. This is to protect the general public who may suffer from allergies, might be afraid of dogs, or other health reasons.

Some of our fur friends pull double duty. They could be service or emotional support animals. These special animals have special rights, but they are not equal. Knowing the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal will help you know what you can and can't do.

Roice-Hurst Human Society, Mesa County Public Health and the Mesa County Animal Services want you to know the difference between a service animal and emotional support animal. They shared the following information:

What is a Service Animal

A service animal is trained to perform tasks for their handlers. These tasks won't always be visible, like detecting seizures, detecting low blood sugar or protecting their handler during a seizure. A service animal can only be a dog or a miniature horse.

What You Need to Know About Service Animals

• A business cannot ask for documentation and the owner doesn't need to show proof of any kind.
• All business that allows the public, must allow a service animal.
• A service animal must be leashed or wear a harness while working. Unless the leash or harness impedes the service dog's duties. Even then, the service animal must be under control by voice or signal commands, or other methods at all times.
• A service animal can only be denied access if it is out of control, not housebroken, or acts aggressively.

What is an Emotional Support Animal

Emotional Support Animals (ESA) provide comfort and aid through companionship for its handler. To qualify for an ESA, an individual must receive a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional proving a disability. An ESA is allowed to live with their handler if they rent, and are allowed on flights.

What You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animals

• Emotional Support Animals are not professionally trained to perform tasks for their handler. They do, however, provide therapeutic benefits.
• Emotional Support Animals are not equal to service animals. An ESA is not allowed in the same protected public places as a service animal.

There are consequences for misrepresenting an animal as a trained service animal. In 2017, the Colorado state law (HB16-1426) making it a petty crime for misrepresenting a service animal. The first offense is punishable by a $45 fine. The second offense is between $50 and $200 and the third offense is a fine between $100 and $500.

Learn more at health.mesacounty.us.

About the Sponsor

Roice-Hurst Human Society, Mesa County Public Health and the Mesa County Animal Services are joining forces to spread awareness about the difference between emotional support animals and service animals. Learn more at health.mesacounty.us.