What is the difference between service animal and emotional support animal?

What is the difference between service animal and emotional support animal?

A service animal has been properly trained to assist people with disabilities. These disabilities include but are not limited to seizures, mental illnesses, diabetes, and problems with sight. A service dog needs to be certified by an organization that is approved by the AKC, to ultimately earn the AKC therapy dog title.

An emotional support animal provides support through companionship. There is no official training required for an emotional support animal.

WHAT IS PROTECTED?

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), people with disabilities have the right to have a service animal in their rental property. This service animal can be a dog or miniature horse that is trained and does not present a threat to others.

ARE FEES CHARGED FOR HAVING A SERVICE ANIMAL?

Owners do not have to pay pet fees if it has been established as a service animal. However, the landlord may ask for a security deposit and may potentially charge the tenant if damages occur from the animal.

At Cairncross, we always allow service animals, and we vet emotional support animals through an outside service. Contact us if you have a question regarding a specific animal or service.

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