Emotional Support Animals VS. Psychiatric Service Dogs

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What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) helps alleviate symptoms of a mental or emotional disorder, either on its own or as part of a treatment plan. ESAs can be any domesticated animal, from common pets like dogs and cats to more unique animals like snakes or miniature horses. They offer comfort without requiring any special training. While ESAs can’t accompany you in public, they are legally protected to live with you at home without extra pet fees or deposits.

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What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Like ESAs, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) help manage mental health disabilities, but they are specially trained to perform tasks related to the disability, such as deep pressure therapy (DPT) during a panic attack. PSDs must meet specific training standards, which grants them more legal rights than ESAs. They are allowed in public places, on planes, and in restaurants, making them ideal for individuals who need their animal’s support everywhere they go.

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Key Differences Between
ESAs & PSDs

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Exempt from pet housing fees

Provide support for your mental health

Cannot travel on airlines for free

Aren't allowed in public places

No specialized training required

Can be any breed of pet

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Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)

Exempt from pet housing fees

Trained to support your mental health

Can travel on airlines for free

Are allowed in public places

Minimum training requirement

Dogs only

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Differences in Legal Rights and Protections

There are three federal laws that pertain to assistance animals:

The Fair Housing Act (FHA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

Psychiatric service dogs are covered by all three laws, allowing them to join you in housing, public places, and on airplanes respectively. Emotional support animals on the other hand are only protected under the Fair Housing Act, which allows you to keep your ESA (or PSD) in your home, exempt from pet restrictions and fees.

If you just need your pet at home, an ESA is probably for you. If you need your animal with you at all times, consider training a psychiatric service dog.

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Can Any Animal be an ESA or PSD?

An ESA may be any type of domesticated animal, including dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, ferrets, rabbits, lizards, and more!

While those are more common, other domesticated animals like snakes and miniature horses can also act as ESAs in some situations. You always want to make sure your living conditions are fit for your assistance animal’s size and needs.

On the other hand, a PSD must be a dog of any breed that is trained to perform specific tasks related to its owner’s mental health disorder.

The FHA protects your right to have a PSD of any breed in your living situation, just as long as you keep the canine companion under your control and out of trouble.

Taking an online course to train your own PSD can be an affordable alternative to hiring a trainer.

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How to Decide Between an ESA and a PSD

Choosing between a psychiatric service dog (PSD) and an emotional support animal (ESA) depends on your mental health needs. If your symptoms can be managed at home, an ESA is a great option. However, if you need help with specific tasks, public outings, or have a more advanced condition, a PSD may be the better fit.

Pettable provides risk-free solutions for both ESAs and PSDs.

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What Tasks can a PSD Perform?

PSDs can be trained to perform any number of tasks to help their owners live their daily lives regardless of their mental health condition. These can include:

Deep pressure therapy (DPT)
Seizure warning and response
Fetching medication or reminding the owner to take it
Intervention in cases of self-harm or emergencies

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What are the Costs Associated With ESAs and PSDs?

Both ESAs and PSDs come with financial commitments, especially if you don’t already own a pet. While pre-trained PSDs can cost over $20,000, adopting and training a dog yourself with professional help is a more affordable option that also strengthens your bond. ESAs are less expensive since no specialized training is required, with the main costs being the animal itself and an ESA letter. However, if your ESA is a dog, basic obedience training is recommended for a smoother transition into your home.

How to Train Your Own PSD

Even if you don’t have experience, training your psychiatric service dog (PSD) can be an easy and enriching experience for both you and your canine companion. With Pettable’s award-winning online PSD training course, our experts will guide you through the training process, giving you the flexibility to work at a pace that fits your and your dog’s needs. In addition to specialized training to fit your disability, we will also help you with basic dog obedience, public access behavior, and travel training. Don’t hesitate — contact Pettable today to get started!

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