What is a visitation dog?

A visitation dog is trained and certified to go with their handler to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, etc. to bring joy to people. The handler of a visitation dog is usually a volunteer and the dog plays no role in the treatment of a person. Visitation animals can be more than dogs, they can be cats, ponies, guinea pigs, bunnies, pigs, etc. A visitation animal is NOT allowed in public places unless previously approved at the facility where the volunteering will be occurring. We help train visitation dogs.

Looking for a local visitation group? Therapaws (they do refer to themselves as Therapy dogs)
Another great organization for dogs (and other species) to be certified through is Pet Partners

What is a therapy dog?

A therapy dog is trained to assist a professional in a session. Goals are incorporated and progress is recorded by the professional. Therapy dogs are NOT allowed in public places except for the treatment facility. Therapy dogs are also required to be certified. Pet Partners is the recommended certification agency. We help train therapy dogs.

What is an emotional support animal (ESA)?

An ESA is not a service animal. ESA's are only allowed in public housing (where there is a no pet policy) and on public transportation. An ESA can be any animal and has the purpose of providing comfort to the person with the animal. A prescription letter from a medical professional is required for an ESA. ESA's are meant to bring comfort to a person with anxiety, depression, or other mental impairments. There is no specific training needed for an ESA. However, with ESA's being allowed on public transportation (including aircraft) there is an added stress level to the animal and one that is untrained can become aggressive, destructive, overly stressed, and more. Even though these animals do not require training there needs to be some training established if the animal is going to travel.

What is a service dog?

A service animal is a dog (or miniature horse) that is trained to perform tasks to assist a person with a disability (Americans with Disabilities Act, 2010). There are no standards set to establish what a service dog must be able to do. However, a service dog needs to be highly trained to be able to do their job effectively. A service animal must be able to remain calm and listen to their handler under a variety of circumstances. Not only does the animal need to be able to perform trained tasks for the handler, they also must be able to be comfortable with a variety of noises, different surroundings and distractions. If someone uses a "fake" service dog or one that is ill trained that animal is put under undue stress which could cause the animal to become aggressive, misbehave, and become a hazard to their handler and themselves. Many people want to take their dog with them everywhere they go,  but don't think about the impact and stress this has on an animal. On average more than half of the dogs that start service dog training need to have a career change because they are unable to do their job effectively. A service animal can be used to assist someone who is blind, deaf, diabetic, has PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), mobility assistance, and more! Service Animals are NOT Emotional Support Animals (ESA). A service animal is allowed to go anywhere the general public is allowed. By law there are only 2 questions that a person can ask someone with a service animal; 1) Is that a service animal required due to a disability? 2) What tasks has it been trained to perform? A service animal may be asked to leave a place of business if; 1) it is not housebroken and 2) if the animal is misbehaving. Service animals are NOT allowed to be trained to protect their handler.