Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Service, Emotional Support, and Therapy Animals by Chris Eboch, Editor
This book provides information about animals that provide support to humans on a daily basis. Service animals are rigorously trained to assist the visually impaired as well as people with life-threatening medical conditions. Therapy animals are trained to provide comfort to those in need. Emotional support animals give their owners companionship and therapy.
Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) is a nonprofit organization in Fort Lauderdale, Florida dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. C.A.T. works with volunteers and their dogs to provide animal-assisted therapy and companionship to people in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, and schools. From children’s reading programs to working with veterans, C.A.T. has expanded its services to help people from all walks of life.
For more information, please see Canine Assisted Therapy