Types of Emotional Support Dogs and Service Dogs
Understanding the differences between Emotional Support Dogs (ESDs) and Service Dogs helps individuals choose the right type of support. This guide explains the most common conditions that qualify someone for an Emotional Support Dog or a trained Service Dog.
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Most Common Reasons for Needing an Emotional Support Dog (ESD)
Emotional Support Dogs help people manage mental and emotional disabilities. Below are the most frequently listed conditions that qualify an individual for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).
Anxiety and Stress-Related Disorders
Many people seek an Emotional Support Dog for anxiety or stress conditions such as:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Phobias
- Stress-Related Disorders
- Adjustment Disorders
Trauma and Dissociative Disorders
Emotional Support Dogs provide comfort for individuals coping with:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Dissociative Disorders
Mood and Cognitive Disorders
These conditions often qualify for an Emotional Support Dog:
- Mood Disorders
- Neurocognitive Disorders
Impulse-Control and Behavioral Disorders
Some individuals benefit from an ESA due to:
- Impulse-Control Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Factitious Disorders
Sleep, Sexual, and Somatic Disorders
Common qualifying conditions include:
- Sleep Disorders
- Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders
- Somatoform Disorders
Substance-Related and Additional Mental Health Disorders
Emotional Support Dogs also help people experiencing:
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Suicidal Thoughts
Most Common Reasons for Needing a Service Dog
Service Dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with physical, neurological, psychiatric, or medical disabilities. The conditions below commonly qualify someone for a Service Dog.
Physical and Mobility-Related Disabilities
These conditions often require support from a trained Service Dog:
- Arthritis
- Ataxia (poor balance)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Physical Mobility Limitations
- Spina Bifida
- Spinal Cord or Head Trauma
- Stroke
Sensory Disabilities
People with sensory impairments commonly use Service Dogs for:
- Blindness or Low Vision
- Deafness or Hearing Impairment
Neurological and Developmental Disabilities
The following conditions may require a Service Dog:
- Autism
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Seizure Disorders
Medical and Health-Related Conditions
Some individuals qualify for a Medical Alert or Medical Response Service Dog for:
- Diabetes
- Severe Allergy Alerts
- Cardio-Pulmonary Disease
- Medical Alert Needs
- Cancer
Psychiatric Disabilities
Service Dogs can assist individuals living with:
- PTSD
- Other psychiatric disabilities requiring trained task support
Pain-Related Disabilities
These conditions may justify the need for a Service Dog:
- Chronic Pain
- Pain conditions that limit daily functioning
