As the number of types of service dogs has increased, it has also led to confusion by the public of what it means to be a true service animal. When fake service dogs misbehave it puts the reputation of real service dogs in jeopardy by alienating business and public support. Fake service dogs also pose a physical danger to people and legitimate service dogs when they act aggressively towards people or other animals. Here’s our guide on what to do when you spot a fake service dog.

Psychiatric service dogs (PSD) are a specific type of service animal trained to help individuals with a psychiatric condition function more fully. Instead of providing emotion support like an emotional support dog, a PSD performs tasks to enable to handler to function in ordinary ways. The handler must have a prescription from a licensed mental health professional certifying that the dog is needed to assist with a major life task.

People often confuse service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs (animals). The differences are actually quite important because they determine the legal protection and right to public access for the handler.

Individuals with disabilities are protected by multiple laws, most notably The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA and related legislation provide a legal framework for service dogs in the workplace, housing, and travel. The three main federal laws covering service dogs are the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Air Carrier Access Act. These laws ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to public services, housing, and travel.