Service animals and ESAs in rehab

Facilities treat these three things differently, and the words are often used interchangeably. It is worth knowing which one applies to you before you call.

A service animal is not a pet

A service dog is trained to do a specific task for a person with a disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, most treatment facilities have to allow one, including facilities that take no other dogs. The exceptions are narrow.

An emotional support animal is not a service animal

An emotional support animal provides comfort but is not trained to perform a task, and the ADA does not cover it. Most rehabs treat an ESA the same as a pet. If you have one, search the pet-friendly listings rather than assuming you are covered.

Ask before you travel

Ask the admissions team in writing how they handle service animals, and keep the reply. Policies differ between facilities, and can differ between levels of care inside the same facility.

This page is not legal advice.