Service dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks and/or provide assistance to an individual with a disability. The service dog may go to any public place with the disabled person. It is against the law to refuse a person with a handicap to a public place that has a Service Dog, this is the law under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide psychological support, compassion, affection and comfort to individuals in stressful situations such as hospitals, nursing homes, elementary schools (for example helping children with reading), high schools and universities. Therapy Dogs are often called to help student de-stress before exams. They are not allowed to go shopping with the handler at malls, grocery stores or any public place. Therapy Dogs are NOT included under the American Disabilities Act and DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS SERVICE DOGS. Therapy Dogs should go on pre-planned visits to the above mentioned facilities.
Please comply with the definition of “Therapy Dogs” for your USA THERAPY DOG. If a USA Therapy Dog is vested in a USA TD vest, posing as a Service Dog and has been noticed or found going into public places without a planned visit this will be an automatic dismissal from USA Therapy Dogs, Inc.