
service dog
A service dog is a specially trained animal that assists individuals with disabilities, helping them perform tasks that they may struggle with due to their condition. These tasks can vary widely, including guiding a person with vision impairment, alerting those with hearing loss, or providing support for individuals with mental health issues. Service dogs are recognized by law and have public access rights, allowing them to accompany their handlers in most places. Unlike therapy or emotional support animals, service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to their handler’s disability.