At PAWS for Service, we only train therapy dogs.
Many people use the terms “therapy dog” and “service dog” interchangeably, but there are major differences between the two.
A Service Dog helps individuals perform tasks they cannot do for themselves because of a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act governs the use of service dogs in public places. A service dog typically wears a vest with the words “please do not pet,” indicating that the dog is working.
Therapy Dogs do not have federally granted legal access to the types of public areas afforded to service dogs. A therapy dog and his handler/owner visit facilities such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, VA facilities and schools. A therapy dog is there to be petted and provide comfort and affection to individuals at various places that request a visit.