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What is an Emotional Support Dog vs What is a Service Dog

What is an Emotional Support Dog vs What is a Service Dog

If you’re living with the daily challenges of a disability, you’ve likely heard about both emotional support and service dogs. Understanding what service dogs do and how they differ from emotional support animals (ESAs) is essential before deciding which kind of dog is right for you. ESAs are very different from service dogs and don’t always get the same kind of recognition as they do, but they also have different training requirements. Learn the facts about getting help from an animal before choosing a companion.

Service Dog Requirements

The service dog is a specifically trained animal companion that must have at least one commendable skill related to the owner’s disability. For example, opening doors on command or alerting for help in response to a seizure are both trained skills that can qualify a dog as a service animal. The training can come from a professional with experience in handling service dogs or from the owner. Service dogs also need training for public handling in general since they can still be removed from a public place if they pose a safety or health risk. If your dog undergoes any professional training programs, keep the documents on hand as proof your canine qualifies as a service dog.

Rights of a Service Dog

In exchange for what service dogs do, they’ve been granted a wide range of legal protections under the law. There is no certification or paperwork required to prove your dog is an active service dog, and anyone claiming you must have a specific license or certificate to bring a service dog into a store or into rented housing is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, store owners and landlords can still ask if your dog has been trained to provide support to verify it qualifies as a service dog. You don’t have to demonstrate the dog’s training, just answer affirmatively if asked.

Emotional Support Dog Requirements

The emotional support dog requirements are much more relaxed since there is no specific designation for this kind of animal companion in the ADA. However, ESAs are generally allowed on airlines and in pet-free housing much like a service dog as long as they qualify. In most states, you’ll need a letter from your doctor or therapist outlining your need for an emotional support dog. Unlike a service dog, there’s no need for formal training or specific skills. Yet emotional support dogs still need housebreaking and basic socialization training since they are also open to removal from a public place if they pose a safety risk.

The Rights of an Emotional Support Dog

Unless your state has laws specific to emotional support dogs, they’re generally not allowed everywhere a service dog can go. Only airlines and housing tend to make exceptions for these support animals. As with service dogs, there’s no specific certification or licensing needed to qualify, but general training programs can help prepare a dog for dealing with the public.

Regardless of which kind of support dog you choose, you need to know your rights regarding your animal companion. Understanding the difference between emotional support dog requirements and service dog requirements will help you choose the right type of dog and dog products for your situation.

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Reviews

Im a contractor who needed a custom window I called multiple window shops and either didnt get a call back or they didn't want to do a custom window. I talked to Patrick Runco and he was awsome answering my calls worked on doing custom window and he came through for me. Window is now installed and complete thanks to Patrick going over and beyond. Definitely recommend this company and there team. Thanks
Jimmy Espinoza
Jimmy Espinoza
20:55 24 Nov 23
Purchased a door a few months back, Patrick walked us through the process from start to finish and made it very convenient and effortless! We’ll be referring friends and family!
Shane Street
Shane Street
04:20 23 Nov 23
We love the door!The salesperson was very informative.The installer did a great job putting it in but the finish work he did was not good. The caulking was rough and bumpy and looked bad.I asked him to work on it and he did his best but he’s just not a good caulker. We ended up working on the caulking on the inside ourselves to make it look better.Everything else about the door is awesome.
M Casselman
M Casselman
23:54 21 Nov 23
Have had our doggy door for a week. So far so good. Install was easy. Dog seems to be loving it.
Beth Nelson
Beth Nelson
22:10 20 Nov 23
We are very pleased with the door and the install! From the beginning, everything was a smooth process. Very professional, great customer service, and overall just a good experience. 10/10 would recommend. Thanks Patrick for all your help!
Randi jo
Randi jo
23:25 09 Nov 23
This company is amazing and treats their customers like friends! Patrick is super knowledgeable and was so helpful. Highly recommend.
Lisa Taylor-nielsen
Lisa Taylor-nielsen
17:47 30 Oct 23
Pet Door Products, and Patrick who got us all set up, were amazing! Our dogs love their new doggy door that’s built right in to the new sliding glass door! One of the best additions we’ve made to our home! Very professional company and staff, and the door itself is built well. Thanks Pet Door Products!
Cinaman E Azarcon
Cinaman E Azarcon
20:44 28 Oct 23
The service and communication was great. Seemed a but pricey but other companies that do the same thing cost just as much, if not more. We are very happy with the dog door and so is our dog!
Brooke Densley
Brooke Densley
02:38 25 Oct 23
Love having the sliding glass dog door for our 3 dogs! Patrick has been awesome to work with and very flexible and willing to answer all my questions. The install was quick and easy. I highly recommend Pet Door Products if you are wanting a dog door door installed. It’s so much better than a insert for your sliding glass door!
Jen McPhie
Jen McPhie
23:45 24 Oct 23
I had a great experience concerning the with sliding glass patio door with a pet door installed in it. Patrick Runco came to my home in a timely manner with a smile on his face and a great attitude. Hes funny and very personable. He explained the whole procedure as well as answered any questions I had. I definitely would recommend him and Pet Door Products
Diane Smith
Diane Smith
18:35 20 Oct 23
Great product! Salesman was great to work with and installation was quick and looks great. Our puppy has already learned to use it and it has saved us a ton of stress in the house training journey. Highly recommend Pet Door Products
Layne Cahoon
Layne Cahoon
00:10 28 Sep 23
Great product, great company. Patrick did a great job quoting, explaining the process and product to me. Two thumbs up!!!
Brett Hodson
Brett Hodson
23:39 25 Sep 23
The group at Petdoor products has been nothing but fantastic. I purchased a sliding glass insert for my townhome since I cant modify the exterior. The high performance glass has also allowed me to pull the blinds to the side and enjoy the sunlight from a south facing door without the heat blasting the room. The install was extremely fast and well done. They are very communicative throughout the process.
Richard Rubel
Richard Rubel
02:42 31 Aug 23
Patrick was great to work with and the whole process was so easy! From start to finish it only took a couple months. The new door looks amazing! I would highly recommend Patrick and this company to anyone!
T Harris
T Harris
14:27 30 Aug 23
We love our new in glass sliding door pet door!Everyone we worked with were friendly and answered any questions we had. The hardest part was waiting for the install but now that it is in we have access to the sliding door again! Much better than having one of the cheap inserts that uses half of the doorway opening.
Paula Eliason
Paula Eliason
21:21 28 Aug 23
Great experience start to finish, very easy and price was better than expected for the high level of service.
Corey Wooley
Corey Wooley
20:39 28 Aug 23
Patrick was great to work with! The installer (I’m sorry but I didn’t get his name) was very polite and super efficient. Life is so much easier with the new pet door, my dogs love it!
Kynsie Kiggins
Kynsie Kiggins
20:50 11 Aug 23
I love my French doors with dog door built in! The salesman, Patrick, along with the office staff, schedulers, and installers were all knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. I would highly recommend!
Stephanie Wimmer
Stephanie Wimmer
17:07 11 Aug 23
We are obsessed with our pet door! Patrick was great to work with and everything was flawless from start to finish!
Tara Petersen
Tara Petersen
22:47 15 Jun 23
The process was quick and easy. And our dogs love the outcome!
Shayley Williams
Shayley Williams
16:26 19 May 23
Presentation was great, he showed up on time and didn’t take up an unnecessary amount of time. Install was also quick and efficient. Door works great! I wasn’t sure how my dogs would catch on to it, but within a week things are great. Would absolutely recommend, quality is as expected, and would get again if/when we move
Kyle Celauro
Kyle Celauro
22:24 18 May 23
Quick installation and an awesome product, so happy to have full use of my sliding door again!
Tanner Foote
Tanner Foote
02:38 21 Apr 23
Thank you Pet Door Products for making mine and my families lives so much easier with pets. The convenience of having our families pets let themselves out without us having to let them out constantly has put so much time back into our hands. There has been close to no accidents from our dog since installing our pet door. Our dog can let himself out throughout the day when we are at work, which means not coming home to big potty messes like past times. I would highly recommend getting a pet door product installed in your home for peace of mind, and the for betterment for your pets. Our dog is happier then ever I believe because he has the ability to roam outside and sun bath (his favorite) when he desires and above all to go to the bathroom right when he needs to. Our lives are so much happier and healthier now. I also have to say that from the beginning to the end of our experience with Pet Door Products we were listened to, we were cared for, we were treated with professionalism, patience, kindness and above all more peace within our home since making the choice to have our pet door installed. Thank you for an amazing experience we will highly be recommending all of our friends and families to your company! Top of the line customer service. You guys are the best there is!!!
Cassandra Ortega
Cassandra Ortega
16:18 19 Apr 23
We love, love, love our dog door. Our dogs picked up on it right away. It has been so nice to allow them to go in and out without having to get up all the time to let them out. I also like how we can close it down when we have people working in the yard, etc. and don’t want the dogs to go out. Service was great and the installers were professional, skillful and did an amazing job installing not one but two doors for us. I can’t say enough good things about this company and the people that helped us. I highly recommend Pet Door Products and their dog door!
Carolyn Marsh
Carolyn Marsh
21:33 18 Apr 23
Most people won’t see the original review, which is just fine. This one is far more important. I believe how someone responds to a mistake says far more about them than just day to day transactions do. In this case, I’m happy to share the story. Some details are irrelevant, but a mistake happened on a Friday afternoon that affected us. I posted a review during the weekend but the replay came Monday morning, and that’s fair, which is one reason I’m adjusting my rating. Pet Door Products were very apologetic and owned the mistake, not once was blame placed where it shouldn’t. They owned it, and then fixed it. Our installation happened later the same day, for which I’m grateful. The result is incredible, with exceptional quality. I don’t need a discount, I don’t need free stuff, I wanted communication and a solution. In the end, I received both in a timely manner and I’m thrilled with the result. Thank you for everything, specifically Alyshae. Would recommend working with this company.
Justin Metcalf
Justin Metcalf
00:34 18 Apr 23
Thank you PATRICK RUNCO for assisting me in the right pet door! Not only would I need the right door for my pet but the correct one for my sliding glass! Thank you.
Savant Studio
Savant Studio
23:06 11 Apr 23
I purchased a sliding door insert from Home Depot for my dog and hated it because I basically couldn’t use the door for myself. The pet door slider gave me the ability to use the door again and I love it. Friendly service and it was installed earlier than the 6 weeks I was quoted at.
Jason Shay
Jason Shay
21:02 11 Apr 23
Ordered the door and had it installed within a month! I have a large 160lbs dog who fits fine in their XL dog door. He was timid at first, but has started warming up to the door! No air leakage, not crazy loud, and overall I am glad I invested. It is a bit spendy, but worth it.
T'naiha Ellis
T'naiha Ellis
01:49 01 Mar 23
i didn't buy a door but i don't think i need to, just look at that thing! it glows in the light when a dog passes through! i would HIGHLY recommend this product. you all should invest in this doggy door and make you pooch happy!
TRIPP BROCKWAY
TRIPP BROCKWAY
16:12 14 Dec 22
Great service with fast installation
L Kearsley
L Kearsley
21:05 01 Dec 22
We had them install a doggie door in our sliding glass door and it looks great. The service was amazing. My puppies are unsure about the new door yet the are smart and will figure it out.Thanks for taking care of us
Launie Wilson
Launie Wilson
05:29 17 Nov 22
Awesome product! From the bid up until the install everything went well and I highly recommend.
Kylee Adam
Kylee Adam
14:23 31 Oct 22
Super friendly fast and did a great job. Highly recommend
Jason MacDonald
Jason MacDonald
00:23 29 Oct 22
We are so happy with the new pet door in our sliding glass door. Now the kitty can go in and out without a hassle or worry about the utility bills. Gabe and the installers were a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend them!
Robyn Hansen
Robyn Hansen
23:21 25 Oct 22
Gabe and the whole staff were amazing to work with. Love our new door and the doggies love it too.
Becki Gerdeman
Becki Gerdeman
22:27 25 Oct 22
We love our doggy door. The install was super quick and easy and it’s been a great product so far! Our dog got used to it really fast and loves the freedom she has now.
Kristina Kimball
Kristina Kimball
22:18 25 Oct 22
Best idea ever!! Our pet door is so nice in our sliding glass door. Thank you for the fast efficient service. Pet door products is easy to do business with, they measured, ordered and installed. I was able to train my dog to use the door with holding treats on both sides for a couple days.
Carmen Fitzgerald
Carmen Fitzgerald
16:06 27 Sep 22
Great product. Custom fit to our existing sliding frame. Our pups love the freedom of coming and going as they please.Thank you for the great product.And thank you Gabe for the clean installation.
Linsont Terrell
Linsont Terrell
15:16 01 Sep 22
The quality of the door is fantastic. We are very pleased. Gabe even called to check how things were going and gave me some great tips to help my dog acclimate to the door.
Barry Blake
Barry Blake
02:42 01 Sep 22
Gabe was nice to work with, and our new dog door looks great. We love that it's a full secure sliding door as opposed to an attachment. Excited to get our dog used to using it. 😄
Lorna Gillespie
Lorna Gillespie
21:15 31 Aug 22
I am very happy with my sliding door and custom doggy door in it. Gabe and his team made sure that everything was done right.
Olivia Pelton (Liv)
Olivia Pelton (Liv)
20:54 31 Aug 22
Great product! Having the doggy door has been great for our 10 month old dog. They were very responsive and always texted me back on checking the status of the door. Gabe called me to make sure I was satisfied with the install and making sure that our dog was getting used to it!
Madeline Collier
Madeline Collier
16:20 29 Aug 22
We love everything about our new pet door! Because the door was installed in our existing sliding glass–it saved us cost on having to expand our deck (and the headache of cutting a hole in our home!). From contact to quote to install–the guys at Pet Door Products were awesome. I’m convinced that everyone with sliding glass needs this dog door 👍🏼
Abby Johnson
Abby Johnson
03:22 29 Jul 22
Good work on the door. Good to work with.
DJ Hinckley
DJ Hinckley
20:51 28 Jul 22
We originally bought a patio pet dog door insert from Home Depot when we moved into our new home a few months ago. It leaked, let in bugs and was awful. Our window company recommended Pet Door Products and was put in touch with Gabriel. Gabriel came out when scheduled and gave us an estimate on a pet door that same day. With current supply chain issues he was upfront that it would take 6-8 weeks to come in and they would come out and install when they received it. We've had it for about a month and it is worth every penny! No more leaking air and bugs getting in and the door works the original way it was intended. We opted for the larger insert just in case we ever get a bigger dog and our Boston terriers have no problem going in and out. I would highly recommend. It takes a lot for me to write a review but this door is definitely worth it.
Jason Smith
Jason Smith
14:17 28 Jul 22
Love our pet door! So easy and convenient for our dog to use! Great quality product and kind staff to answer any questions I have. Highly recommend
Denise Jepperson
Denise Jepperson
14:00 28 Jul 22
Gabe was awesome and so were the installers. Professional, courteous and the product is great quality, glass, insert and all. The installers were even so kind as to try and fix the latch on my door that has been having issues staying locked. Above and beyond!
Megan Cross
Megan Cross
04:19 01 Jul 22
Reasonable price. Delivered what was promised on time. No hidden costs. Excellency customer service. 6 stars!!
Lynnette Yerbury
Lynnette Yerbury
02:23 01 Jul 22
The product and service for this company were amazing. We had a pet door insert previously and it really hurt your confidence trying to squeeze out the back door. Our new dog door is large enough for our golden doodle and all the humans can fit out the sliding door without having to turn sideways.
Kaysi Briggs
Kaysi Briggs
21:27 30 Jun 22
My daughter referred me to Pet Door after having one installed. Gabe was very helpful and helped me decide which door would work best for my situation. I ended up buying a wall mounted door, installed it last Saturday (I live in Southern Utah) and it was one of the best decisions. We have high winds in this area and the flap is durable and stays shut with the magnet. It even took my dogs a little bit to get used to actually pushing the door open instead of just breezing through it like the old dog door. Thanks Gabe!
Janae Chatterley
Janae Chatterley
20:16 30 Jun 22
Gabe was very efficient and booked me for a free bid very quickly! Just got my door put in last week and i love it!! Can’t say enough good things about this place.
Alicia Chatterley
Alicia Chatterley
22:30 29 Jun 22
We love our doggie door, the Salesman Gabe was very informative and kept us up to date on installation time!He also followed up afterwards on any installation issue.We definitely recommend Pet Door for your next doggie door!
Suzan Pino
Suzan Pino
20:19 01 Jun 22
Our dog loves it & makes our lives so much easier not having to worry about being gone and how she will be able to get out to potty. Thank you!
Michelle Norton
Michelle Norton
16:50 31 May 22
Great quality. Pet door is very sturdy locks and stays in place. Installation was great fast friendly service. I would highly recommend
David Nye
David Nye
16:27 31 May 22
They were prompt, friendly, and professional. Most important, we love the dog door! The dogs learned to use it quickly, and it does a great job of keeping out the wind and weather!
Amy Geyerman
Amy Geyerman
16:04 31 May 22
Our retro-fit sliding glass door with a dog door has been the solution for a long standing problem. We have four dogs ranging from 16 to 80 pounds that constantly want in and out of our backyard. Now they have the freedom to come and go as they need and want. The dog door has already shown its ability to stay closed during a storm. Yes, there is thermal loss. But we can mitigate that
David North
David North
14:51 27 Apr 22
Prompt service, quick install. My dog loves his door. I like having more freedom.
Nancy Farnes
Nancy Farnes
19:46 26 Apr 22
Great product! This thing has allowed me to sleep again. My dog was constantly waking me up to let her out in the middle of the night. I was reluctant to get a doggy door because I hated how all the inserts for sliding glass doors would take up so much room in the doorway. With pet door products I get the doggy door and full walking space. In addition the sales rep Gabe was great to work with and install was quick.
Dallin Powell
Dallin Powell
18:28 26 Apr 22
Fast install, high quality product. We had a dog door put into our sliding glass door. Very happy with the outcome. Dave was quick to respond to questions that popped up.
Jon Howse
Jon Howse
17:20 26 Apr 22
Great product and great customer service! They came out and did all the measurements for us, the installation was handled by them and super seamless and our dogs are loving the new dog door! Would highly recommend.
Katie Crawford
Katie Crawford
15:06 26 Apr 22
AJ and Alysha were great! The assistance with the measuring process as well as installation was spot on. Great product, pricing and great service!Thank you again!
Ryan Watson
Ryan Watson
17:02 25 Apr 22
Great product, and very professional!
Nick Mitchell
Nick Mitchell
23:21 16 Mar 22
They were good to work with.The door looks great and works awesome.My dog loves being able to come and go.Even better I don't need to getnup and let him out every 3 minutes. 😆
Sean Southard
Sean Southard
21:58 16 Mar 22
Had a pet door installed in my sliding patio door today. Finally my St Bernard and I can both use the patio door. New install but looking at the quality I have no doubt it will last. Holds up to winds as well, something my old pet door couldn’t do very well. The customer service was great as they kept in contact with me and the glass installer since I ordered.
ken fingerlos
ken fingerlos
19:02 15 Mar 22
Pet Door Products really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy and taken care of. The customer service really made the experience. The products are great too. My pups couldn’t be more happy with their new entrance. It looks great! I would recommend using Pet Door Products.
Dillon Hansen
Dillon Hansen
21:35 14 Mar 22
We LOVE our pet door! And the process was so good. The salesman who visited us was very pleasant and professional, and the installation went smoothly. It looks great!Ruby the Beagle would still PREFER that we open the door for her if we're standing there, but goes in and out with no problemWe highly recommend PetDoors!
Lisa Glad
Lisa Glad
14:53 25 Feb 22
Gabe was very professional! Pricing was good and customer service was more than I could ask for! I have already recommended Gabe to several friends! It is nice to get some good service for a change with the whole world being as messed up as it is!Thanks Again Gabe! We need more people in this World like you!
James Peeters
James Peeters
00:53 24 Feb 22
Absolutely 💯 would reccomend. The installation was quick and the installers were very professional. Our dogs loves it! We would hands down reccomended springing the extra money to continue to have use of the sliding door. My grandparents bought a dog door inset and they do not have the accessibility we do.If your dog loves to be outside it is worthwhile to call and talk with them about your next steps
Wonderful customer service! They came out measured were very professional. Give us an install window met the deadline. Our dogs love it! They fit through the door and the door keeps the outside elements outside. Highly recommend.
X
X
13:40 17 Dec 21
We love our new dog door! I chose this company because of their great reviews, and they sure do live up to them. Great service from the salesman Brock to the installer.He was quick and very professional and friendly! Love this company!
Stacie Lujan
Stacie Lujan
23:02 16 Dec 21
We have 3 big dogs and had been looking for a dog door for awhile. We called Pet Door Products and they sent Gabe out within a few days to measure our door. Our dogs love being able to go out when they want. We should have bought one from them a long time ago. Everyone was very nice and helpful! Would definitely recommend them if you are looking for a dog door.
Jen N
Jen N
19:21 16 Dec 21
I called to ask for a quote and they sent a representative out to our house, he was very professional. My family has a unique situation at home and they worked with us in order to get the door installed... Everything on the worked great, it is solid and it let's no cold air in. It took a min for the animals to get used to it but now they use it all day, everyday!!!!
Mike Betker
Mike Betker
18:30 16 Dec 21
VERY happy with the new pet door! Installation was very quick (<30 min?). They pulled the old door out, took it out front to work on it, then brought it with new door in and put it back on the track. Awesome solution to needing a pet door in a sliding glass door.
Clark Jones
Clark Jones
18:50 18 Nov 21
This was the perfect solution we were looking for. We didn’t want a hole in the wall and the insert we previously had didn’t allow the door to open very much. We’ve had it for a few weeks and are happy with it so far!
Daryn Giddings
Daryn Giddings
21:51 17 Nov 21
Gabe was professional and fast in getting everything processed. Once the door was ready the team was fast and courteous with getting it installed. The door is fabulous! Great quality! Well worth the price.
iluvhskz
iluvhskz
18:45 11 Nov 21
Durable dog door. Very impressed. Sales person, Brock, was very helpful and great to work with.
Samuel Fulton
Samuel Fulton
20:24 29 Oct 21
Very pleased with my experience with Pet Door Products. Brock was knowledgeable of the products and helped me figure out the best application for my home and pets.
John Hayes
John Hayes
23:04 27 Oct 21
I’ve been having problems trying to figure out what pet door to get and how they work. I was able to talk with one of your salesmen Brock and not only did he have answers all my questions but with his kindness and knowledge helped me with the measuring process as well! Great company and great employees !
Marley Haws
Marley Haws
17:10 27 Oct 21
Everything that we want in a dog door! Service was also great!
Bekah Crawley
Bekah Crawley
02:02 27 Oct 21
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