What is a common mistake made when discussing assistance animals?

Using the terms interchangeably is a common mistake when discussing assistance animals. This misunderstanding arises because people often do not distinguish between different categories of assistance animals, which can include service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy animals. Each of these categories has distinct definitions and legal implications under the Fair Housing Act and other regulations.

Service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, primarily recognized as dogs. Emotional support animals provide comfort but do not have specialized training to perform tasks directly related to a disability. Therapy animals are used to provide comfort in therapeutic settings but do not serve the same role as service or emotional support animals. By conflating these terms, individuals may unintentionally overlook the specific rights and responsibilities associated with each type, which is crucial for compliance with fair housing laws. Understanding these distinctions is essential for ensuring that tenants' rights are respected while also safeguarding property owners from potential violations related to assistance animals.