Which of the following best describes a service animal?

The correct choice is that a service animal is defined specifically as only dogs trained to perform specific tasks. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. These tasks must be directly related to the individual’s disability. For example, service dogs may assist individuals who are blind, alert individuals who are deaf, pull a wheelchair, or help someone with a medical condition.

While emotional support animals, which may include various types of animals, provide comfort and support through their presence, they do not have the same legal status as service animals. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are not required to perform specific tasks related to a person's disability. Additionally, the term "pets" refers to animals that provide companionship but are not trained for tasks related to disabilities. Therefore, the definition of a service animal is much more specific and focused on the training and tasks associated with helping individuals with disabilities.