Which of these describes a dog that has been trained specifically to assist a person with a disability?

The correct answer is a service animal. A service animal is specifically trained to perform tasks that assist an individual with a disability. This could include guiding individuals who are visually impaired, alerting those who are hard of hearing, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting during a medical emergency. Service animals are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which outlines their role and the rights of individuals who rely on them.

In contrast, an emotional support animal provides comfort and companionship to individuals with emotional or psychological conditions but is not specially trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Companion animals, much like emotional support animals, may offer companionship but do not have the same legal recognition or training requirements as service animals. Pet therapy animals are often trained to provide comfort and therapy in various settings, like hospitals or schools, but again, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. This distinction is important in ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the necessary support from service animals trained to assist with their specific needs.