Which statement about service animals is true?

Service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. This training is comprehensive and can take years to complete, as it ensures that the animal can reliably assist their owner in a variety of situations that may occur in daily life. The tasks they perform can range from guiding individuals who are visually impaired to alerting those who have hearing impairments, and even providing support for those with mental health conditions.

The rigorous training process is crucial, as it not only ensures that the animal can execute specific tasks but also that they remain well-behaved and calm in various environments. This extensive training is what distinguishes service animals from emotional support animals, which do not require specialized training to perform tasks related to a disability.

In contrast, other options suggest shorter training durations, the idea that training is unnecessary, or that training could be optional, which does not align with the established standards for service animals. These misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings about the role and importance of service animals in supporting individuals with disabilities effectively.