Service dogs are trained to support one person who is physically or mentally disabled by assisting with specific tasks that mitigate the handler’s disability. Service dogs are protected by ADA law to accompany their handlers into public establishments and may live with their handlers even in housing with a “no pets” policy in place. Therapy dogs are trained to provide support and comfort to many people, typically in a group setting like a healthcare facility, school, or library. Therapy dogs work for shorter periods of time (maximum of 2 hours at a time) and are not dedicated to one individual. Learn more about types of support dogs.