Therapy Dogs Provide Comfort to Others

Elizabeth’s training is focused on Therapy dogs. However, all dogs need training, and initial therapy dog training can be an excellent starting point for emotional support and service dogs.

Therapy Dogs are well trained and provide affection and comfort in institutions such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They have no legal right to enter public spaces, though they often do so with permission. They are typically certified through organizations such as St. John Ambulance (Coordinator for Northumberland County is Rose Gaiterio), or Therapeutic Paws of Canada (Team Leader for Port Hope/Cobourg is Sandra Frost). Typically, therapy dogs do not wear a vest.

Emotional Support Dogs provide comfort through companionship, not specific tasks, to a single individual. Generally, they are not recognized by Canadian law except in access to housing. Thus, they lack public access rights and often are treated as pets by, for example airlines (Air Canada's policy requires them to be in carriers).

Service Dogs & Psychiatric Service Dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks to assist with a disability. They are recognized under provincial human rights laws and federal transportation regulations, allowing access to public spaces. Some provinces require government certification, while others (like Ontario) focus on documentation of professional training. Typically service dogs wear a vest. Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers.