Dogs show up in therapeutic spaces more and more often, and for good reason—they’re grounding, comforting, and excellent listeners who never interrupt. That said, not all dogs in or around therapy settings have the same role. Clients are often understandably confused about the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog, and even more unsure about how they’re supposed to interact with each one.
Let’s clear that up.
What Is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a highly trained working animal that assists one specific person with a disability. These disabilities may be physical, psychiatric, sensory, or neurological. Service dogs are trained to perform specific, task-based behaviors that directly support their handler’s ability to function safely and independently.
Examples of service dog tasks include:
- Guiding someone who is visually impaired
- Alerting a person to an oncoming seizure or blood sugar change
- Retrieving medication or mobility aids
- Interrupting dissociative episodes or panic attacks
- Providing grounding or deep pressure during PTSD symptoms
Because these tasks are medically and functionally necessary, service dogs are legally permitted to accompany their handler in most public places, including businesses, offices, and healthcare settings.
In short: a service dog isn’t a pet, emotional support animal, or office mascot. They are a working partner—essentially a piece of medical equipment with fur and very good manners.
How Clients Should Interact With a Service Dog
The most important thing to know about a service dog is this: they are always working, even if they look relaxed, cute, or like they’re doing absolutely nothing.
For that reason:
- Clients should not pet, talk to, feed, or distract a service dog.
- Avoid making eye contact, calling the dog’s name, or making sounds meant to get the dog’s attention.
- Never assume permission—interaction should only happen if the handler explicitly invites it.
Distractions can interfere with the dog’s ability to notice subtle changes in their handler’s body or behavior. Even a quick, well-meaning “Hi puppy!” can interrupt an important task.
The best way to support a service dog team is to politely ignore the dog and direct all interaction to the handler. Think of it as respecting professional boundaries—this dog is very much on the clock.
What Is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog has a very different job. Rather than assisting one person with a disability, therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort, emotional support, and calming presence to many people.
Therapy dogs are commonly found in:
- Therapy offices
- Hospitals and medical settings
- Schools and universities
- Nursing homes and hospice care
- Court or crisis response environments
Their role is relational rather than task-based. Therapy dogs help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, increase feelings of safety, and create a more grounded therapeutic environment.
Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do not have automatic public access rights. They are only present in spaces where they are invited, approved, and supervised by their handler or organization.
How Clients May Interact With a Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs are present specifically to offer comfort, so interaction is often welcomed—but it’s still guided intentionally.
In many settings:
- Clients may be invited to pet, sit near, or talk to the therapy dog.
- Interaction is always optional, never required.
- The therapist or handler will explain appropriate ways to engage with the dog.
Some clients find that petting a therapy dog helps regulate emotions, ease anxiety, or make difficult conversations feel more manageable. Others prefer to simply have the dog nearby, offering quiet companionship without direct interaction.
Both are perfectly valid.
Therapy dogs are working too—their job just happens to include being approachable, soothing, and emotionally available. (Think: professional snuggler with boundaries.)
Consent, Comfort, and Boundaries Matter
It’s important to note that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Allergies, fears, cultural considerations, past experiences, or personal preferences are always respected in therapeutic spaces.
Clients have the right to:
- Decline interaction with any dog
- Request sessions without a dog present
- Change their mind at any point
No explanation is required.
Therapists and handlers should always obtain consent and clearly explain expectations so clients feel safe, respected, and in control of their experience.
The Bottom Line
While service dogs and therapy dogs may look similar, their roles are very different:
- Service dogs assist one person with a disability, perform specific tasks, and should not be interacted with unless permission is given.
- Therapy dogs support many people emotionally, may invite interaction, and are integrated thoughtfully into therapeutic settings.
Both are valuable. Both are highly trained. And both deserve respect for the important work they do.
Understanding these differences helps create safer, more supportive environments—for clients, handlers, therapists, and the dogs who show up every day ready to do their jobs (and occasionally accept a well-earned belly rub, when appropriate).
