  We receive many calls asking about how they can obtain or register a service animal. During our conversations, we realize there is confusion regarding the definition of a service animal compared to emotional support pet or even therapy pet. Let’s break it down!
While many animals perform important functions for their human companions, there are three main types of support animals:
- Service (Typically Dogs): Any dog trained to perform tasks for a person with a physical or psychiatric disability.
- Emotional Support Animals (Can be any species): Provides comfort to a person with a mental illness/disability.
- Therapy (Typically Dogs or Cats): Provides therapy in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, schools, etc.
Service Dogs
When you think of a service dog, you probably first think of a guide dog for people with impaired vision. But service dogs can provide a huge variety of services for their handlers including but not limited to:
- Guidance and mobility assistance
- Picking up/carrying items
- Alerting for sounds or medical conditions like low blood sugar, seizures, and even food allergens
- Interrupt destructive behaviors
There are several laws that apply to service dogs: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA), Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Dogs who are trained to do a specific task or tasks for their handlers are generally allowed everywhere their handler can go: restaurants, movie theaters, stores, etc.
Service dogs require training to complete their tasks and additional training to handle being in public spaces. They may wear special harnesses or equipment that say “Service Dog,” but it is not required.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional Support Animals are also protected under the FHA and EEOC. A major difference between these pets and service dogs is they do not need any special training. Their presence provides the support needed by their handlers. They are also not allowed in the same places as service animals – only places a regular pet would be allowed to visit.
Therapy Dogs/Cats
These pets provide support to people in higher stress environments (police stations, hospitals, etc.) and require training to be in a variety of situations. No laws specifically govern therapy animals, but there are many different certification courses the handler and animal can go through to prepare for this important work.
Supporting Our Community
The most important thing we can do to support people who use service dogs is prevent unnecessary barriers. Business owners may ask two questions about service dogs:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
That’s it. Handlers do not have to provide any proof (paperwork, vests, etc.) or details about their disability.
And for the rest of us animal lovers, the best thing we can do is respect the important work service dogs provide. Do not try to pass your pet off as a service animal to gain access somewhere with your pet. Too many business owners have had bad experiences with fake service dogs and then deny access to future customers with disabilities.
Remember, the handler is a person, just like everyone else. Talk to them as you would anyone else. You wouldn’t want to answer personal questions from a stranger, so don’t be surprised if they don’t want to either. Service dogs, Emotional Support Animals, and Therapy Animals help people facing challenges by making the world more welcoming – let’s make sure we do the same.
 Laura Flamion,
Administrator
Monday, September 8, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
DCAS is offering a FREE vaccine and microchip clinic for DuPage County residents.
- Cat/Dog Rabies Vaccine (For pets over 4 months old)
- Cat/Dog Distemper Vaccine
- Cat/Dog/Rabbit Microchip and registration
- 2 animals per household
- Line Opens at 5:00pm
- Must show proof of DuPage County Residency
- Rabies tag/registration is not included
140 N County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
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 $100 per participant, 16 years old and up.
Follow the link below to register. Slots are available first come, first served.
This course teaches first aid techniques to address the most common emergencies pet owners may experience with dogs and cats in the household. This course will train you to notice abnormalities and detect early warning signs in pets. You will also learn essential pre-vet care and life-saving techniques for those times when immediate action can make all the difference.
Please remember, your slot is not secured until payment is received.
- September 13, 2025 9am-3pm
- January 10, 2025 9am-3pm
https://bit.ly/DCASFirstAid
 Nova has had a rough 2025. Originally a stray, Nova waited 4 months for a family and was finally adopted in March. In June, Nova returned to DCAS after her new family experienced financial problems. Nova waited 128 days the first time, and today marks her 84th day waiting for a new family again.
This sweet tabby has a LOT going for her!
- Good with cat-savvy dogs
- Cuddly
- Sassy
- Playful
- Chatty
While she prefers to be the only cat around, she adores her human companions. Click the images to see a video of this purr machine enjoying some cuddles with our staff! Ready to give Nova the furr-ever family she deserves? Fill out an application today to meet her!
DCAS continues to partner with libraries throughout DuPage County to reach more members of our community. See the current list of programs offered and contact your local library to register.
Children/Teens
Adults
Community Events
We hope to see you at a program soon!
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