Types of Service Dogs

Assistance dogs include guide, hearing and service dogs specifically trained to do more than one task to mitigate an individual's disabilities. Service Animals of Mississippi trains and places dogs of the following types:

Service Dog: A dog that works for individuals with disabilities other than blindness or deafness. They are trained to perform a wide variety of tasks including but not limited to; pulling a wheelchair, bracing, retrieving, alerting to a medical crisis, and providing assistance in a medical crisis.
Therapy Dog: A specially trained dog that is working with a volunteer or professional who is trained by a program. The work of a therapy dog can include visitations or professional therapy in one or more locations. Public access is permitted only when the dog and handler, who is a trained volunteer or professional, is directly working with a client with a disability.
Companion Dog: Comfort, companionship, motivation and specific tasks are provided by companion dogs. Companion dogs are not protected under the ADA and are considered pets unless they perform other tasks such as alerting to seizures, medical conditions, or bipolar episodes.

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