Therapy dogs can provide a variety of services to multiple people and/or groups of people, whereas service dogs provide specific services to one individual. Therapy dogs and Emotional Support Animals are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, (also known as ADA) as service dogs are, though Emotional Support Animals are protected under housing regulations and the Air Carrier Access Act, (ACAA).  Therapy dogs do not have federal protections for access to transportation or public facilities.

Emotional Support Dogs are utilized to mitigate a variety of mental illnesses through companionship and affection.

Operation Sidekick is training service dogs, also known as assistance dogs, however, those dogs that show great potential in becoming therapy dogs over service dogs will be trained and certified as such. APBF uses therapy dogs in our educational efforts, including our Positive Pit Care School Program.