| Aspect | National Service Dog | Therapy Dog |
|---|
| Required Certifications | Service dog certification, ADA compliance | Training certification, therapy dog registration |
| Work Environment | Public spaces, assisting individuals with disabilities | Hospitals, schools, nursing homes, therapy sessions |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Individuals with disabilities, federal and state programs | Healthcare facilities, educational institutions, therapy organizations |
National Service Dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities and require specific certifications for public access. Therapy Dogs are trained to provide comfort and emotional support in healthcare and educational settings. While both roles involve trained dogs, their certifications, work environments, and purposes differ significantly.