Service Dog
vs. Therapy Dog

What’s the Difference?

Understanding the roles of service dogs and therapy dogs is important — both provide incredible value, but they serve very different purposes.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a person’s disability.

Golden Retriever service dog in training walking beside its handler down a grocery store aisle during Partner Dogs Canada public access training.

Public-access rights for service dogs depend on applicable provincial and federal law and the handler’s circumstances.*

Golden Retriever service dog in training exiting a store with its handler during Partner Dogs Canada public access training exercise.

May be trained for tasks related to mobility, vision, medical alerting and other disability-related needs.

Golden Retriever service dog in training walking beside its handler during Partner Dogs Canada obedience and public manners session.

Work one-on-one with a single handler to improve daily independence

Golden Retriever service dog in training wearing a green vest during outdoor obedience practice with Partner Dogs Canada

Require intensive, specialized training based on specific medical needs

Therapy Dogs

Suitable family dogs and their handlers can train as therapy-dog teams to provide comfort and social support in community settings.

Golden Retriever wearing a red Therapy Dog vest representing Partner Dogs Canada’s certified therapy program.

Not considered service animals under the law

Human hand gently holding a dog’s paw symbolizing trust, compassion, and partnership at Partner Dogs Canada.

Visit hospitals, schools, crisis centres, seniors’ homes, and more

Golden Retriever service dog in training resting its head on a handler’s lap during Partner Dogs Canada comfort exercise.

Offer affection, companionship, and calm — often during stressful times

Happy Golden Retriever from Partner Dogs Canada smiling during training and socialization session.

Focused on socialization, obedience, and emotional sensitivity

Ask About Our Service Dog Program
Ask About Therapy Dog Training