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Public Perceptions of Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs

Author

Listed:
  • Regina Schoenfeld-Tacher

    (Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607-7302, USA)

  • Peter Hellyer

    (Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Louana Cheung

    (College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Lori Kogan

    (Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

Abstract

As service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs have become more prevalent in the USA, so too has the controversy surrounding their legitimacy. Yet, there is a lack of objective data regarding the public’s understanding of the role played by each of these types of animals, as well as their perceptions regarding the legitimacy of their integration. An anonymous, online survey was distributed to examine the perceptions of US adults who do not own any type of assistance animal. A total of 505 individuals responded to the online survey, yielding 284 usable responses. Results suggest widespread misconceptions about definitions, rules, regulations, and rights associated with each type of assistance dog. In general, service dogs are more likely to be perceived as helping with a legitimate need, and their access to public spaces is viewed favorably. While there are some concerns about the legitimacy and necessary access rights for emotional support dogs, members of the public correctly identified the roles and rights of therapy dogs. Despite the media’s focus on abuses and false representation of these dogs, most participants reported feeling the majority of people are not taking advantage of the system.

Suggested Citation

  • Regina Schoenfeld-Tacher & Peter Hellyer & Louana Cheung & Lori Kogan, 2017. "Public Perceptions of Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:6:p:642-:d:101599
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maria Arango-Kure & Marcel Garz & Armin Rott, 2014. "Bad News Sells: The Demand for News Magazines and the Tone of Their Covers," Journal of Media Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(4), pages 199-214, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sonya McDowall & Susan J. Hazel & Mia Cobb & Anne Hamilton-Bruce, 2023. "Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs in Human Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-11, May.

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