Service Dog/emotional support animal
An emotional support animal provides comfort and general well being for its handler. An ESA can save lives.
THis type of animal is to be distinguished from a service animal which is actually trained to perform work or tasks.
This project will include research supporting the value of ESA dogs as independently worthy of the same regard as a service dog.
Disabled persons do have some specific rights which ordinary pet dogs do not have, but less than a service animal.
For instance, housing and airline travel are permitted in the USA for ESA's. Buses, trains and stores may exclude ESA but not service dogs.