What type of animals fall under the category of assistance animals?

Assistance animals encompass a broader category than just trained service animals or typical pets. Specifically, this classification includes animals that provide emotional support, companionship, or perform tasks to aid individuals with disabilities. Unlike service animals, which are strictly defined (primarily as trained dogs that perform specific tasks for individuals with physical disabilities), assistance animals can also include animals that help alleviate emotional or mental health issues, contributing to the well-being of their owners.

This distinction allows for a variety of animals to be recognized as assistance animals, including cats and miniature horses, as long as they fulfill the role of providing emotional support or companionship. The key factor that qualifies these animals is their ability to assist individuals in ways that improve their emotional or psychological health, rather than a strict training requirement that service animals must meet. This understanding is crucial in recognizing the diverse needs of individuals who may benefit from the companionship of such animals.