Animals assist people in many different ways, yet the legal landscape governing their use is far from uniform. Service animals, therapy animals, emotional support animals, and animals used in courtroom settings each serve unique roles—and each is subject to its own set of rules, requirements, and expectations.

This CLE program offers a clear and practical exploration of these categories, outlining how they differ in purpose, training, and legal status. Participants will examine the federal and state laws that regulate their use, common practices that have emerged across institutions, and the policy questions that arise as the presence of support animals continues to expand.

By the end of the session, attendees will have a solid grounding in the distinctions among these animal types and an understanding of how law and policy shape their use in public and private settings.