A service animal is a specially trained animal that assists individuals with disabilities. These animals perform tasks that help their handlers manage daily activities, such as guiding individuals who are visually impaired or alerting those who are hearing impaired. The most common type of service animal is a dog, but other animals can also be trained for specific tasks. In the United States, service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law allows service animals to accompany their handlers in public places where pets are typically not allowed. It is important to note that emotional support animals and therapy animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.