8 Animals That Act as Service Animals

A new Montana bill seeks to protect service animals and their owners by prosecuting people who misrepresent their dog as a service animal. Caught offenders are forced to pay fines. People with a variety of conditions often need to take their service dog everywhere they go. However, far too often patients with legitimate medical conditions are forced to interact with dogs disgusted as service animals. While it’s understandable that people don’t want to be separated from their sweet pups, they often don’t realize their actions may be a threat to safety. “When you bring an untrained pet into an environment that only allows service dogs, you are risking the safety of my dog and myself,” says Kristie Barone, a lady who owns a trained service dog named Tomahawk. 

Service dogs assist with a wide range of medical problems, in a variety of ways. They may be trained to sense when a seizure is approaching or to locate their owner’s medication in case they can’t reach it. Though service animals are usually dogs, other types of animals are frequently used to help people with medical conditions. They may not be official service animals, but they perform similar duties. These animals may be referred to as psychiatric animals, therapy animals, or emotional support animals (the first two require special training, while the latter just needs a prescription from a licensed mental health professional). Here are 8 of the most common animals used to help people.

This post was updated on May 14, 2025 to include information on Montana’s recent bill.

1. Dogs

At the top of the list is, of course, dogs. When anyone thinks of a service animal, the first thing that comes to mind is a dog. A dog is one of the only animals that qualifies to be all four types of service animals. It also doesn’t matter what breed or size your dog is. As long as it can be properly trained for the service it will be providing, then it can become a service animal. Once the proper training is complete, owners must register their pets with the US Service Animal Register.

2. Miniature Horses

A miniature horse is the only other animal that can qualify as a service animal. Just like a dog, it has to go through the proper training and get certified. However, size does matter for this animal. Only a miniature horse can be a service animal. Other-size horses can be used as therapy animals. Horses are so popular that there are many ranches that have horse therapy where people can come and get therapy from the horses.

3. Cats

These felines are a very common house pet. Although they cannot become service animals, they are great for emotional support animals and even therapy animals. Some research has even been done that talks about the benefits of petting cats. Nevertheless, even with them being among the more independent animals within this group, the right cat with the right person will make a perfect companion for emotional support.

4. Ferrets

Ferrets don’t typically come to mind as an emotional support animal. But, with the rise of more and more people having them as pets, they have become a loving part of many families. Ferrets are quite energetic and lovable. They are often compared to mini dogs. They love going for walks on leashes and playing. If you have had them since they were a kit, they can grow up loving to be held and cuddled.

5. Pigs

Pigs don’t just belong on farms anymore. Households all across America have begun embracing these micro pigs as the newest members of their families. With pigs being among some of the smartest animals, they can easily be trained to be therapy pigs or emotional support animals. San Francisco International Airport actually has the world’s first Airport Therapy Pig. Her name is Lilou, and she helps nervous passengers as they wait to board their plane.

6. Monkeys

Monkeys are a tricky animal. Being an exotic and wild animal, it is rare for people to have them as pets. However, there are still quite a few people who do. Therefore, with the right training and upbringing, monkeys can be taught certain tasks and can help people with disabilities. For nearly 40 years, an organization named “Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers” did just that. They raised and trained these creatures to help individuals living with spinal cord injury or other mobility impairments.

7. Rabbits

Rabbits can make excellent emotional support animals. Given their gentle demeanor, size, and fluffiness, these creatures were almost made for cuddling. They are easy to look after and develop a strong bond with their owners. Rabbits are also quiet and gentle, making them very reassuring for people struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

8. Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are, perhaps, one of the more off-the-cuff animals on this list. However, they make surprisingly good emotional support animals. Once your hedgehog becomes relaxed around you, they can become incredibly loving and gentle. Their prickles soften, and they will curl up right on top of you.