I'm referring to service dogs for severe disabilities: multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, traumatic injuries from war, things like that.

The "Emotional Support Animals" referenced in the article certainly are not receiving the training of a full-blown service dog.

As others have said, ESAs can be any animal type, but business are not legally obligated to accommodate ESAs. Only dogs (and in some limited cases miniature horses) can be service animals in the US.

A service animal may be an ESA, but not all ESAs are service animals. Also, the ADA specifically states that "Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.".

An emotional support animal is NOT a service animal. There's a huge difference. There are not any legal requirements for emotional support animals. A parrot can be considered an emotional support animal. A service animal is a highly trained animal, while an emotional support animal is anything you say it is.