Working animals (not pets) that are individually trained to do work for individuals with disabilities are defined as what?

The term that accurately defines working animals that are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities is "service animal." This designation includes animals that assist people with various disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, and intellectual challenges.

Service animals undergo specialized training to perform specific tasks that help their handlers navigate daily life. For example, they might guide individuals who are visually impaired, alert those who are deaf to important sounds, or provide support for individuals with mental health issues.

In contrast, a rescue dog is primarily trained for search-and-rescue missions, while a seeing-eye dog is specifically trained to assist visually impaired individuals, representing one type of service animal. A trauma companion may provide emotional support but does not necessarily have the training or specific functions that qualify them as a service animal. Thus, "service animal" encapsulates the broader category of specially trained animals aiding individuals with disabilities.