Assistance Dogs In Public

In Washington, it is an unfair practice for a place of public accommodation to discriminate against, overcharge, or refuse admission to a person because of the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

• §RCW 49.60.215

A place of public accommodation makes reasonable modifications so a person with a disability who uses a dog guide or service animal can obtain its goods and services, and allowing the service animal's presence is a reasonable modification.

• §RCW 49.60.215

• A place may require a service animal trainer to remove an animal in training that is not housebroken, or out of control without effective action.
• A place may post signs that misrepresenting an animal as a service animal may result in a civil infraction of up to $500.
• A place is not required to care for or supervise a service animal.

• §RCW 49.60.215

Behavior or actions constituting a risk to property or other persons can be grounds for refusal. The rules for miniature horses are in the section and are not reproduced here. Whether an animal qualifies is a question for a licensed Washington attorney.

• §RCW 49.60.215