Service Dogs in Training Laws
in Arizona Overview

Service Dogs in Training Laws in Arizona
Overview

Arizona law provides broad public access rights for service dogs in training (SDITs), allowing trainers and individuals with disabilities to bring dogs in training into most public places.

Unlike federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which does not specifically grant public access rights to service animals in training, Arizona law expressly protects service animals in training under state statute.

Legal Foundation

Arizona’s service animal and SDIT laws are primarily found in:

• Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 11-1024

• Arizona disability access and public accommodation laws

These laws protect individuals with disabilities and service animal trainers from discrimination in places of public accommodation.

Service Dogs in Training Under Arizona Law

Arizona law specifically allows:

• Any trainer, or

• Any individual with a disability

to take an animal being trained as a service animal into a public place for purposes of training.

The statute states:

“Any trainer or individual with a disability may take an animal being trained as a service animal to a public place for purposes of training it…”

This creates explicit legal recognition of service animals in training under Arizona law.

Public Access Rights

Service dogs in training may generally accompany handlers and trainers into places open to the public, including:

• Restaurants and food establishments

• Retail stores and shopping centers

• Hotels and lodging

• Public transportation

• Hospitals and medical offices

• Government buildings

• Most places open to the general public

Arizona law grants SDITs substantially the same access rights as fully trained service animals when they are being legitimately trained.

Additionally:

• Businesses may not charge extra fees or deposits because a person is accompanied by a service animal or service animal in training.

Requirements for Service Dogs in Training

Arizona law requires service animals and SDITs to be:

• Under the control of the handler

• Properly managed in public

• Housebroken

• Non-disruptive and safe

The law does not require:

• State certification

• Registration

• Identification cards

• Special vests or patches

Businesses generally may not require proof of certification or identification.

Who Can Train a Service Dog

Arizona protects:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional trainers

• Other persons legitimately training service animals

Arizona law does not require service dogs to be professionally trained. Owner-training is permitted.

Handler Responsibilities

The handler or trainer is responsible for:

• Maintaining control of the dog

• Preventing disruptive or dangerous behavior

• Ensuring the dog is housebroken

• Paying for damage caused by the animal

Arizona law specifically states that handlers are liable for damage caused by a service animal or service animal in training.

A business may require removal of the dog if:

• The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action

• The dog poses a direct threat to health or safety

• The dog fundamentally alters the nature of the business

• The dog is not housebroken

What Businesses Can and Cannot Do

Businesses MAY:

• Ask whether the animal is a service animal required because of a disability

• Ask what work or task the animal has been trained to perform

Businesses MAY NOT:

• Require certification or registration

• Demand identification documents

• Ask about the nature of a person’s disability

• Charge additional fees or deposits

• Deny access solely because the dog is still in training under Arizona law

Misrepresentation and Interference

Arizona law prohibits fraudulently misrepresenting an animal as a service animal or service animal in training.

Violations may result in:

• Civil penalties of up to $250 per violation

• Possible additional legal consequences

Arizona law also makes certain violations of service animal access rights a criminal offense. Interfering with protected access rights may constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Federal vs. Arizona Law

ADA (federal law):

• Does not specifically grant public access rights to service dogs in training

Arizona law:

• Explicitly allows service dogs in training to enter public places for training purposes

Because Arizona law provides broader protections in this area, those state protections generally apply within Arizona.

Summary

• Arizona allows service dogs in training in public places

• Both trainers and individuals with disabilities are protected

• SDITs must remain under control and be housebroken

• Arizona does not require certification or identification for SDITs

• Businesses cannot charge extra fees or deny access solely because a dog is in training

• Fraudulent representation of a service animal may result in penalties

Sources

Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-1024:
https://azleg.gov/ars/11/01024.htm

Disability Rights Arizona – Service Animal FAQ:
https://disabilityrightsaz.org

Arizona Legislature:
https://www.azleg.gov

Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and their application can vary depending on specific circumstances. For the most current and accurate information, consult official Arizona statutes or a qualified attorney.

Service Dogs in Training Laws in the State of Arizona are Recognized!