Service Dogs in Training Laws in Kansas
Overview

Kansas law provides public access protections for service dogs in training (SDITs), allowing trainers and individuals with disabilities to bring dogs in training into many 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, Kansas law expressly recognizes assistance dogs in training and grants them protections under state statute.

Legal Foundation

Kansas service animal and SDIT laws are primarily found in:

• Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) § 39-1111

• K.S.A. § 39-1112

• K.S.A. § 39-1113

• K.S.A. § 39-1118

These laws protect individuals with disabilities and assistance dog trainers from discrimination in public accommodations and other covered settings.

Service Dogs in Training Under Kansas Law

Kansas law specifically recognizes:

• Assistance dogs, and

• Assistance dogs in training

under state access laws.

Under K.S.A. § 39-1113:

“Professional trainer” means a person who trains assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities.

Kansas law grants public access rights to trainers accompanied by assistance dogs in training.

Kansas allows:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional assistance dog trainers

• Persons legitimately engaged in assistance dog training

to bring SDITs into public places for training purposes.

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

• Government buildings

• Hospitals and medical offices

• Educational institutions

• Most places open to the general public

Kansas law grants SDITs substantially similar public access rights as fully trained assistance dogs.

Additionally:

• Businesses may not charge extra fees or deposits because of a service dog or service dog in training.

• SDITs generally must be permitted anywhere the public is allowed to go.

Requirements for Service Dogs in Training

Kansas generally requires service dogs in training to be:

• Under the handler’s control

• Properly behaved in public

• Housebroken

• Non-disruptive and safe

Kansas follows ADA-style control standards requiring service animals to remain harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless doing so interferes with the dog’s work or training.

Kansas does not generally require:

• State certification

• Registration

• Identification cards

• Special vests or patches

However, Kansas law does recognize trainers affiliated with recognized training programs and may provide stronger statutory clarity for professional trainers than for casual third-party trainers.

Businesses generally may not require proof of certification or documentation.

Who Can Train a Service Dog

Kansas law protects:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional assistance dog trainers

• Persons engaged in legitimate assistance dog training activities

The statutes do not impose universal statewide licensing or certification requirements for all service dog trainers.

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 dog

A business may require removal of the dog if:

• The dog is out of control and the handler fails to take corrective action

• The dog poses a direct threat to health or safety

• The dog is not housebroken

Even if a dog is removed, the business generally must still provide the individual an opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal present.

What Businesses Can and Cannot Do

Businesses MAY:

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

• Ask what work or task the dog has been trained — or is being trained — to perform

Businesses MAY NOT:

• Require certification or registration

• Demand proof of disability

• Require the dog to demonstrate tasks

• Charge additional fees or deposits

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

Misrepresentation and Interference

Kansas law prohibits:

• Fraudulently misrepresenting a pet as a service animal

• Interfering with, injuring, or denying access rights involving assistance dogs or SDITs

Violations may result in:

• Criminal penalties

• Civil liability

• Fines and damages in some circumstances

Kansas law also provides protections against intentional injury or interference involving assistance dogs.

Federal vs. Kansas Law

ADA (federal law):

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

Kansas law:

• Recognizes assistance dogs in training and grants public access protections under state statute

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

Summary

• Kansas allows service dogs in training in many public places

• Trainers and individuals with disabilities are both protected

• SDITs must remain under control and behave appropriately

• Kansas generally 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 and interference may result in civil or criminal penalties

Sources

Kansas Statutes Annotated §§ 39-1111 through 39-1118:
https://www.ksrevisor.org

Kansas Legislature:
https://www.kslegislature.org

Kansas Disability Rights Center:
https://www.drckansas.org

Animal Legal & Historical Center – Kansas Assistance Animal Laws:
https://www.animallaw.info

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 Kansas statutes or a qualified attorney.

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