Service Dogs in Training Laws in Nebraska
Overview

Nebraska 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, Nebraska law expressly recognizes service animals in training and grants them protections under state statute.

Legal Foundation

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

• Nebraska Revised Statutes § 20-126

• Nebraska Revised Statutes § 20-127

• Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-1313

• Nebraska Fair Housing and disability access laws

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

Service Dogs in Training Under Nebraska Law

Nebraska law specifically recognizes:

• Service animals, and

• Service animals in training

under state disability-access laws.

Under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 20-126:

“A bona fide trainer of a service animal shall be entitled to full and equal access to all public accommodations while engaged in the training of such animal.”

Nebraska allows:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Bona fide service dog trainers

• Persons legitimately engaged in service animal 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

Nebraska law grants SDITs substantially similar public access rights as fully trained service animals.

Additionally:

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

• SDITs generally must be allowed anywhere members of the public are permitted.

Requirements for Service Dogs in Training

Nebraska generally requires service dogs in training to be:

• Under the handler’s control

• Properly behaved in public

• Housebroken

• Non-disruptive and safe

Service animals and SDITs are generally expected to be:

• Harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless doing so interferes with the dog’s work or training.

Nebraska does not generally require:

• State certification

• Registration

• Identification cards

• Special vests or patches

Businesses generally may not require proof of certification or documentation.

Who Can Train a Service Dog

Nebraska law protects:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Bona fide service dog trainers

• Persons engaged in legitimate service animal training activities

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

The term “bona fide trainer” is not exhaustively defined in the statute, but generally refers to individuals legitimately engaged in training service animals.

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 Nebraska law

Misrepresentation and Interference

Nebraska law prohibits:

• Fraudulently misrepresenting a pet as a service animal

• Interfering with, injuring, or denying access rights involving service animals or SDITs

Under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-1313:

• Intentionally interfering with or injuring a service animal may result in criminal penalties and civil liability.

Violations may result in:

• Misdemeanor or felony criminal charges depending on the conduct

• Fines and restitution

• Civil damages in some circumstances

Federal vs. Nebraska Law

ADA (federal law):

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

Nebraska law:

• Expressly recognizes service animals in training and grants public access protections under state statute

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

Summary

• Nebraska 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

• Nebraska 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

Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 20-126 through 20-127:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov

Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-1313:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov

Nebraska Legislature:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov

Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission:
https://neoc.nebraska.gov

Animal Legal & Historical Center – Nebraska 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 Nebraska statutes or a qualified attorney.

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