Service Dogs in Training Laws in Nevada
Overview

Nevada 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, Nevada law expressly protects service animals in training under state statute.

Legal Foundation

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

• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 651.075

• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 426.097

• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 426.099

• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) §§ 426.790–426.820

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

Service Dogs in Training Under Nevada Law

Nevada law specifically recognizes:

• “Service animals,” and

• “Service animals in training”

as separate legal categories.

Under NRS § 651.075, it is unlawful for a place of public accommodation to:

“Refuse admittance or service to a person who is training a service animal because the person is accompanied by a service animal in training.”

Nevada defines a “service animal in training” as:

“a dog or a miniature horse that is being trained as a service animal.”

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

Nevada law grants SDITs substantially similar access rights as fully trained service animals when they are being legitimately trained.

Additionally:

• Businesses may not charge extra fees or deposits for a service animal or service animal in training.

• Businesses may not require proof that an animal is a service animal or service animal in training.

Requirements for Service Dogs in Training

Nevada law requires service dogs in training to be:

• Under the control of the handler or trainer

• Properly managed in public

• Non-disruptive and safe

• Housebroken

Nevada follows standards similar to the ADA regarding control and behavior. Service animals generally should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless doing so interferes with the dog’s work or training.

Nevada does not require:

• State certification

• Registration

• Identification cards

• Special vests or patches

Businesses generally may not require documentation or proof of training.

Who Can Train a Service Dog

Nevada law protects:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional service dog trainers

• Employees training service animals in certain workplaces

Nevada law specifically protects employees of public accommodations who are training service animals from being prohibited from bringing the SDIT into employee-access areas.

The law does not impose a universal certification requirement for trainers.

Handler Responsibilities

The handler or trainer is responsible for:

• Maintaining control of the dog

• Preventing disruptive or dangerous behavior

• Paying for damage caused by the dog

Nevada law specifically states that handlers remain 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 fails to take effective action

• The dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others

What Businesses Can and Cannot Do

Businesses MAY:

• Ask whether the animal is a service animal or service animal in training

• Ask what tasks the animal is trained to perform or is being trained to perform

Businesses MAY NOT:

• Require certification or registration

• Demand proof of training

• Charge additional fees or deposits

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

Misrepresentation and Interference

Nevada law prohibits:

• Fraudulently misrepresenting an animal as a service animal or service animal in training

• Interfering with or harming a service animal or SDIT

Violations may result in:

• Misdemeanor charges

• Fines

• Civil liability

• Criminal penalties for harming or interfering with a service animal or SDIT

Nevada law also allows civil remedies, including:

• Actual damages

• Punitive damages

• Attorney’s fees in some circumstances

Federal vs. Nevada Law

ADA (federal law):

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

Nevada law:

• Explicitly protects service animals in training and their trainers in public accommodations

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

Summary

• Nevada allows service dogs in training in public places

• Both trainers and individuals with disabilities are protected

• SDITs must remain under control and behave appropriately

• Nevada 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 with SDITs may result in civil or criminal penalties

Sources

Nevada Revised Statutes § 651.075:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-651.html#NRS651Sec075

Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 426:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-426.html

Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC):
https://www.ndalc.org

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 Nevada statutes or a qualified attorney.

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