Service Dogs in Training Laws
in Arkansas Overview

Service Dogs in Training Laws in Arkansas
Overview

Arkansas law provides public access protections for service dogs in training (SDITs), allowing certain 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, Arkansas law expressly recognizes service animals in training under state statute.

Legal Foundation

Arkansas service animal and SDIT laws are primarily found in:

• Arkansas Code § 20-14-301

• Arkansas Code § 20-14-302

• Arkansas Code § 20-14-303

• Arkansas Code § 20-14-304

• Arkansas Code § 5-62-127

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

Service Dogs in Training Under Arkansas Law

Arkansas law specifically recognizes:

• Service animals, and

• Service animals in training

under state disability-access laws.

Under Arkansas Code § 20-14-301:

“Service animal in training” means a dog that is being trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Arkansas allows:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional 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

Arkansas 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 permitted anywhere members of the public are allowed to go.

Requirements for Service Dogs in Training

Arkansas 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.

Arkansas 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

Arkansas law protects:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional 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.

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 Arkansas law

Misrepresentation and Interference

Arkansas law prohibits:

• Fraudulently misrepresenting a pet as a service animal

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

Under Arkansas Code § 5-62-127:

• Injuring or killing a service animal may result in criminal penalties, restitution, and civil liability.

Violations may result in:

• Criminal penalties

• Civil damages

• Fines and restitution in some circumstances

Arkansas law also protects handlers and trainers from intentional harassment or obstruction involving service animals.

Federal vs. Arkansas Law

ADA (federal law):

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

Arkansas law:

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

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

Summary

• Arkansas 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

• Arkansas 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

Arkansas Code §§ 20-14-301 through 20-14-304:
https://advance.lexis.com/container?config=00JAA1MDBhZDE1NS1kMGM3LTQ5MzMtYWE1Yy1mMjgzMjZkN2Q4NDEKAFBvZENhdGFsb2f4i6W8Fv5k5yZJ8e8L&crid=3c30c7df-b706-4d34-bb1e-63b8423c1f1b

Arkansas Code § 5-62-127:
https://advance.lexis.com

Arkansas Legislature:
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us

Disability Rights Arkansas:
https://disabilityrightsar.org

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

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