Service Dogs in Training Laws in Colorado Overview

Service Dogs in Training Laws
in Colorado Overview

Service Dogs in Training Laws in Colorado
Overview

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

Legal Foundation

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

• Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 24-34-803

• C.R.S. § 24-34-804

• C.R.S. § 18-13-107.7

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

Service Dogs in Training Under Colorado Law

Colorado law specifically allows:

• A trainer of a service animal, or

• An individual with a disability accompanied by a dog being trained as a service animal

to bring a service dog in training into public places for training purposes.

Under C.R.S. § 24-34-803(2):

A trainer of a service animal, or an individual with a disability accompanied by an animal being trained to be a service animal, has the right to be accompanied by the service animal in training in public places without paying extra charges.

This creates explicit legal recognition of service dogs in training under Colorado 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

• Government buildings

• Hospitals and medical offices

• Housing accommodations

• Workplaces

• Most places open to the public

Colorado law grants SDITs substantially the same access rights as fully trained service animals.

Additionally:

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

Requirements for Service Dogs in Training

Colorado generally requires service dogs in training to be:

• Under the handler’s control

• Properly behaved in public

• Housebroken

• Non-disruptive and safe

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

Colorado does not generally require:

• State certification

• Registration

• Identification cards

• Special vests or patches

Businesses generally may not require proof of certification or training documentation.

Who Can Train a Service Dog

Colorado law protects:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional service dog trainers

• Persons legitimately training service animals

Colorado law does not require professional certification 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

Under C.R.S. § 24-34-803(4), trainers and 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 fails to correct it

• The dog poses a legitimate health or safety threat

• The dog is not housebroken

Even if a dog is removed, the business generally must still allow the individual 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 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 Colorado law

Misrepresentation and Interference

Colorado law prohibits:

• Knowingly misrepresenting a pet as a service animal or service animal in training

• Interfering with the rights of a person using a service animal or SDIT

Under C.R.S. § 18-13-107.7:

• Misrepresentation of a service animal may result in fines ranging from $25 to $500 depending on prior offenses.

Colorado law also protects handlers and trainers from denial of access, intimidation, or interference involving service animals and service animals in training.

Federal vs. Colorado Law

ADA (federal law):

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

Colorado law:

• Explicitly grants public access rights to service animals in training and their trainers

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

Summary

• Colorado allows service dogs in training in public places

• Trainers and individuals with disabilities are both protected

• SDITs have access rights similar to fully trained service dogs

• Colorado does not require certification or identification for SDITs

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

• Handlers and trainers are responsible for damages caused by SDITs

• Misrepresentation of a service animal may result in fines and penalties

Sources

Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-34-803:
https://leg.colorado.gov

Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-34-804:
https://leg.colorado.gov

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-13-107.7:
https://leg.colorado.gov

Colorado General Assembly – Colorado Revised Statutes:
https://leg.colorado.gov/laws/colorado-revised-statutes

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 Colorado statutes or a qualified attorney.