Service Dogs in Training Laws in Wyoming
Overview

Wyoming 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.

Historically, Wyoming largely followed the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of service animals, which does not specifically grant public access rights to service animals in training. However, Wyoming law has expanded protections to expressly include dogs being trained as service animals under state statute.

Legal Foundation

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

• Wyoming Statutes § 35-13-201

• Wyoming Statutes § 35-13-203

• Wyoming Statutes § 35-13-205

• Wyoming Statutes § 35-13-206

These laws protect individuals with disabilities and provide protections related to service animals, assistance animals, and service dogs in training.

Service Dogs in Training Under Wyoming Law

Wyoming law now expressly includes dogs being trained to become service animals within the statutory definition of “service animal.”

Under the amended definition in W.S. § 35-13-205:

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

This means Wyoming recognizes service dogs in training as protected under state disability-access laws.

Wyoming allows:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional trainers

• Persons legitimately training service animals

to bring SDITs into many 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

• Most places open to the general public

Wyoming law grants SDITs substantially similar public access protections as fully trained service animals.

Additionally:

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

Requirements for Service Dogs in Training

Wyoming generally requires SDITs to be:

• Under the handler’s control

• Properly behaved in public

• Housebroken

• Non-disruptive and safe

Wyoming follows ADA-style control standards requiring service animals to remain effectively controlled through leash, harness, tether, voice, or signals when appropriate.

Wyoming 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

Wyoming law protects:

• Individuals with disabilities training their own dog

• Professional service dog trainers

• Persons training service dogs for disability-related work or tasks

Wyoming law does not require professional certification 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 is not housebroken

• The dog poses a legitimate health or safety threat

Even if the animal 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 — or is being trained — to perform

Businesses MAY NOT:

• Require certification or registration

• Demand proof of disability

• Require demonstration of tasks

• Charge additional fees or deposits

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

Misrepresentation and Interference

Wyoming law prohibits:

• Knowingly misrepresenting a pet as a service animal or assistance animal

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

• Injuring or killing a service animal or assistance animal

Under W.S. § 35-13-203:

• Misrepresentation of a service animal is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $750.

Under W.S. § 35-13-206:

• Injuring or killing a service animal or assistance animal may result in criminal penalties, fines, imprisonment, and restitution.

Federal vs. Wyoming Law

ADA (federal law):

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

Wyoming law:

• Now expressly includes dogs being trained as service animals within state protections

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

Summary

• Wyoming allows service dogs in training in many public places

• Trainers and individuals with disabilities are protected

• SDITs must remain under control and behave appropriately

• Wyoming generally does not require certification or identification for SDITs

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

• Misrepresentation and interference may result in misdemeanor penalties

Sources

Wyoming Statutes § 35-13-201 through § 35-13-206:
https://wyoleg.gov

Wyoming Legislature – SF0147 (Service Animal Definition Expansion):
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SF0147

FindLaw – Wyoming Service Animal Statutes:
https://codes.findlaw.com/wy/title-35-public-health-and-safety/wy-st-sect-35-13-201/

Animal Legal & Historical Center – Wyoming Assistance Animal Laws:
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/wy-assistance-animals-assistance-animalguide-dog-laws

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 Wyoming statutes or a qualified attorney.

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