Where are service dogs allowed in North Carolina? What to know about laws in the state

Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for those who are disabled, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.Photo byForbes

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as animals

“individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”

Here’s what to know about North Carolina’s laws on service animals:

NC Service Animal Laws

1. Rights and Access:
2. • North Carolina law ensures that individuals with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by a service animal in public places and on all modes of transportation.
3. Registration:
4. • Service animals can be registered with the state by filling out an online form, but registration is not mandatory according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
5. Verification:
6. • Under the ADA, public entities can ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what tasks the animal has been trained to perform.
   • Documentation proving the animal's certification, training, or licensing as a service animal is not required.
7. Identification:
8. • The ADA does not mandate service animals to wear special vests or collars, but it is recommended to prevent misunderstandings with businesses that do not allow pets.

Emotional Support Animals

1. Definition:
2. • Emotional support animals provide comfort by being with a person but do not qualify as service animals under the ADA because they are not trained to perform specific tasks.
3. Legal Distinction:
4. • Emotional support animals do not have the same access rights as service animals in public places and transportation.
5. Misrepresentation:
6. • Disguising a pet as a service animal is considered a misdemeanor in North Carolina, punishable by a $200 fine plus court costs.

By understanding these laws, individuals with disabilities can better navigate public spaces with their service animals, and businesses can ensure they comply with ADA regulations while providing appropriate accommodations.