Service Dog Laws and Rights in Louisiana
Understanding the laws surrounding service dogs in Louisiana is essential for individuals who rely on them for daily functioning and independence. Both federal and state laws offer robust protections for people with disabilities who use service animals, but nuances exist depending on where you live or travel within the state. This article provides a comprehensive look into how service dogs are defined, what rights their handlers have, and the responsibilities associated with service animal use in Louisiana.
What Is a Service Dog in Louisiana?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Louisiana aligns its definition with this federal standard. Disabilities may include physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.
Examples of tasks include:
- Guiding individuals who are blind
- Alerting individuals who are deaf
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
- Reminding a person to take prescribed medications
Importantly, emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not considered service animals under the ADA or Louisiana law because they are not trained to perform specific tasks.
🔗 ADA definition of a service animal
Louisiana and Federal Laws Protecting Service Dog Users
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA ensures that individuals with service dogs can access public places without discrimination. This applies to businesses, restaurants, hotels, schools, and public transportation systems.
Louisiana Revised Statutes §46:1951–1959
This state law echoes the ADA and further solidifies the rights of individuals with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, and access to public accommodations.
🔗 Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 46
Public Access Rights in Louisiana
Under both federal and state law, service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers in all areas of public facilities where members of the public are permitted to go. This includes:
- Restaurants
- Schools and universities
- Public transportation
- Government buildings
- Grocery stores and malls
Businesses are not allowed to ask for documentation or certification. They may only ask two questions:
- Is this a service dog required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Handlers must maintain control of the dog at all times. Dogs must be leashed, harnessed, or tethered unless such devices interfere with the dog’s ability to perform tasks.
🔗 U.S. Department of Justice: Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals
Housing Rights in Louisiana
Service dogs and psychiatric service dogs are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). This law ensures that individuals with disabilities can live with their service animals even in properties that enforce a no-pets policy.
Landlords cannot:
- Charge pet fees or deposits for service dogs.
- Reject tenants solely due to the presence of a service dog.
However, they may request documentation that verifies the individual’s disability and the necessity of the service dog. This typically includes a letter from a medical or mental health professional.
Employment Rights
The ADA Title I requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including allowing service dogs in the workplace.
Employees must request this accommodation and may be asked to provide documentation verifying the disability and the necessity of the dog. Employers must allow the service dog unless it imposes an undue hardship on the operation of the business.
🔗 EEOC Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation
Travel Rights
Air Travel
Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), service dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin of airplanes with their handler.
Airlines can request the following:
- U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
- U.S. DOT Relief Attestation Form (for flights over 8 hours)
Psychiatric service dogs must also meet training and behavior requirements to be accepted as service animals.
🔗 DOT Guidance on Service Animals
Public Transportation
Louisiana’s public transportation systems must permit service dogs on buses, trains, and taxis. Handlers are not required to provide identification or certification, and fees cannot be charged for service dog access.
Training and Certification Requirements
Louisiana does not require service dogs to be certified, registered, or trained by a professional trainer. Handlers may train their dogs themselves. However, the dog must:
- Be trained to perform specific tasks related to the handler’s disability.
- Exhibit good behavior in public.
- Be under control at all times.
Certification IDs, vests, or tags are not legally required but are often used to reduce public confrontations and clarify the dog's role.
Penalties for Service Dog Fraud
It is illegal in Louisiana to misrepresent a pet as a service animal. This includes putting a service dog vest or ID on an untrained dog or falsely claiming a pet is a service animal to gain access.
Penalties can include:
- Fines up to $500
- Community service
- Possible misdemeanor charges
These penalties underscore the seriousness of fraud and the importance of protecting legitimate service dog teams.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
Louisiana service dog laws are designed to support people with disabilities by granting them full access to public spaces, housing, employment, and transportation. With protections from both federal and state law, individuals who rely on service animals can live more independently and confidently. Understanding your rights—and your responsibilities—is the first step in building a stronger, more inclusive future with your service dog by your side.
For those looking to register or train their service dog, visit AssistanceDogPartners.org for more resources, training support, and legal information.
