Summary:
The above map highlights the states that have laws against the use of fraudulent service dogs. As of 2019, there are 25 states with what can be termed true bans on the fraudulent representation of pets as service animals. Three other states have related laws, totaling 28 states that criminalize some aspect of service animal fraud. North Dakota recently enacted a law that makes it a crime to provide fraudulent disability documentation that states a service or assistance animal is required in housing. In addition to a new fraud law, Arizona makes it a petty offense (up to a $50 fine) to falsely license a pet as a service animal. In Nebraska, "[a] person commits unlawfully using a white cane or guide dog if he is not blind as defined by law and carries, displays, or otherwise makes use of a white cane or guide dog." Violation is a Class III misdemeanor. The laws in some of these states also prohibit knowingly and intentionally misrepresenting facts to a health care provider for the purpose of obtaining documentation for a service animal. In all states, violation of these laws are misdemeanor offenses or civil infractions.