Missouri Ready For Service Dogs

“There has been so much fraud when it comes to service dogs and ESA’s across the state and nation,” Sommer said.

The federal Americans With Disabilities Act requires restaurants and other businesses to allow service dogs and miniature horses — the only two animals recognized as service animals — in areas open to the public.

The legislation would add mental health to a list of reasons why people have a service dog, rather than limiting it to, for example, people with physical limitations.

The legislation notes that a psychological service dog would be trained for an owner who has a psychiatric disability, medical condition or developmental disability.

Reports of individuals impersonating someone with a disability or misrepresenting an animal as a service animal would be handled by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

The state also would make placards available to businesses stating that service dogs are welcome and that misrepresenting a service dog is a violation of Missouri law.

The measure moved through the Senate in March on a 28-1 vote. If approved, it will go into effect on Aug. 28.