Where are service dogs allowed in NC? What to know about laws in the state
Though many of Charlotte’s restaurants and breweries are pet-friendly, most people aren’t allowed to bring their animals to other indoor public places in the city.
That’s why some were surprised when a Charlotte resident posted a picture on Reddit Wednesday of a person walking their dog in a department store in SouthPark.
“Since when are dogs allowed in SouthPark Mall?” the poster asked. “Guess I’ve been living under a rock.”
One commenter suggested the dog could be a service animal, but another pointed out that it was not wearing a vest indicating it was a service dog.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as animals that are “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 animals laws
North Carolina law says every person with a disability has the “right to be accompanied by a service animal” on all modes of transportation and in public places.
People with service animals can register them with the state by filling out a form online, but it is not required, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
According to the ADA, “a public entity may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. A public entity shall not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal.”
The ADA does not require service animals to wear special vests or collars, but it is recommended to avoid problems with businesses that don’t allow pets.
What about ‘emotional support’ animals?
“Emotional support” is a term used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being around a person, according to Disability Rights North Carolina, a group that advocates for the rights of disabled people.
These animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA, since they are not trained to perform a specific task.
Disguising a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor in North Carolina, punishable by a $200 fine plus court costs, according to DRNC.
This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 12:38 PM with the headline "Where are service dogs allowed in NC? What to know about laws in the state."
