All Comparison Tables
Service Animal Definitions by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Compares how each state defines a service animal, whether emotional support animals are recognized in housing, and the scope of public access rights.
50 States3 data columnsLast updated: May 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| State | Definition Scope | ESA Recognized | Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Alaska | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Arizona | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Arkansas | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| California | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Colorado | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Connecticut | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Delaware | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Florida | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Georgia | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Hawaii | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Idaho | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Illinois | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Indiana | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Iowa | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Kansas | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Kentucky | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Louisiana | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Maine | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Maryland | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Massachusetts | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Michigan | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Minnesota | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Mississippi | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Missouri | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Montana | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Nebraska | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Nevada | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| New Hampshire | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| New Jersey | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| New Mexico | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| New York | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| North Carolina | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| North Dakota | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Ohio | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Oklahoma | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Oregon | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Pennsylvania | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Rhode Island | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| South Carolina | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| South Dakota | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Tennessee | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Texas | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Utah | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Vermont | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| Virginia | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Washington | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
| West Virginia | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Wisconsin | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| Wyoming | ADA-only | No | Public spaces |
| District of Columbia | Broader | Housing only | Full access |
ADA federal law applies in all states for trained service dogs; state definitions and ESA rules vary and may not provide identical public access rights.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.