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Interference
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It is a criminal act to interfere with the services of a guide dog. Business owners must allow full access, and not discriminate against service dog users in any way, shape, or form, or be subjected to fines, and even jail time. In Washington, first offenses are misdemeanors. Further infractions are gross misdemeanors. Intentional harm or injury of a service dog is a class C felony.
Determining Disability and Service
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Washington State Human Rights Commission considers any disability that is medically recognized, has a record of existence, or is perceived to be a legally recognized condition. Only dogs trained to assist in the actual service of a physical or mental need or sensory action are valid as disability dogs. Guide dogs are one type of service dog, but not the only disability dogs allowed under the laws of Washington State. Other disability dogs including those who alert deaf individuals to sounds, seizure alert dogs who recognize an oncoming event, motor skill assistance dogs who retrieve items for an incapacitated person, both ambulatory and in a wheelchair, and balance assistance dogs who steady their owners and help open doors.
Proof of Need
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No identification of service is required in Washington for a service dog. Vests, harnesses, or other certification is not required, although may be worn or carried. Service animals may wear a vest, collar, harness, or blanket. Owners may or may not have identification papers or certification, but it is not required. Business owners or employees are not allowed to demand any such proof of need.
Clean Up
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You must allow service dogs access to any area other members of the general public are allowed. Business owners, or their employees may not charge extra for allowing a disability dog on the premises, nor can they require payment of a cleaning fee, or other extra costs for the presence of the animal.
Exclusion
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If a service animal at any time becomes unruly, and it poses any threat to another individual on the premises, employee or patron, a business owner or employee can ask that the animal be removed. There must be no doubt on the part of anyone involved before any attempt to exclude a service animal from the property. This can include a dog that is making overt moves on other customers, patrons, or employees and sniffs, jumps on, or otherwise causes a nuisance being on the premises. These actions must actually occur and not just presumed to be a possibility.
Training
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Business owners are not required to allow service dogs in training access to their establishments. The Washington State Law Against Discrimination only covers individuals with actual disabilities needing the assistance of a service dog. It does not cover anyone who is not impaired in any way, even while training. It is completely up to a store owner, or employee, to allow access to future disability dogs in training to help them learn how to properly do their work.
Contact Information
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For more information on the Washington State Human Rights Commission and disability dog laws contact:
Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)
711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 402
Olympia, WA 98504
800-233-3247
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Disability Dog State Laws in Washington
Service dogs, also known as disability dogs, have a serious job to do. Disability dogs can go into places other dogs cannot go. These dogs are necessary to help their owners cope with many types of disabilities. They have legal rights to give them access and it is important for everyone to understand where these dogs are allowed to go and why, as well as what limits exist.