In addition to the provisions of the ADA, California law allows individuals with disabilities to bring trained service dogs, psychiatric service dogs, and service dogs in training, to all public places (places, business establishments open to and serving the general public, and modes of transport open to general public). The law does not apply to emotional support animals. The following restrictions apply:
Applicable California Code Sections
California law does not require certification, Emotional Support Animal (ESA ) or Service Animal vests, or ID cards. However, service animals are not exempt from local government licensing or permit regulations.
Nondiscrimination in employment and housing is governed by the Fair Employment and Housing Act:
Individuals with service dogs may not be denied access to accommodations, advantages, facilities, medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices, telephone facilities, adoption agencies, private schools, hotels, lodging places, places of public accommodation, amusement, or resort, and other places to which the general public is invited within this state because of the service dog.
Under California law, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly and fraudulently represent one’s self as the owner or trainer of a guide, signal, or service dog.