New York Service Dog Laws 2025

New York has specific laws in place to ensure that service dogs and their handlers can access public spaces, housing, and transportation without obstacles. Whether you live in New York City, Buffalo, or Albany, knowing the 2025 service dog laws will help you exercise your rights and responsibilities. These state laws align with federal ADA regulations and provide extra protections under local New York statutes.

What Is a Service Dog Under New York Law?

A service dog in New York is defined as a dog specifically trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with a disability. These tasks must directly relate to the person’s disability and include:

• Guiding individuals with vision impairments.
• Assisting those with mobility limitations.
• Calming individuals with psychiatric conditions like PTSD through deep pressure therapy.

Service dogs are not pets; they are working animals with special training to meet the needs of their handler. For more details, refer to the ADA service animal guidelines.

Public Access Rights in New York

New York law, in line with the ADA, requires that service dogs be allowed in public spaces, including:

• Hotels, restaurants, and stores throughout New York City.
• Public transit systems like the New York City subway, taxis, and buses.
• Shops, parks, and malls in Albany and Buffalo.

Businesses cannot deny entry to a service dog, and they are only allowed to ask:

1. Is the dog required because of a disability?
2. What tasks is the dog trained to perform?

No additional documentation, certification, or fees can be required. Any business that denies access to a service dog may face legal consequences under New York State Human Rights Law and the ADA.

Housing Protections for Service Dogs in New York

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), service dog handlers in New York are protected from discrimination when renting or buying property. Landlords and property managers:

• Cannot deny housing based on “no pets” policies.
• Must waive pet fees for service dogs.
• May ask for documentation confirming the need for the dog if the disability is not obvious.

Visit the HUD’s guide to assistance animals for more information on housing rights.

Transportation and Rideshare Services in New York

Service dogs must be allowed on all forms of public transportation, including:

• NYC subways, taxis, and buses.
• Amtrak and commuter trains such as the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North.
• Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which must permit service dogs, even if the driver has allergies or a fear of dogs. For more on transportation policies, visit Uber’s service animal policy.

Penalties for Misrepresenting a Service Dog in New York

New York has strict penalties for misrepresenting pets as service dogs. Under New York law, anyone who falsely identifies their pet as a service dog can face:

• Fines of up to $500.
• Community service hours, including time spent working with disability organizations.

These penalties are in place to protect legitimate service dog handlers and reduce public confusion about service animals.

Service Dog Certification in New York: Is It Required?

Like the rest of the U.S., New York does not require service dog certification or registration. However, many handlers choose to carry ID cards or vests for their service dogs to minimize public conflicts. This is entirely optional—businesses cannot legally demand proof of certification.

How Service Dogs Differ from Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in New York

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered service dogs under New York law or ADA guidelines. While ESAs offer comfort, they are not trained to perform tasks related to a disability. ESAs may qualify for housing protections under the Fair Housing Act, but they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.

Behavioral Standards for Service Dogs in New York

Service dogs must:

• Be under control at all times (on a leash, harness, or via voice command).
• Behave appropriately in public (no barking, growling, or aggressive behavior).
• Fit comfortably at the handler’s feet or under a seat without blocking pathways.

Businesses can ask the handler to remove the dog if it behaves disruptively, but they cannot deny entry to the handlerwithout the dog.

What to Do If Your Service Dog Rights Are Violated in New York

If your service dog is denied access or you face discrimination:

1. Explain your rights under the ADA and New York State Human Rights Law.
2. File a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
3. For housing-related issues, contact HUD using their complaint portal.

FAQs About New York Service Dog Laws 2025

Q: Are service dogs allowed on the New York City subway?
A: Yes, service dogs are allowed on all NYC subways as long as they are under control and well-behaved.

Q: Can a landlord charge pet fees for a service dog?
A: No, landlords cannot charge pet fees or deposits for service dogs, even if the building has a “no pets” policy.

Q: Can service dogs be excluded from any areas?
A: Service dogs are allowed in most public spaces. However, they may be restricted from certain areas, such as sterile hospital rooms, if their presence poses a risk to health or safety.

Key Takeaways: New York Service Dog Laws 2025

• Service dogs must be allowed in public spaces, including restaurants, transportation, and shops.
• No certification or registration is required, though some handlers may choose to use ID cards or vests.
• Housing protections ensure service dogs can live in pet-free residences without fees.
• Misrepresentation of a pet as a service dog can result in fines and community service.
• ESAs are not considered service dogs and do not have the same access rights.

Stay Informed
Laws surrounding service dogs can change. Stay updated by visiting the ADA’s service animal FAQ and subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news and tips on service dog ownership in New York.