The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is a federal law that talks about service dogs. But how about fake service dogs? Are they illegal?

In Minnesota, it's illegal to misrepresent a dog as a service dog. This is detailed in the state's legislation under Section 609.833, known as "Misrepresentation of Service Animal." The law states:

"A person may not, directly or indirectly through statements or conduct, intentionally misrepresent an animal in that person's possession as a service animal in any place of public accommodation to obtain any rights or privileges available to a person who qualifies for a service animal under state or federal law knowing that the person is not entitled to those rights or privileges."

This means that in Minnesota, it's a violation of the law for someone to falsely claim their pet is a service animal to access benefits and rights designated for individuals with disabilities who require the assistance of a service animal. The legislation aims to protect the integrity of genuine service animals and ensure they can perform their duties without interference or confusion caused by pets misrepresented as service animals.