The Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (House Bill 407), which establishes requirements for support animals and service dogs, was signed by Governor Jeff Landry as Act No. 558 and takes effect August 1, 2024.
As stated in the Act, its purpose is to “restore integrity into the process of determining whether an individual has a disability which requires the use of a support animal.”
Among other provisions, Act No. 558:
- Specifies requirements for healthcare providers who issue documentation for support animals
- Mandates written notices for the sale of support animals
- Penalizes those who misrepresent an animal as a service dog
- Places limitations on individuals and businesses who sell support animals and items attendant to support animals
- Provides immunity to owners and lessors of residential dwellings from and against liability for injuries and damages caused by support animals and service dogs
- Establishes penalties for violations, including fines of up to $2,500 for repeated offenses
American Kennel Club Government Relations monitored HB 407 throughout the legislative process and expressed support for certain amendments to the bill.
Click here to learn more about Service Dog legislation on AKC’s Legislative Action Center.
For additional information on the Support and Service Animal Integrity Act or other Louisiana laws impacting dogs, please contact doglaw@akc.org.