Colorado Service Dog Laws

Definitions

Under Rights Law:

“Service animal” has the same meaning as set forth in the implementing regulationsof Title II and Title III of the federal “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990”, 42 U.S.C. sec. 12101 et seq
R. S. A. § 24-34-803

Under harassment provision in cruelty laws:

“Service animal” means any animal, the services of which are used to aid the performance of official duties by a peace officer, law enforcement agency, fire department, fire protection district, or governmental search and rescue agency.

C.R.S.A § 18-1.3-602(3.5))

Accommodation Law

A qualified individual with a disability has the right to be accompanied by a service animal individually trained for that individual without being required to pay an extra charge for the service animal.

A trainer of a service animal, or an individual with a disability accompanied by an animal that is being trained to be a service animal, has the right to be accompanied by the service animal in training without being required to pay an extra charge for the service animal

C.R.S.A. § 24-34-803

Violation is a class 3 misdemeanor and shall be liable to the qualified individual with a disability who is accompanied by a service animal or a trainer of a service animal whose rights were affected for the penalties provided in section 24-34-802.
A court may award costs and reasonable attorney fees.

C.R.S.A. § 24-34-804

Accommodation Law

Any blind, deaf or mobility impaired person or any person training a dog as a guide dog may travel on a train or on any other mode of public transportation, and may enter any other place of public accommodation accompanied by his guide dog or assistance dog,provided such dog shall be in the direct custody of such person and shall be wearing a harness or an orange-colored leash and collar.

C. G. S. A. § 46a-44

It shall be a discriminatory practice in violation of this section to deny any blind, deaf or mobility impaired person, or any person training a dog as a guide dog, who is accompanied by his guide dog or assistance dog wearing a harness or an orange-colored leash and collar, full and equal access to any place of public accommodation, resort or amusement.

Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $25 or more than $100 or imprisoned not more than 30 days, or both.

C. G. S. A. § 46a-64

Harassment of/Interference with Service Dogs

A person shall not knowingly deny an individual with a disability, as defined in section 24-34-301(5.6), C.R.S., any right or privilege protected in section 24-34-502, 24-34-502.2, 24-34-601, 24-34-802(1), or 24-34-803, C.R.S.
Violation is a class 3 misdemeanor

C.R.S.A. § 18-13-107

Driving Law

Driver who approaches a person with a disability (including use of a service animal) must come to a full stop to avoid accident.
Failure to do so is class A traffic offense.

C.R.S.A. § 42-4-808

Licensing Law

Person with disability is exempt from any state or local licensing fees or charges in connection with owning a service animal.

C.R.S.A. § 24-34-803

Fraudulent Representation

A person shall not falsely impersonate an individual with a disability.
Violation is class 1 petty offense.

C.R.S.A. § 18-13-107