Connecticut Service Dog Laws

Definitions

“Guide dog” or “assistance dog” includes a dog being trained as a guide dog or assistance dog and “person training a dog as a guide dog for a blind person or a dog to assist a deaf or mobility impaired person” means a person who is employed by and authorized to engage in designated training activities by a guide dog organization or assistance dog organization that complies with the criteria as described.

G. S. A. § 46a-44.

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.

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.

G. S. A. § 46a-64

Harassment of/Interference with Service Dogs

The owner or keeper of a dog shall restrain and control such dog on a leash when such dog is not on the property of its owner or keeper and is in proximity to a blind, deaf or mobility impaired person accompanied by guide dog, provided the guide dog is in direct custody and is wearing a harness or an orange-colored leash and collar.
Violation is an infraction.

Owner or keeper liable for any damage done to such guide dog, including any costs incurred for veterinary care, rehabilitation or replacement of the injured guide dog and for reasonable attorney’s fees.

G. S. A. § 22-364b

Licensing Law

Any blind, deaf or mobility impaired person who is the owner or keeper of a dog which has been trained and educated to guide and assist such person in traveling upon the public streets or highways or otherwise shall receive a license and tag for such dog from the town clerk of the town where such dog is owned or kept at no fee.

G. S. A. § 22-345