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Every pet isn’t a service animal, Washington Legislature says

OLYMPIA – Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, with his dog Colt in the entry to the Senate floor, waits to vote yes on a bill defining what can be called a service animal. (Jim Camden / The Spokesman-Review)
By Jim Camden jimc@spokesman.com(509) 879-7461
OLYMPIA – Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, with his dog Colt in the entry to the Senate floor, waits to vote yes on a bill defining what can be called a service animal. (Jim Camden / The Spokesman-Review)

OLYMPIA – Trying to pass off a pet or an untrained animal as a true service animal could get the owner a citation under a bill that received final passage Friday in the Senate.

The bill, which was sent to the governor’s desk on a 46-2 vote, follows a federal guideline that says service animals can only be dogs or miniature horses that have been trained to assist a person’s sensory, mental or physical disability. They would be allowed at public accommodations and commercial facilities.

“This is a common sense bill,” Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley said. “Animals that are not trained can cause problems.”

Trying to pass off an animal that is not a true service animal could get the owner a fine of up to $500.