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.
