Definitions
(6.5) “Service animal” has the same meaning as set forth in the implementing regulations of Title II and Title III of the federal “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990”, 42 U.S.C. sec. 12101 et seq.C. R. S. A. § 24-34-301
SDIT Covered?
Yes. 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 in training in or on the following places or during the following activities:(a) Any place of employment, housing, or public accommodation;
(b) Any programs, services, or activities conducted by a public entity;
(c) Any public transportation service; or
(d) Any other place open to the public.
C.R.S.A. § 24-34-803
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 in or on the following places or during the following activities and subject to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all individuals:(a) Any place of employment, housing, or public accommodation;
(b) Any programs, services, or activities conducted by a public entity;
(c) Any public transportation service; or
(d) Any other place open to the public.
C.R.S.A. § 24-34-803
Violation is a class 3 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501, C.R.S.
C.R.S.A. § 24-34-804
Harassment of/Interference with Service Dogs
It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or agent of any person, firm, or corporation to interfere with, injure, or harm, or cause another dog to interfere with, injure, or harm, a service animal.Violation is a class 3 misdemeanor.
A person who willfully or wantonly causes harm to a service animal or a service animal in training is liable to the legal owner of the service animal or service animal in training for treble the amount of actual damages.
The legal owner of an animal that is willfully or wantonly allowed to cause harm to a service animal or a service animal in training is liable to the legal owner of the service animal or service animal in training for treble the amount of actual damages.
In any action commenced under this subsection, a court may award costs and reasonable attorney fees.
C.R.S.A. § 24-34-804
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
Service Dog Fraud
A person commits intentional misrepresentation of a service animal if:(a) The person intentionally misrepresents an animal in his or her possession as his or her service animal or service-animal-in-training for the purpose of obtaining any of the rights or privileges set forth in section 24-34-803, C.R.S.;
(b) The person was previously given a written or verbal warning regarding the fact that it is illegal to intentionally misrepresent a service animal;
(c) The person knows that the animal in question is not a service animal or service-animal-in-training.
Upon conviction, penalties are as follow:
- For a first offense, a fine of $25;
- For a second offense, a fine of not less than $50 but not more than $200; and
- For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $100 but not more than $500.
