Applies to

Guide, Hearing, and Service Dogs

Accessibility

“. . . full and equal access . . . to accommodations, advantages, facilities, medical facilities . . . and privileges of all common carriers . . . railroad trains, motorbuses, streetcars, boats, . . . telephone facilities, adoption agencies, private schools, hotels, lodging places, places of public accommodation, amusement, or resort, and other places to which the general public is invited.”

Interference

misdemeanor

Housing

all except room in single family home

Identification

tag issued by county clerk, animal control department, or other agency

Misrepresentation

misdemeanor; maximum fine of $1,000, 6 months in county jail, or both

Trainers

allowed in same places as disabled; must be licensed or authorized; dog must be leashed; must carry identification; liable for damage done by dog

White Cane

precautionary statute; White Cane Safety Day is October 15.

Injury to Dog

misdemeanor; subject to penalties, restitution

Penalties

“. . . determined by a jury, or the court sitting without a jury, up to a maximum of three times the amount of actual damages but in no case less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and attorney' s fees.”

Zoo or Wild Animal Park

“Any zoo or wild animal park that does not permit guide dogs to accompany blind persons . . . shall maintain free of charge, adequate kennel facilities for the use of Assistance Dogs.”

Summary

California law requires that a specially trained Assistance Dog be allowed to accompany a blind, deaf, physically or mentally disabled person or trainer on all public accommodations and on all common carriers. No extra charge can be levied because of the dog's presence, but the dog user is liable for any damage the dog might cause.

Accessibility 

Civil Code, Sections 54.1(1996), 54.2(1996), 54.7(1994); Penal Code, Section 365.5(1996)

Interference 

Civil Code Sections 54.3(1996), 55(1974), 55.1(1994); Penal Code, 365.6(1996); Civil Code 54, 54.1, 54.2, 417.27

Housing

Civil Code, Section 54.1(1996)

Identification

Food & Agricultural Code, Section 30850(1996)

Misrepresentation

Penal Code, Section 365.7(1994)

Trainers

Civil Code, Sections 54.1(c)(1996), 54.2 (b)(1996)

White Cane

Civil Code, Sections 54.4(1994), 54.5(1994)

Injury to Dog

Penal Code, Sections 600.2(1994), 600.5(1994)

Penalties

Civil Code, Section 54.3

Zoo/Animal Park

Civil Code, Section 54.7(b)