Chapter 2 · Animal Control and Regulation

Article 10. Service Animals, Therapy Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Sections 2-1001 to 2-1003 · 3 sections

2-1001 Purpose.

This article establishes requirements and procedures for verifying a person’s right to be accompanied by a service animal, therapy animal, or emotional support animal. If a question arises regarding whether an animal qualifies under this ordinance and K.S.A. 39-1101 (and amendments thereto), the individual with a disability may provide an identification card or letter that meets the criteria described herein. Upon production of such documentation, the animal shall be permitted to accompany the person into any qualifying location.

(Ord. 2025-04)

2-1002 Verification requirements.

Animals Trained by a Recognized Facility, School, or Trainer:

If the animal has been trained by a professional training facility, school, or trainer, the identification card or letter must include:

(1)The legal name of the animal’s user;

(2)The name, address, and telephone number of the training facility, school, or trainer;

(3)The specific designation of the animal (e.g., guide, hearing assistance, service assistance) or its intended purpose;

(4)A picture or digital photographic likeness of the animal and its user. If a card is used, the image must be printed on the card; if a letter is used, the image must be printed on or affixed to the letter.

(b)Animals Trained by the User:

If the animal has been trained by its user, the identification card or letter must include:

(1)The legal name of the animal’s user;

(2)The user’s address;

(3)A signed statement confirming that the animal has been trained to mitigate the effects of the user’s disability;

(4)A picture or digital photographic likeness of the animal and its user, formatted as described above.

(c)Professional Therapy Animal Verification:

If a question arises regarding the qualification of a therapy animal or its handler, the employee or responsible party may request documentation that includes:

(1)The legal name of the handler;

(2)The name, address, and telephone number of the training facility, school, or trainer;

(3)A statement verifying the animal has been trained to provide therapeutic support;

(4)A picture or digital photographic likeness of the handler and animal, formatted as described above.

(d)Verification of Professional Trainers:

If an individual accompanied by an animal claims to be a professional trainer from a recognized training center, the responsible party may request an ID card containing:

(1)The legal name of the trainer;

(2)The name of the training center;

(3)The address and telephone number of the training center.

(Ord. 2025-04)

2-1003 Additional requirements.

All animals designated or identified as service animals, therapy animals, or emotional support animals must comply with existing local ordinances and codes, including but not limited to leash, licensing, vaccination, and public safety requirements. Violations will be subject to the penalties outlined in applicable city code.

(Ord. 2025-04)