South Dakota Service Dog Registration

Register Your Service Dog in South Dakota

For handlers in Sioux Falls, Rapid City or Aberdeen: an ID card, certificate and digital ID in a few minutes.

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South Dakota Service Dog Laws at a Glance

Written by: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP)
Medically Reviewed by Evelyn Daley MSW, LCSW
Published: Last updated:

The ADA protects service dog handlers in every state. South Dakota adds its own rules in S.D. Codified Laws § 20-13-23.2 — here is what that means for you, with a link to each official source.

Public access lawS.D. Codified Laws § 20-13-23.2
Service dogs in trainingCovered — S.D. Codified Laws § 20-13-23.2The dog in training must wear a collar and leash, harness, or cape.
Fake service dog penaltyA Class 2 misdemeanor (effective July 1, 2026)2026 S.D. Sess. Laws, S.B. 82
Harming a service dogMaliciously injuring, harassing, distracting or otherwise interfering with a service animal is a Class 1 misdemeanor.S.D. Codified Laws § 40-1-38
Dog license feeNo statewide exemptionNormal local dog-license rules apply; some cities and counties waive the fee on request.
Where to file a complaintSouth Dakota Division of Human RightsFile within 180 days of the incident.

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South Dakota Service Dog FAQ

Do I have to register my service dog in South Dakota?

No. Neither the ADA nor S.D. Codified Laws § 20-13-23.2 requires registration, and businesses may not demand it.

What can a business in South Dakota ask about my service dog?

Only two questions: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task is it trained to perform. No documents, demonstrations or pet fees.

Can I take a service dog in training into public places in South Dakota?

Yes. The ADA doesn't cover dogs in training, but South Dakota does under S.D. Codified Laws § 20-13-23.2 — the dog in training must wear a collar and leash, harness, or cape.

Is it illegal to pass off a pet as a service dog in South Dakota?

Yes. Under 2026 S.D. Sess. Laws, S.B. 82, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor (effective July 1, 2026).

What happens if someone harms or interferes with my service dog in South Dakota?

South Dakota treats it as a specific offense under S.D. Codified Laws § 40-1-38: Maliciously injuring, harassing, distracting or otherwise interfering with a service animal is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Report it to local police, and keep vet bills and witness details.

How do I file a complaint if I'm refused access in South Dakota?

File with the South Dakota Division of Human Rights within 180 days of the incident, or with the U.S. Department of Justice at ADA.gov.

Can I fly with my service dog from Sioux Falls (FSD)?

Yes. Airlines at Sioux Falls (FSD) must accept trained service dogs in the cabin free of charge; most ask for the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form in advance.

Are service dogs allowed in rental housing in South Dakota?

Generally yes. Trained service dogs are a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Act and SDCL §§ 43-32-33 to 43-32-36, so landlords should waive no-pet rules and pet fees, with narrow exceptions such as some small owner-occupied buildings.

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Official Sources

  1. S.D. Codified Laws § 20-13-23.2 — service animal public access
  2. S.D. Codified Laws § 40-1-38 — harming or interfering with a service dog
  3. SDCL §§ 43-32-33 to 43-32-36 — housing
  4. South Dakota Division of Human Rights — complaints
  5. ADA Requirements: Service Animals (U.S. Department of Justice) — federal rules
  6. Service Animals (U.S. Department of Transportation) — air travel

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This summary of South Dakota law was last reviewed in October 2026 and is general information, not legal advice. United States Service Dogs is a private registration service, not a government agency.