Tennessee Service Dog Registration

Register Your Service Dog in Tennessee

For handlers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville or Chattanooga: an ID card, certificate and digital ID in a few minutes.

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Tennessee 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. Tennessee adds its own rules in Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-7-112 — here is what that means for you, with a link to each official source.

Public access lawTenn. Code Ann. § 62-7-112
Service dogs in trainingCovered — Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-7-112(c)(1)Trainers must show credentials from an accredited school.
Fake service dog penaltyA Class B misdemeanor plus 100 hours of community serviceTenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-304
Harming a service dogKnowingly maiming or harming a service animal is a Class A misdemeanor; knowingly interfering with its duties is a Class C misdemeanor.Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-216
Dog license feeNo statewide exemptionNormal local dog-license rules apply; some cities and counties waive the fee on request.
Where to file a complaintTennessee Attorney General's Civil Rights Enforcement DivisionFile within 180 days of the incident.

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Tennessee Service Dog FAQ

Do I have to register my service dog in Tennessee?

No. Neither the ADA nor Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-7-112 requires registration, and businesses may not demand it.

What can a business in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Yes. The ADA doesn't cover dogs in training, but Tennessee does under Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-7-112(c)(1) — trainers must show credentials from an accredited school.

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

Yes. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-304, it is a Class B misdemeanor plus 100 hours of community service.

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

Tennessee treats it as a specific offense under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-216: Knowingly maiming or harming a service animal is a Class A misdemeanor; knowingly interfering with its duties is a Class C 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 Tennessee?

File with the Tennessee Attorney General's Civil Rights Enforcement Division 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 Nashville (BNA)?

Yes. Airlines at Nashville (BNA) 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 Tennessee?

Generally yes. Trained service dogs are a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Act and Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-111, 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. Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-7-112 — service animal public access
  2. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-216 — harming or interfering with a service dog
  3. Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-111 — housing
  4. Tennessee Attorney General's Civil Rights Enforcement Division — 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 Tennessee 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.