Emotional Support Animal & Service Animal Laws in Utah Last Modified: March 14, 2025 Verified by: James M. Benson, ADA & FHA Compliance Lawyer Source: https://usserviceanimals.org/blog/emotional-support-animal-laws-in-utah/ This document provides an overview of the Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and Service Animal (SA) laws in the state of Utah as of March 2025. It outlines the legal differences between ESAs and SAs, their respective rights, and the protections provided under federal and state law. It includes details on housing, public access, transportation, and employment rights. In Utah, emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals (SAs) serve different legal and functional purposes. Service animals (SAs) are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities — such as assisting the blind, alerting the deaf, or supporting individuals with PTSD or other conditions. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SAs are protected and allowed in most public places, transportation systems, housing, and workplaces. Only dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) qualify as service animals under the ADA. Emotional support animals (ESAs), while valuable for emotional comfort, are not trained for specific disability-related tasks and are not protected under the ADA. Utah law grants ESAs housing rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with valid ESA letters from licensed mental health professionals. However, ESAs are not permitted in public areas or workplaces where pets are typically restricted. Airlines and public transport in Utah are not required to allow ESAs under the current Air Carrier Access Act, which now only recognizes service dogs. Employers are not legally obligated to accommodate ESAs, although they may choose to do so voluntarily. Falsely representing an ESA as a service animal is illegal in Utah and can result in fines of up to $500. Service animals are entitled to full public access across venues including restaurants, hotels, theaters, and convention centers. Handlers cannot be required to show proof of certification but may be asked what tasks their animal performs. The law also requires animals to be under control and non-aggressive in public spaces. In summary, while both ESAs and SAs provide critical emotional or physical support, only service animals receive full legal access protections in Utah. ESAs are primarily protected in housing contexts, and valid documentation must come from a licensed Utah mental health provider.