Service dog trainers gain housing protections

A new law effective Aug. 1, 2025, will ensure people who have a service dog in training are entitled to “full and equal access to all housing accommodations,” that apply to people who have a service dog with them permanently.

About 1,000 volunteers across the state help train and socialize assistance dogs, who are typically ready to go to permanent homes at age 3. Some who want to train dogs have been unable to because of homeowner association restrictions on any pets or those of a certain breed or weight.

Trainers can’t be charged extra to have the dog but are liable for any damage it might cause.

The dogs must be actively trained under the guidance of an accredited organization. Landlords or homeowners may require written notice of that fact, ensuring pets aren’t kept under the guise of being a service dog-in-training.

Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) and Sen. Bonnie Westlin (DFL-Plymouth) sponsor the law.

HF688*/SF1317/CH16

HF0688* / SF1317 / CH16