Service Animals, Support Animals and Your South Carolina Business
A customer walks in with a dog in a vest. What can your staff ask, and what should they say if it's a pet? The ADA sets the rules for service animals, and South Carolina's Layla's Law lets you set your own policy for every other animal.
What Staff May Ask at the Door
Permitted, when the dog's role is not obvious
- Is the dog required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
If the answers show it is a service dog, welcome it in.
Not permitted
- Asking about the person's disability or diagnosis
- Requiring an ID card, certificate or vest
- Asking the dog to demonstrate its task
- Charging a pet fee or deposit
- Seating the customer apart from others because of the dog
What Should Staff Say?
Choose a situation to see a short, respectful response your team can use.
These scripts are examples. Adjust the wording to your business.
"Welcome! May I ask whether the dog is needed because of a disability, and what task it's trained to do?"Why
These are the only two questions allowed when a dog's role is not obvious. If the answers fit, the dog comes in.
Restaurants, Cafes and Food Service
Food safety rules and service animal rules fit together.
When a Service Dog Can Be Asked to Leave
Two situations allow it. Neither depends on breed, size or anyone's opinion of the handler.
Out of control
The dog is disruptive, and the handler does not take effective action to control it.
Not housebroken
The dog relieves itself inside the business.
Keep serving
Offer the customer your goods or services without the animal present.
Your Policy for Every Other Animal
S.C. Code 47-3-990 leaves animals that are not service animals up to you, emotional support animals included. Pick a policy, post it and apply it the same way to everyone.
Suspect a Fake Service Dog?
South Carolina sets civil fines for intentionally misrepresenting an animal as a service animal under S.C. Code 47-3-980. Enforcing that is not your staff's job, though. Ask the two questions, take the answers at face value, and act on behavior: a dog that is out of control can be asked to leave, whatever the customer says it is.
Hotels, Inns and Short-Term Lodging
Lodging is a public accommodation, so service animal rules apply at the front desk.
- Service dogs
- Stay with their handlers in any room type, with no pet fee.
- Damage
- Can be charged if you normally charge guests for damage they cause.
- Support animals
- Follow your pet policy, including pet fees and room limits.
- Unattended dogs
- You can set reasonable rules, such as not leaving a dog alone in the room.
A Ten-Minute Staff Briefing
Cover these five points at your next shift meeting.
For Customers Who Need Documentation
Businesses cannot require paperwork, but landlords can. Live prices below.
Questions South Carolina Businesses Ask
What can a South Carolina business ask a customer with a service dog?
When the dog's role is not obvious, staff may ask whether the dog is required because of a disability and what work or task it has been trained to perform. They may not ask about the disability, demand paperwork or ask for a demonstration.
Do South Carolina businesses have to allow emotional support animals?
No. S.C. Code 47-3-990 lets places of public accommodation set their own rules for animals that are not service animals. You can welcome them, limit them to a patio or keep them out.
Can a business ask a service dog to leave?
Yes, if the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action, or if it is not housebroken. The customer should still be offered service without the animal.
Can a restaurant or hotel charge a fee for a service dog?
No surcharge or deposit can be required for a service animal. If you normally charge guests for damage they cause, you can charge a handler for damage the dog causes.
Do service dogs need a vest or ID in South Carolina?
No. Vests, ID cards and certificates are optional and are not proof of anything. Staff should rely on the two permitted questions and on the dog's behavior.
What if someone fakes a service dog at my business?
Misrepresenting an animal as a service animal carries civil fines under S.C. Code 47-3-980. Staff should not accuse customers; they can ask the two questions and act on behavior, such as a dog that is out of control.
Reference Pages for Owners and Managers
General information for South Carolina businesses, current as of September 2026, and not legal advice. Food service rules can vary by permit and regulator, and miniature horses are handled case by case under the ADA. Scripts are examples only. For a specific situation, consult the ADA's published guidance or an attorney.
Customers Asking About Housing Documentation?
Point them to a free screening with a licensed clinician.
