Emotional Support Animal Laws in South Dakota - Explained

South Dakota doesn’t have a standalone emotional support animal statute, but residents are still protected under key federal housing and disability laws. These ensure that people with verified mental or emotional disabilities can live with their ESA, even in housing with “no-pet” rules.

Your Rights Under South Dakota ESA Laws

Living in South Dakota with an emotional support animal means understanding how both federal and state laws protect your rights. While federal laws like the Fair Housing Act (FHA) safeguard your housing access, South Dakota also upholds specific protections for individuals with disabilities.

Key ESA Laws You Should Know in South Dakota

Here’s a breakdown of the most important emotional support animal laws applicable in South Dakota:

Fair Housing Act (FHA): Requires landlords and housing providers to accommodate ESAs, even in no-pet housing. They cannot charge pet deposits or extra fees for verified ESAs supported by a legitimate ESA letter.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Only applies to service animals trained to perform specific tasks. ESAs are not recognized under the ADA, meaning they don’t have guaranteed access to public spaces such as restaurants, hotels, or stores unless permitted by the property owner.
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA): Airlines are no longer required to recognize ESAs as service animals. When flying to or from South Dakota, ESAs must follow standard pet travel policies — including carrier size limits and pet fees.

Let’s explore emotional support animal laws in depth to get a clear picture of how they apply in different situations.

ESA Housing Rights in South Dakota

In South Dakota, emotional support animal owners are protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and state housing discrimination laws. These ensure individuals with verified emotional support needs can live comfortably without facing unfair housing restrictions.

Fair Housing Protections Apply: Under the FHA, landlords must allow ESAs even in “no-pet” housing if the tenant provides a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
No Extra Fees: Landlords cannot charge pet rent, deposits, or additional fees for an approved emotional support animal.
Valid Documentation: Tenants should present a legitimate ESA letter from South Dakota verifying that their animal supports their emotional or mental health condition.
When Denial Is Allowed: Housing providers may refuse an ESA only if it poses a safety threat, causes significant damage, or creates an undue administrative burden.
Individual Review Required: Under the FHA, housing providers must assess each accommodation request individually; general refusals or blanket bans are not allowed.

Penalties for ESA Misrepresentation in South Dakota

Under South Dakota Codified Law § 43-32-36, it’s illegal to falsely claim or misrepresent an animal as an emotional support or assistance animal. These laws protect legitimate ESA owners and prevent misuse of accommodation rights.

Under the law, a lessor (landlord) may evict a tenant who knowingly claims they need an assistance animal based on false or fraudulent documentation.
The landlord may also collect a damage fee from that tenant.
Misrepresenting or falsely claiming service/assistance status is a misdemeanor offense.

These penalties help ensure that assistance animal protections serve legitimate needs and discourage abuse of accommodation laws.

Flying to/from South Dakota with an ESA

Traveling with an emotional support animal from or to South Dakota follows the same federal air travel regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Since 2021, airlines have no longer been required to recognize ESAs as assistance animals, meaning most are now treated as regular pets.

Airline ESA Policies You Should Know

While ESAs may no longer qualify for free cabin travel, understanding airline policies can help ensure a smooth trip:

Pet Fees Apply: Airlines typically charge standard pet fees for ESAs.
Carrier Requirements: Pets must travel in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.
Health Certificates: Up-to-date vaccination and health records are often required before boarding.
Advance Notice: Notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
Breed & Size Limits: Some airlines restrict the travel of large or snub-nosed animals in the cabin.

Always review your chosen airline’s updated ESA or pet policy before booking to avoid last-minute issues.

Public Access Rights for ESAs in South Dakota

While emotional support animals play a vital role in mental health, South Dakota law limits their public access compared to service animals.

ESAs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Restaurants, hotels, and stores can decide whether to allow ESAs on their property.
Buses, trains, and other public transportation systems are not required to accept ESAs.
Even with valid documentation, ESAs are protected for housing, not public spaces.

In South Dakota, emotional support animals have strong housing protections but limited public-access rights, so advance communication is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an official South Dakota ESA registry?

No. South Dakota does not operate or recognize any official ESA registry. Only a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional serves as proper documentation.

How often should I renew my ESA letter in South Dakota?

While not legally required, renewing your ESA letter every 12 months is recommended to keep it current and valid for housing or travel verification.

Are ESAs allowed in South Dakota college dorms or campus housing?

Yes. University or college housing falls under the Fair Housing Act, meaning students with valid ESA letters can request reasonable accommodation for their support animal.

Can ESAs go to work with their owners in South Dakota?

Not automatically. Bringing an ESA to work depends on the employer’s policy and whether it qualifies as a reasonable accommodation under disability laws.

What’s the penalty for faking an ESA letter in South Dakota?

Providing false ESA documentation or misrepresenting a pet as an assistance animal can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, and eviction under SDCL § 43-32-36.

What types of animals qualify as ESAs in South Dakota?

There’s no specific species limit, as long as the animal is recommended by a licensed professional and helps alleviate symptoms of a mental or emotional disability.

South Dakota ESA Law Highlights

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, South Dakota residents with a valid ESA letter can request reasonable accommodation in rental housing, even if “no-pet” policies exist.
Landlords cannot charge additional rent, deposits, or pet fees for verified ESAs, but they can require tenants to cover real property damages caused by their animals.
South Dakota Codified Law §43-32-36 prohibits falsely claiming a pet as an ESA or service animal. Offenders may face fines or legal action.
Emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA, so entry into restaurants, shops, or public spaces depends on business policy.

Getting Your ESA Letter in South Dakota

Having the right documentation is key to securing your emotional support animal housing rights in South Dakota.

Complete a short online assessment.
Get evaluated by a licensed South Dakota mental health professional.
Receive your ESA letter digitally within 24 hours.
Present it to your landlord to secure housing accommodations.

* Take the first step toward a calmer, more secure life with your emotional support animal. RealESALetter.com makes getting your ESA letter quick, easy, and legitimate.

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