Service Dog Fraud Bill Becomes Law in Oklahoma 

A service dog wearing a blue Canine Companions vest is standing on its hind legs at a checkout counter, assisting a person using a wheelchair. The person is facing the cashier, who is handing something over, while colorful packaging and other items are visible in the supermarket background.On May 30, 2025, Oklahoma became the 35th state to successfully pass a law that creates penalties for misrepresenting a pet as a service animal.  

HB 1178*, which will take effect on November 1, 2025, clarifies the definition of a service dog outlined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), sets penalties for service dog fraud and encourages businesses to post clear signage about what animals are allowed.  

The bill was sponsored by Representative Marilyn Stark and Senator David Bullard and supported by Canine Companions with testimony in the Senate by client team Lee with Service Dog Farley.

Two men standing alongside a Canine Companions service dog in a formal setting with a blue carpet and decorative walls. One man is wearing a black suit and tie, while the other is dressed in a half-white, half-color shirt.Canine Companions actively advocates for service dogs and their handlers, providing public education on the role of service dogs for people with disabilities, the importance of public access rights and the real impact of fraudulent or poorly trained dogs in public.  

Service dog fraud is not a victimless crime; it reduces the independence and ability for people who rely on service dogs to access their communities and their world. In a 2022 survey of 1,500 service dog users: 

  • 93% reported encountering poorly trained or out-of-control service dogs in places where pets are not permitted. 
  • 80% reported that a poorly trained service dog snapped at, bit, vocalized at or interfered with their service dog. 
  • 79% reported that service dog fraud has negatively impacted their independence and quality of life. 
  • Respondents reported that 50% of encounters occurred in grocery stores, restaurants and shopping centers. 

“Canine Companions is excited about this legislation,” says Jeanine Konopelski, chief marketing officer. “We hope this new law will be a deterrent and reduce service dog fraud in the state. In turn, this will provide better access for people with disabilities who rely on legitimate service dogs.” 

Check out this announcement from the Oklahoma House of Representatives* for more information about the bill’s passing.

Plus, this article from Tulsa World newspaper* featuring Canine Companions.

Learn more about our advocacy initiatives and how to get involved at canine.org/advocacy. *