Indiana’s Laws & Regulations for Assistance Animals are as follows:
Acceptance
Housing
Indiana housing providers must follow the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), requiring reasonable accommodations for assistance animals—including ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals—with proper documentation. Indiana does not add extra ESA-specific rules; therefore, federal housing laws apply statewide.
Air Travel
All air travel to or from Indiana follows the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Only trained service dogs qualify for in-cabin Service Animal status. ESAs must travel under an airline’s pet policy. DOT documentation may be required at Indianapolis (IND), Fort Wayne (FWA), and South Bend (SBN) airports.
Public Access
Indiana public access follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) along with Indiana Code § 16-32-3. Only trained Service Dogs (including psychiatric service dogs) must be allowed in restaurants, shops, hotels, public transit, and government buildings. ESAs do not have public-access rights under ADA or state law.
Additional Notes
- ADA (public access): Only task-trained dogs qualify as Service Animals.
- ACAA (air travel): Airlines must accept trained Service Dogs; ESAs are treated as pets.
- FHA (housing): ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals qualify with proper documentation.
- Indiana law: Indiana Code § 16-32-3 supports rights of Service Animal handlers and penalizes misrepresentation.
- Recognition Gear: Recommended to reduce questioning and expedite checks.
Applicable Laws
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
Recognized under FHA for housing with documentation; no public-access rights under ADA or state law.
Psychiatric Support Animals (PSA):
Considered Service Animals only when trained to perform tasks related to a disability.
Service Animals:
Recognized under ADA, ACAA, FHA, and Indiana Code § 16-32-3.