South Carolina’s Laws & Regulations for Assistance Animals are as follows:
Acceptance
Housing
South Carolina landlords must comply with the Fair Housing Act (FHA). ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals must be accepted with proper documentation. The South Carolina Fair Housing Law provides additional tenant protections.
Air Travel
South Carolina follows the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Only trained service dogs qualify as Service Animals. ESAs must follow pet policies. DOT forms may be required at Charleston (CHS), Columbia (CAE), Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), or Hilton Head (HHH).
Public Access
South Carolina follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and SC Code § 43-33-20. Only trained Service Dogs—including psychiatric service dogs—must be allowed access to restaurants, hotels, retail stores, transit, medical buildings, and government offices. ESAs are not granted public-access privileges.
Additional Notes
- ADA: Only task-trained dogs qualify as Service Animals.
- ACAA: Airlines accept only trained Service Dogs for in-cabin flights.
- FHA & SC housing law: ESAs, PSAs, and Service Animals are protected for housing.
- Misrepresentation penalties: SC enforces fines for false Service Animal claims.
- Recognition Gear: Helpful in coastal tourist areas.
Applicable Laws
Emotional Support Animals (ESA):
Recognized only for housing; not recognized for public access or airline travel.
Psychiatric Support Animals (PSA):
Recognized as Service Animals only when task-trained.
Service Animals:
Recognized under ADA, ACAA, FHA, and SC Code § 43-33-20.