Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal to become a crime in Alabama.

Starting Sept. 1, it will be a Class C misdemeanor that could result in a $100 fine and 100 hours of community service to falsely claim to have a service animal to gain access to public places or accommodations, The Birmingham News reported.

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Service animals are listed as either a dog or miniature horse trained to perform a task to help a person with a disability. Animals that provide comfort or emotional support are not classified as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Alabama is one of 25 states with laws against the use of fake service animals.

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez