Service Dog Policy

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center welcomes guests with service animals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while also maintaining the health and welfare of the rare and endangered species in our care.

What Qualifies as a Service Animal?

Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy dogs, and pets do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted.

Zoo staff may ask:

  1. Is this a service animal required because of a disability?

  2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Special Classifications Recognized by Kansas Law

  • Service Dogs in Training

    Service dogs in training are allowed in the Zoo when accompanied by a qualified trainer. The trainer must provide, upon request, an identification card or letter containing the following information:

    1. Trainer’s name

    2. Name of the training center

    3. Address and telephone number of the training center

    4. The types of tasks the dog is being trained to perform

    5. A picture of the trainer

  • Professional Therapy Dogs

    Professional therapy dogs may enter the Zoo when working as part of a professional care team and under the control of a qualified handler.
    Handlers must produce, upon request, the same identification card or letter as required for service dogs in training, which includes:

    1. Handler’s name

    2. Name of the training center or organization

    3. Address and telephone number of the training center or organization

    4. The types of tasks the dog is trained to perform

    5. A picture of the handler

General Rules for Service Animals

  • Service Dogs in Training

    A dog that is being trained to become a service dog is welcome at the Topeka Zoo when accompanied by a qualified trainer. Service dogs in training are subject to the same rules and guidelines as fully trained service dogs.

    The trainer must produce, upon request, an identification card or letter containing the following information:

    1. Name of the trainer

    2. Name of the training center

    3. Address and telephone number of the training center

    4. The types of functions for which the dog is being trained

    5. A picture of the trainer

  • Professional Therapy Dogs

    A dog that is being trained to be a professional therapy dog may be admitted to the Zoo when accompanied by its handler. Professional therapy dogs are subject to the same rules and guidelines as fully trained service dogs.

    Handlers must produce, upon request, the same identification card or letter required for service dogs in training, which includes:

    1. Name of the handler

    2. Name of the training center or organization

    3. Address and telephone number of the training center or organization

    4. The types of functions for which the dog is being trained

    5. A picture of the handler

General Rules for Service Animals

  • Must be leashed, harnessed, or tethered unless this interferes with their task.

  • Must remain under the handler’s voice or signal control at all times.

  • Owners are responsible for supervision, care, and well-being of the service animal.

  • Service animals may be excluded if:

    • They are aggressive or out of control.
    • They are not housebroken.
    • They pose a direct threat to the safety or well-being of others.

Guests may continue to enjoy the zoo even if their service animal must be removed.

Sensitive or Restricted Areas

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, fully trained service dogs are welcome at the Topeka Zoo. It is our intent for all guests to safely enjoy the Zoo’s experiences while being responsible stewards of the rare and endangered animals in our care, including following guidelines set by the USDA Animal Welfare Act.

For the welfare of both Zoo animals and service animals, some areas are restricted due to the potential for stress, agitation, or risk to the Zoo’s animals. Guests with service animals may be asked to bypass the following areas:

Off-Limits Areas

  • Giraffe Feeding Platform

  • Elephant Barn

  • Lorikeet Feeding Area

Restricted with Limitations

  • Farmyard Contact Areas – No entry

  • Indoor Giraffe Viewing – Keep a safe distance

  • Rainforest Exhibit – Entry permitted, but please move through quickly

Zoo staff may monitor your path to help avoid disruption to sensitive animal habitats.

Signs of Distress (Zoo Animals)

If any Zoo animal shows signs of distress—including vocalizing, erratic behavior, or excessive movement—please move away from the exhibit immediately.

Animal Health & Behavior Check

Staff may assess service animals for:

  • Aggressive or uncontrolled behavior

  • Visible signs of illness (nasal discharge, vomiting, scabs, parasites)

Download detailed Service Dog Policy here

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we balance the safety, enjoyment, and accessibility of our Zoo with the welfare of the animals in our care. Thank you for being a respectful and responsible guest!

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Contact Us

If you have any questions about our service animal policy, please contact Guest Services at 785-368-9180.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is committed to making the Zoo a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experience for all. We believe everyone should be able to enjoy the wonders of wildlife, and we strive to support that by accommodating individuals with disabilities while maintaining the safety and well-being of the animals in our care.