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:
Is this a service animal required because of a disability?
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:
Trainer’s name
Name of the training center
Address and telephone number of the training center
The types of tasks the dog is being trained to perform
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:Handler’s name
Name of the training center or organization
Address and telephone number of the training center or organization
The types of tasks the dog is trained to perform
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:
Name of the trainer
Name of the training center
Address and telephone number of the training center
The types of functions for which the dog is being trained
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:
Name of the handler
Name of the training center or organization
Address and telephone number of the training center or organization
The types of functions for which the dog is being trained
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.
The Topeka Zoo is not responsible for the care of a service animal if it must be removed from the premises.
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
Rainforest Exhibit – No entry permitted due to close interaction with free-roaming animals.
Farmyard Contact Areas – No entry permitted due to close interaction with free-roaming animals.
Restricted with Limitations
Indoor Giraffe Viewing Area – Entry permitted, but service animals must remain at a safe distance.
Camp Cowabunga indoor viewing glass (lion, patas monkey, cheetah, porcupine) – Entry permitted, but service animals must remain at a safe distance.
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)
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!
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our service animal policy, please contact the Topeka Zoo 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.