TCA 39-16-304
Misrepresentation of service animal or support animal
MISDEMEANOR BClass B Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to falsely claim that an animal is a service animal or support animal (trained to help people with disabilities) in order to keep the animal in rental housing or bring it into public places. This includes providing fake documentation claiming an animal is a service animal when it is not. Violation is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to $500 in fines, plus the person must perform 100 hours of community service for an organization serving people with disabilities within 6 months.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass B Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail6 months
Maximum Fine$500
Penalty SummaryClass B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500
(a) As used in this section, “service animal” and “support animal” have the same meanings as the terms are defined in § 66-7-111(a). (b) A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of a service animal or support animal who knowingly: (1) Fraudulently represents, as a part of a request to maintain a service animal or support animal in residential rental property under § 66-7-111 or § 66-28-406, that the person has a disability or disability-related need for the use of a service animal or support animal; (2) Provides documentation to a landlord under § 66-7-111(c) or § 66-28-406(c) that falsely states an animal is a service animal or support animal; or (3) Fraudulently represents or provides documentation that falsely states that an animal is a service animal or service animal in training to an employee of a public accommodation. (c) Misrepresentation of a service animal or support animal is a Class B misdemeanor. In addition to the penalty provided under this subsection (c), a person who commits the offense of misrepresentation of a service animal shall perform one hundred (100) hours of community service for an organization that serves individuals with disabilities, or for another entity or organization, at the discretion of the court, to be completed within six (6) months of an order issued by the court.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR B
TCA Section39-16-304
Max Jail6 months
Max Fine$500