HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair has recently adopted updated animal control requirements clarifying that only service animals are permitted on the Kansas State Fairgrounds during the annual Kansas State Fair. The policy is designed to enhance the safety and well-being of Fair guests, exhibitors, vendors, employees, volunteers, event participants, and livestock during the TEN MOST FAIRIFIED DAYS in Kansas.
Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support animals, and other animals that do not meet the legal definition of a service animal are not permitted on the Fairgrounds during the upcoming Kansas State Fair, September 11-20, 2026.
“Safety is our highest priority,” said Bryan K. Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “With hundreds of thousands of guests, hundreds of exhibitors, valuable livestock, and a wide variety of activities taking place throughout the Fairgrounds, limiting animals during the Fair to legally recognized service animals is an important step in protecting both people and animals. We know pets are an important part of many families, but the size and complexity of the State Fair require clear and consistent rules that help keep everyone safe.”
During the Kansas State Fair:
- Only service animals are permitted on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
- Service animals must meet the applicable legal definition and must always remain under the control of their handler.
- Pets, comfort animals, emotional support animals, therapy animals, and other animals that do not qualify as service animals are not permitted.
- Service animals may be excluded from certain areas when their presence would create a legitimate safety concern or otherwise be permitted by applicable law.
- Handlers are responsible for the care, control, and cleanup associated with their service animals.
- Animals participating as part of an officially approved Fair exhibit, competition, demonstration, performance, or other Fair activity may be permitted when specifically authorized by the Kansas State Fair.
The Kansas State Fair’s animal restrictions during the 10-day annual Fair are separate from the Fairgrounds’ year-round Dog Control Policy. During non-Fair activities, dogs on the Kansas State Fairgrounds must be properly restrained and under the physical control of their owner or handler unless specifically authorized for an approved activity.
The Fairgrounds’ Dog Control Policy also reinforces the Kansas State Fair’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment during non-Fair events and aligns Fairgrounds regulations with the City of Hutchinson’s requirements concerning dogs running at large.
Failure to comply with the policy may result in removal of the animal from the Fairgrounds, removal of the owner or handler from the property or event, and/or enforcement action by local law enforcement or Animal Control.
The Kansas State Fair appreciates the cooperation of all guests, exhibitors, vendors, participants, and event organizers in helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits the Fairgrounds.
For additional information regarding Kansas State Fairgrounds policies, contact the Kansas State Fair Administration Office at 620-669-3600 or visit www.kansasstatefair.gov.
