08/30/2026
The Kansas State Fair 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.
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.
For additional information regarding Kansas State Fairgrounds policies, contact the Kansas State Fair Administration Office at 620-669-3600 or https://www.kansasstatefair.gov/p/general-information1/leashed-dog-policy