Fairgrounds Dog Control Policy

Kansas State Fair Reminds Guests: Only Service Animals Permitted During Annual Fair

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,

July 28, 2026

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair has adopted a new Dog Control Policy requiring all dogs on the Kansas State Fairgrounds to be under the physical control of their owner or handler while on the property. The policy is designed to enhance the safety of visitors, exhibitors, vendors, employees, volunteers, event participants, and livestock during both Kansas State Fair and non-Fair events.

The new policy reinforces the Kansas State Fair's longstanding commitment to providing a safe, family-friendly environment while aligning Fairgrounds regulations with the City of Hutchinson's existing ordinance regarding dogs running at large.

"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 year-round events taking place on our grounds, keeping dogs properly restrained is an important step in protecting both people and animals. This policy provides clear expectations for pet owners while helping ensure everyone can enjoy the Fairgrounds safely."

Under the policy:

• All dogs on the Kansas State Fairgrounds must be on a leash and under the physical control of a responsible owner or handler.
• Dogs may not be permitted to run at large anywhere on the Fairgrounds.
• Owners are responsible for maintaining control of their animals, cleaning up after them, and ensuring their pets do not create a nuisance or pose a threat to others.
• Dogs participating in approved Fair, non-Fair, or vendor-authorized obedience training activities are exempt from the leash requirement only while actively participating and must always remain under control.

The policy is consistent with City of Hutchinson Ordinance Section 7-407, which prohibits dogs from running at large within the city. Kansas law does not establish a statewide leash requirement, leaving regulation to local jurisdictions. During the annual Kansas State Fair, additional regulations governing animals also apply under K.A.R. 116-2-1.

If an unrestrained or unattended dog is observed on the Fairgrounds during the Kansas State Fair, guests should notify the Kansas Highway Patrol immediately. During non-Fair, the Fair Office should be contacted so the Hutchinson Police Department or Animal Control can be notified if necessary.

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, and event organizers in helping maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits the Fairgrounds throughout the year.

For additional information regarding Fairgrounds policies, please contact the Kansas State Fair Administration Office at 620-669-3600.