Service animals, including service animals in training, are allowed onto the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. Fairgoers are not allowed to bring pets or emotional support animals.

Service animals are specially trained to perform a function or job for an owner with a physical, intellectual or emotional disability. These working animals may provide the comfort of an emotional support animal, but they have been trained to complete certain tasks. Service animals are trained to help their owners deal with large crowds, loud or unexpected noises, as well as assist them during an unexpected emergency.

Most importantly, service animals are offered legal protections through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An emotional support animal does not share those same legal protections. If an emotional support animal or pet were to bite another fairgoer, that animal's owner will be held responsible, as could ESE for allowing a non-service animal on the grounds.

We want to keep everyone as safe as possible and that is why Eastern States Exposition does not allow pets or emotional support animals on the fairgrounds.