Welcome to Service Dogs in Alberta
The world of service dogs – and working dogs in general – can be somewhat confusing, especially if it’s a new subject to you. This article will go through some of the most common questions people have about service dogs in Alberta, Canada, specifically. This includes definitions, laws and rules, what businesses need to know, and much more.
This article will touch on emotional support dogs just a little bit. Read more here: Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals.
Check out also on our blog: Where to Get a Service Dog in Canada
What Are Service Dogs in Alberta?
Let’s dive right in and learn about service dogs in Alberta. Service Dogs help people with specific tasks relating to visible and non-visible disabilities. Just a few examples of the things a Service Dog can help people with are epilepsy, PTSD, diabetes, and mobility limitations.
What Are Guide Dogs?
Guide dogs are specifically trained to assist people who are blind, have low vision, or are visually impaired.
Guide dogs and qualified service dogs have been trained and tested to ensure safety in public.
By law, qualified service dog teams have the right to access any location where the public is allowed.
How Do I Get a Psychiatric Service Dog in Alberta?
There are several organizations in Alberta that provide highly trained psychiatric service dogs to people who need them. Check out the following:
Aspen Service Dogs
Aspen Service Dogs is based in Edmonton and provides certified, government-approved PTSD Service Dogs that can help people who are living with anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, nightmares, inability to leave home, and general fear as a few examples.
PTSD Service Dogs are highly trained to arrest, deter, or negate certain behaviors in people. Examples are providing a physical safe zone around a person, sensing and deterring panic attacks, alerting others to a panic attack, and providing safety and security while outside the home.
The results of living with a PTSD service dog can translate into increased senses of safety, security, comfort, and sureness. This can lead to better well-being, less depression and anxiety, and even lower blood pressure.
BC and Alberta Guide Dogs
BC and Alberta Guide Dogs have offices in Delta, BC, and in Calgary. They have a program called VICD, which aims to help people with Operational Stress Injuries (OSI); one example being Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD).
Applicants to this program must have psychological injuries and trauma-related injuries as designated in the DSM-V. These must be caused by the performance of their occupation as a Veteran or First Responder.
Applicants must meet the criteria as set by the Aanderson Prescriber Guidelines (PDF, 4.4MB). In addition, you must have documentation from a regulated mental health professional that states how those criteria are met.
Courageous Companions
Courageous Companions provides high-quality Service Dogs to first responders and military veterans. This includes doctors, nurses, medics, corpsmen, paramedics, police, RCMP, municipal police, corrections officers, and military including regular and reserve forces & veterans.
These service dogs are provided at no cost, as this registered charity relies on community support, sponsors and donations.
Hope Heels Service Dogs
Hope Heels Service Dogs provides amazing service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost.
To apply, you need to show proof of service, provide a criminal record check, clear a vulnerable sector check, and have a prescription from a doctor for a service dog.
National Service Dogs
National Service Dogs provides certified PTSD dogs for first responders in BC, Ontario, and Alberta. Dogs are provided free of charge. These special dogs promote integration and activity, suppress hypervigilance, and provide reality affirmation and redirection.
Other Options For Psychiatric Service Dogs in Alberta
While these government-approved organizations are amazing, there are often long wait lists for them (it’s not unusual to see a 2+ year wait, and some are not even accepting any applications right now due to Covid, or because they don’t have enough volunteer puppy-raisers).
There are other options
- You could train the dog yourself
- You could have your dog privately trained
- Or have a dog trained by another organization that is not recognized in Alberta
For these options, your dog would then need to be assessed by Alberta. The rest of this article discusses this assessment process in great detail.
Service Dogs in Alberta: Identification Card
Service dogs in Alberta Require an ID Card (FREE)
Service dogs in Alberta with their person are allowed to access public places, but they must have an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card. There’s no fee to get the ID card.
When you’re in public with your Service Dog, you should always carry your ID Card with you. This verifies that you and your Service Dog have protected public access rights in Alberta.
Each Service Dog ID Card Has…
- The names of the handler and dog
- A photo of the handler and dog
- A validation number
- Date of expiration
Service Dogs In Alberta: Eligibility for Service Dog ID Card
You can apply for your Service Dogs in Alberta ID Card if you have a Service Dog that has:
- Passed an assessment from one of Alberta’s approved service dog providers, graduated from a program accredited by Assistance Dogs International, or
- Been qualified by an organization contracted by a provincial or territorial government in Canada to train or assess service dogs to standards equivalent to the Alberta Training Standard
If your service dog does not have one of these qualifications, you can apply to have your service dog assessed.
How to Apply For a Service Dog ID Card
When you meet the qualifications, you can:
Apply online for an ID card or request an application form by contacting the Service Dog Assessment team at 780-427-9136 or servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
There is no fee for the card.
Photo Requirements for Service Dog ID Card
You need to submit a photo of yourself with your Service Dog.
Your assessor or trainer may be able to take your photo and submit it on your behalf.
Your photo must follow these guidelines:
- Must clearly show you with your Service Dog
- No other dogs or people in the photo
- You must be facing the camera
- Your face must be clear and visible.
- The image must be a close-up portrait format
After You Apply
It will take about 2 weeks for your official Identification Card to arrive in the mail.
Contact
To connect with the Service Dog Assessment Team:
Phone: 780-427-9136 (Edmonton)
Toll free in Alberta: dial 310-0000, then the phone number
Email: servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
Address
Service Dog Assessment Team
Community and Social Services
3rd Floor Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Service Dogs in Alberta – Public Access Rights
Remember to carry your Service Dog ID card with you at all times when in public.
Under the law, a qualified service dog team has the right to access public spaces.
The right to public access means that a service dog team has the right to go anywhere the public is allowed to go, including:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Retail stores
- Movie theaters
- Golf courses
- Schools
- Pet-restricted apartments or condos
- Hospitals
- Taxis and buses
- Places of worship
- All other public areas
*This does not apply to non-public areas such as food preparation areas, sterile hospital rooms or restricted access areas.
If other people are present who are allergic to dogs, afraid of dogs, or avoid them for religious reasons, the rights of both parties must be taken into account.
A reasonable compromise should be found to accommodate both parties. The Service Dog Assessment Team may be of assistance in finding options for dealing with conflicting interests.
How To Interact With Service Dogs in Alberta
Please Don’t Distract Service Dogs
Service Dogs are working dogs, not pets. They need to be treated differently from pets. Service dogs are there to assist someone living with a disability, and it’s important they are not distracted from their important work. They really have to focus on their handler and the task they are doing.
Service Dogs have been trained to very high standards and typically ignore distractions, but they are not perfect. A distracted service dog could make a mistake that puts it and its handler in danger.
Some Examples of Distractions
- Calling to the dog
- Making kissing, barking or other sounds
- Petting the dog without permission
- Allowing pets to interact with the dog
Please Don’t Offer Food to Service Dogs
Service dogs are trained to ignore food on the ground and not to beg for food. Feeding a service dog could make it sick, which could risk its handler’s independence.
Please, Don’t Be Offended
Don’t be offended if:
- A service dog handler will not let you pet his or her dog
- The dog is working and should not be interrupted in the performance of its duties
- A service dog handler doesn’t stop to chat
- They may be in a hurry or have other reasons not to be able to stop and talk
Allow a service dog handler to go about his or her business just as you would anyone else.
Please Be Respectful to Service Dogs
- Speak to the person, not to the dog
- Avoid asking personal questions about the handler’s disability
- Do not ask for the dog to do a demonstration of its skills
- Don’t photograph or record a service dog team without permission
Responsibilities of Service Dog Handlers
- It is the responsibility of the service dog handler to maintain control of the dog at all times.
- Service dogs should not growl, bark aggressively, snap, bite, or lunge.
- If the service dog displays behaviors that are aggressive, damage property or are disruptive to other patrons, the service dog team can be asked to leave.
- The handler is responsible for any damages caused by their service dog.
- Handlers are required to clean up or make arrangements to clean up if their service dog toilets in a public place.
Service Dogs in Alberta: Responsibilities of Businesses
Individuals with qualified service dogs are allowed entry into all places where the public is allowed. Businesses should keep the following information in mind:
- The rights of all Albertans must be considered in a respectful and tolerant manner.
- If your customers or employees have allergies, a fear of dogs, or don’t want to be near dogs, they can make their fear known to you and ask that you make alternate arrangements for them.
- You can’t designate a specific area for individuals with service dogs, such as an outside seating area.
- A taxi driver unable to transport the person and the service dog can order another taxi from the company, requesting that a priority response be provided.
Businesses that discriminate against qualified service dog teams can be fined
Traveling to Alberta With a Service Dog
If you are planning long-term stays in Alberta or will be traveling frequently to the province, you should apply for an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card.
People traveling with dogs with owner-managed training or that have graduated from a non-ADI school can apply for a qualification assessment. Please note that the application process and assessment scheduling takes some time, so plans must be made well in advance of travel.
Service Dogs in Alberta – Violations & Penalties
The Service Dogs Act includes fines for violations from both service dog handlers and businesses. Fines include the following:
| Offense | Fine (Max.) |
|---|---|
| Falsely claiming to be a disabled person to get protection under the Act | $300 |
| Refusing to return a service dog identification card when asked to do so | $300 |
| Discriminating against a person lawfully using a qualified service dog or refusing access to qualified service dog teams | $3,000 |
Report a Concern About Service Dogs in Alberta, a Handler or Trainer
You can report a concern about a service dog, service dog handler, or service dog trainer.
Contact
To connect with the Service Dog Assessment Team:
Phone: 780-427-9136 (Edmonton)
Toll free in Alberta: dial 310-0000, then the phone number
Email: servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
Address:
Service Dog Assessment Team
Community and Social Services
3rd Floor Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Get a Service Dog Decal for Your Business to Welcome Service Dogs in Alberta
Service Dogs Decal Show your business is welcoming and inclusive towards people with disabilities and service dogs by placing a Government of Alberta Service Dog Decal on your door or window.
To request a decal, contact the Service Dog Assessment Team:Phone: 780-427-9136
Toll-free: dial 310-0000, then the phone number
Email: servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
How to Report a Concern About a Service Dog
You can report a concern to the Service Dog Assessment Team if you encounter or witness a violation of the Service Dogs Act and Service Dogs Qualification Regulations (PDF, 278 KB) or Alberta Training Standard (155 KB).
Service Dogs In Alberta – Responsibilities of a Service Dog Handler
It is the responsibility of the handler to maintain control of the service dog at all times. If the service dog displays behaviors that are aggressive, disruptive to other patrons, or damaging to property, the service dog team can be asked to leave.
Service Dogs in Alberta – Accommodation For Others
The rights of all Albertans must be considered in a respectful and tolerant manner. Some people may have allergies, fear dogs, or avoid dogs for religious reasons.
Upon expressing their concerns to the manager of the public space, they, the manager, and the service dog team will cooperate to make alternate arrangements or find a compromise that satisfies everyone.
Common Concerns About Service Dog Teams
Some people may have a concern about service dogs in Alberta. Some common concerns may be:
- A qualified service dog team being denied access to public space after presenting their Service Dog Team Identification Card
- A service dog acting in an unruly, intrusive, or aggressive manner
- A service dog handler or trainer using harmful or injurious discipline on their service dog
Service Dogs In Alberta – Report a Concern About Service Dog & Handler
Please use the Service Dog Concerns Form (PDF, 155 KB) to report your concerns.
You can submit the form by mailing it to the address below, by faxing it to 780-427-9145 or by email at servicedogs@gov.ab.ca.
Contact the Service Dogs in Alberta Assessment Team
To connect with the Service Dog Assessment Team:
Phone: 780-427-9136 (Edmonton)
Toll free in Alberta: dial 310-0000, then the phone number
Email: servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
Address:
Service Dog Assessment Team
Community and Social Services
3rd Floor Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Service Dogs In Alberta – Overview of the Service Dog Qualification Assessment
A service dog team can take the Service Dog Qualification Assessment (PDF, 212 KB) to become qualified and have public access rights. This assessment is needed for service dogs that:
- Have been trained by their owner
- Are privately trained
- Are acquired from an organization not recognized in Alberta
Service dogs in Alberta do not need to be assessed if they have:
- Completed a program delivered by one of Alberta’s approved service dog organizations
- Graduated from a program that is accredited by, or holding candidacy status with Assistance Dogs International
- Have been qualified by an organization contracted by a provincial or territorial government in Canada to train or assess service dogs to standards equivalent to the Alberta Training Standards determined by the Minister
Service Dogs In Alberta Assessment Details
The Service Dog Qualification Assessment (PDF, 212 KB) evaluates the service dog team in a variety of settings to prove they do not pose a risk to the public. The dog must also demonstrate a minimum of 3 skills or tasks it does to help with the handler’s disability.
The assessment is based on the Alberta Training Standard and consists of 40 exercises that test the service dog’s ability to:
- Assist the person with a disability
- Demonstrate appropriate public behavior
- Demonstrate a calm disposition in busy places, like a shopping mall
- Not attracting attention in public places
The handler is assessed to make sure they have control over the dog at all times.
Once a letter of approval has been received, a Service Dog Identification Card will be processed and mailed to the handler.
Cost of the Assessment
The assessment fee is $50 for Albertans and $150 for out-of-province applicants.
Albertans receiving income support may be eligible to have the fee waived and receive reimbursement for travel costs to attend the Assessment. Contact the Service Dog Assessment Team for more information.
Eligibility
Service Dog Handler
You can get your service dog assessed if you:
- Are 18 years of age or older with a diagnosed disability and require a service dog to help with tasks related to your disability
- Are a service dog team consisting of a minor with a diagnosed disability, a service dog, and an adult service dog handler
Service Dogs In Alberta Eligibility
Service dogs are eligible for assessment if they:
- Are between the age of 18 months and 9 years of age
- Have been spayed or neutered
- Are in good physical health
- Have current vaccinations
- Are clean and well groomed
- Are physically and mentally capable of performing a minimum of 3 tasks to help with the handler’s disability
Service Dogs In Alberta – Before You Can Get Them Assessed
Before getting your dog assessed, you may want to get upgrade training for your service dog.
How To Get an Assessment for Your Service Dog in Alberta
Step 1. Fill out the forms
You can also get printed versions of the forms by contacting the Service Dog Assessment Team.
- Fill out the Qualification Assessment Application form (PDF, 215 KB).
- Get your doctor to provide a medical recommendation and your veterinarian to provide the veterinary requirement. Fill out the two forms below:
- Medical Recommendation form (PDF, 250 KB)
- Veterinarian Requirements form (PDF, 212 KB)
Step 2. Mail or drop off completed forms
Service Dog Assessment Team
Community and Social Services
3rd Floor Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenuue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Once the application is processed, you will be contacted to set up a time and location for the assessment. Note: Incomplete applications and packages will not be processed.
Step 3. Go to the assessment
Go to the location of the assessment on the day and time it is scheduled. The assessment will be done in public areas that include distractions such as:
- Crowds
- Food
- Transportation
- Other animals
If appropriate assessment areas are not available in your community, alternate arrangements will be made.
Trained staff from approved organizations will conduct the assessment.
The service dog team must successfully complete all assessment exercises of the Qualification Assessment (PDF, 212 KB). The assessor will explain each exercise prior to beginning the assessment.
Service Dog Handler Behavior
The assessor may stop, postpone or cancel the assessment at any point if they feel that the performance of the assessment may cause risk to any person or animal.
The assessment will immediately be stopped if the handler
- Uses offensive language
- Utters threats
- Refuses to have their dog perform required tasks
- Buses the dog
Grounds for Disqualification
A dog will be disqualified if it:
- Shows aggression, enhanced prey drive, resource guarding, or excessive fear
- Requires major restraint or a continuously tight leash to perform the exercises, unless required to do so due to the handler’s mobility
- Is distracted to the extent of causing risk to itself, the client, the assessor or public
- Has poor health
If a dog is disqualified for any of these reasons, it may not be eligible for further assessments.
After Your Service Dogs in Alberta Assessment
You will be notified about the assessment results in writing. If you qualify, you will get a temporary letter of acknowledgment for public access. An official Identification Card will be mailed to you shortly after. Service dog teams should carry their ID with them at all times when in public.
If Your Assessment Was Unsuccessful
If the assessment is unsuccessful, the Service Dog Assessment Team will discuss the reasons with you.
You can apply to have your dog reassessed if:
- The failure was not due to the service dog’s aggression, enhanced prey drive, resource guarding or excessive fear
- You were unsuccessful in fewer than 5 exercises
You can apply for reassessment after 30 days after the last assessment. The Service Dog Assessment Team may request a longer period to wait for a reassessment.
Contact
To connect with the Service Dog Assessment Team:
Phone: 780-427-9136 (Edmonton)
Toll free in Alberta: dial 310-0000, then the phone number
Email: servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
Address:
Service Dog Assessment Team
Community and Social Services
3rd Floor Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Service Dogs in Alberta – Approved Organizations
Where to Get a Service Dog? How to Get a Service Dog in Alberta
Jump to:
- Aspen Service Dogs
- Canadian Canine Training Corporation
- Courageous Companions Incorporated
- Hope Heels Service Dogs
- Red Dog Training Solutions
- Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
- Dogs With Wings
- Lions Foundation of Canada
- National Service Dogs
- Pacific Assistance Dogs Society
- BC & Alberta Guide Dogs
Where to find service dogs in Alberta? The following organizations meet the requirements of the Alberta Training Standard:
Aspen Service Dogs
Provider, trainer and assessor.
Head Office:
17212 106a Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5S 1E6
Phone: (780) 455-8137
Aspen Service Dogs can help to train or provide service dogs in Alberta for people who may need them. The different types of service dog programs available are:
- Mobility Service Dogs – For people with limited or restricted ability to move. Service dogs can help improve quality of life.
- Autism Service Dogs – Autism dogs can provide support, safety, companionship and assurance
- PTSD Service Dogs – PTSD dogs are highly trained and sensitive to arrest, negate, or deter certain behaviors and can improve quality of life
- Facility Service Dogs – Have basic obedience training and organization-specific training
Canadian Canine Training Corporation
Provide service dogs in Alberta and training.
52111 Range Road 231
Sherwood Park, Alberta T8B 1A4
Phone: 780-416-5050
TEL: 1-780-416-5050
FAX: 1-780-416-5545
EMAIL: train@canadiancaninetraining.com
LOCATION: 1.4 Km South of Whitemud Dr. extension (secondary Hwy 628) on Range Road 231 (Clover Bar Road)
Canadian Canine Training Corporation provides different services, including:
- Training
- Training for Trainers
- Boarding
- Grooming
- Daycare
Courageous Companions Incorporated
Provider of PTSD service dogs in Alberta for military personnel and first responders.
Box 48074
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 5V9
Phone: 780-982-4790
Courageous Companions Incorporated is a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency. It proudly provides high quality, trained Service Dogs in Alberta to military veterans and first responders, at no cost. It relies on volunteers and donations.
The program can benefit the following types of first responders:
- Medical Personnel (doctors, nurses, medics, corpsmen, paramedics)
- Police Officers (RCMP, Municipal police, Corrections Officers)
- Military Personnel in Canada:
- Regular Forces, Reserve Forces, Veterans
Dogs are trained for an individual’s specific needs.
We are a 100% volunteer driven organization that strives to restore dignity, rebuild confidence, and increase the quality of life for our brave men and women who serve in uniform. Service Dogs provided at no cost
Hope Heels Service Dog Team Building Institute
Service dog provider
4748 99 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5H5
Phone: 780-719-3284
Hope Heels Service Dogs has a BRAVO K9 program. In this program, service dogs in Alberta are raised, trained and then placed with First Responders and Veterans who are living with Operational Stress Injuries (PTSD).
With community support and sponsorship, these dogs are provided at no cost to the people who need them.
They also have a program for Canine Assisted Intervention Dogs (CAI’s) – These are highly trained dogs that work directly with a therapeutic professional. The goal is to help the clients achieve different therapeutic goals.
Red Dog Training Solutions
Provide training.
12136 168 Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5X 0J1
Phone: 780-782-7318
To receive an application for a BRAVO K9 service dog, please email Applications@HopeHeels.com
Red Dog Training Solutions Inc is a coaching and consulting business for persons seeking help with navigating the Service Dog industry. We provide up to date training methodology based on Science and Choice for you and your Service Dog. We bridge the gap for owner trained dogs to be the best they can be in a world of triumphs and successes.
Programs and services include:
- Private Consultation for pet/companion dogs for assessment and training goals
- Skills and thrills – to work as a group in public locations
- Puppy / Dog evaluations – maximize training goals
- Board-to-train: limited space available
- Provincial Assessment – get a run-through of the provincial qualification test
- Training session – follow-up training
- Litter evaluations – to help you choose the perfect puppy
Contact Red Dog Training Solutions
The following organizations are accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and/or Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
These schools will only place their own guide or service dogs with approved clients. They do not accept privately-owned dogs for training.
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
Phone: 613-692-7777
4120 Rideau Valley Drive North
PO Box 280 Manotick, Ontario
K4M 1A3, Canada
You can apply to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind if you are:
- Registered as legally blind
- Permanent resident of Canada
- At least sixteen years old
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind are provided FREE of charge. They will cover the costs associated with training the dog. This includes transportation to and from their National Training Center.
It also includes room and board for 3 weeks, plus the training course, the dog, and necessary equipment.
Clients will be responsible for all expenses after graduation. This can include things like food, veterinary expenses, and other costs.
Dogs With Wings
Provider of guide and service dogs.
11343 174 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 0B7
Phone: 780-944-8011
Toll free: 1-877-252-9433
Dogs With Wings provides:
- Service Dogs
- Autism Service Dogs
- Facility Dogs
- Companion Dogs
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
152 Wilson Street
Oakville, ON L6K 0G6
Phone: 905-842-2891
Toll free: 1-800-768-3030
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides provides various kinds of Service Dogs, including:
- Canine Vision
- Hearing
- Seizure Response
- Autism Assistance
- Diabetic Alert
- Facility Support
- Career Change Dogs
Dogs are provided FREE of charge to people who need them. However, once the dog is in the client’s care, clients are responsible for ongoing costs. A service dog is still a dog! And, needs things such as food and veterinary care (approx. $2,500/year).
National Service Dogs
1286 Cedar Creek Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5
Phone: 519-623-4188
info@nsd.on.ca
National Service Dogs provides many programs, including:
- Certified Service Dogs For Autism
- Certified Service Dogs For PTSD
- Canine Assisted Intervention
- Companion Dogs
- Very Important Pets
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society
Provider of service dogs.
9048 Stormont Avenue
Burnaby, BC V3N 4G6
Phone: 604-527-0556
Toll free: 1-877-292-1765
PADS provides:
- Service Dogs
- PTSD Service Dogs
- Hearing Dogs
- Facility Dogs
- VIP Dogs
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs
Provider of guide and service dogs.
#11 6115-4th Street SE
Calgary, AB T2H 2H9
Tel: 403.258.0819
Toll-free in Alberta: 1.877.258.0819
Email:info@albertaguidedog.com
Phone: 403-258-0819
Toll free: 1-877-258-0819
BC and Alberta Guide Dogs provides:
- Guide Dogs
- Autism Service Dogs
- PTSD Service Dogs
British Columbia Service Dogs
The Province of British Columbia service dogs training standards are equivalent to the Alberta Training Standards and are accepted in Alberta.
For organizations to be eligible for the qualified list, as per section 1(2)(b) of the Service Dogs Qualifications Regulation, AR 59/2017, an organization must meet the requirements set out in A or B:
A. Training methods and standards for dogs
- The organization uses training methods that support the ethical and humane treatment of service dogs that do not cause fear, pain or other negative responses in the dog, for example, no shock collar, prong collar or similar equipment is to be used in the training or testing of a service dog.
- The organization has a service dog training or testing program that ensures dogs that are trained or tested meet the following standards:
Health
- Are between the ages of 18 months and nine (9) years.
- Current vaccinations up to date
- Have been spayed, if female (ovariohysterectomy) or neutered, if male (bilateral orchiectomy).
- Have an operating microchip that is a full duplex type conforming to ISO Standards 11784 and 11785.
Public Appropriateness
- Are clean, well-groomed and do not have an offensive odour.
- Toilet only in appropriate circumstances and locations.
- Display a jacket, cape, harness or other equipment to indicate that it is a working animal assisting a person with a disability.
- Present as healthy and able to work.
Behavior
- Do not solicit attention, visit or annoy any member of the general public.
- Don’t disrupt the normal course of business.
- Do not vocalize unnecessarily, i.e. barking, growling or whining.
- Show no aggression towards people or other animals.
- Do not solicit or steal food or other items from the general public.
- Work calmly and quietly in a harness, leash.
- Are able to perform tasks in public without showing distress or avoidance.
- Are able to lie quietly beside the handler without blocking aisles, doorways, etc.
- Stay within 24 inches of their handler at all times unless the nature of a trained task requires them to be working at a greater distance.
Basic Obedience Skills
- Are able to demonstrate mastery of basic obedience skills sufficient to support a disabled person having public access with that dog.
- Are able to focus on the person with a disability despite distractions, such as children running, loud noises, flashing lights, traffic, and presence of food, balls, toys or other attractants.
- Have prompt recall directly to the handler.
- Respond to commands 90 per cent of the time on the first command in all public environments.
- Exhibit good canine citizenship and be able to demonstrate that the dog is safe to be in a public setting.
Advanced Skills
- Have mastered the Basic Obedience Skills set out above.
- Are capable of performing three (3) or more tasks in order to mitigate aspects of the handler’s disability, i.e. performing specific tasks which the handler is unable to do themselves due to their disability.
- Have received a minimum of 240 hours of advanced training.
Related: Do Service Dogs Need a Vest in Canada?
Sam is an experienced writer, advocate for people with disabilities and mental health, dog lover, artist, philosopher, and generally complicated human being.
