Service Dog Rights in Canada by Province

Service dog rights in Canada vary by province, as each has its own laws regarding public access, certification, and identification. While no national certification standard exists, federal protections ensure that individuals with disabilities and their service dogs have certain rights across the country.

Federal Protections for Service Dogs

Transportation

Under the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR), airlines, rail, bus, and marine carriers must accommodate service dogs at no extra charge. However, airlines may request documentation confirming the dog's training, so it’s best to check requirements in advance.

Housing

The Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial human rights laws protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in housing, including the right to have a service dog. Landlords and housing providers cannot refuse a tenant because they have a service dog.

Employment

Under human rights laws, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for service dog handlers and cannot discriminate against employees who require a service dog for their disability.

Province-by-Province Breakdown

Each province and territory in Canada has its own regulations regarding service dogs. Below is a summary of key aspects in each region.

British Columbia

• Legal Definition: A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.

• Public Access Rights: Full access to public spaces.

• Certification Requirements: BC offers voluntary certification under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act. Dogs trained by schools accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) are recognized.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Fines may be imposed for denying access.

• Government Contacts: Security Programs Division, Victoria, BC.

Alberta

• Legal Definition: A service dog is trained to assist individuals with disabilities.

• Public Access Rights: Full access to public places.

• Certification Requirements: Alberta offers voluntary certification.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Fines for denial of access.

• Government Contacts: Service Dog Assessment Team, Alberta Government.

Saskatchewan

• Legal Definition: Service animals are defined under provincial human rights legislation.

• Public Access Rights: Protected under human rights laws.

• Certification Requirements: No provincial certification.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Complaints handled by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

Manitoba

• Legal Definition: Recognized under The Human Rights Code.

• Public Access Rights: Guaranteed under provincial law.

• Certification Requirements: No specific provincial certification.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Complaints addressed by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Ontario

• Legal Definition: Defined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

• Public Access Rights: Service animals are permitted in public spaces.

• Certification Requirements: No provincial certification, but documentation from a regulated health professional may be required.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Subject to penalties under the AODA.

• Government Contacts: Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.

Quebec

• Legal Definition: Recognized under provincial human rights legislation.

• Public Access Rights: Protected under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

• Certification Requirements: No provincial certification.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Complaints handled by the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse.

New Brunswick

• Legal Definition: Service animals recognized under the Human Rights Act.

• Public Access Rights: Guaranteed under provincial law.

• Certification Requirements: No specific provincial certification.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Complaints handled by the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.

Nova Scotia

• Legal Definition: A service dog is trained to assist individuals with disabilities.

• Public Access Rights: Protected under the Service Dog Act.

• Certification Requirements: Voluntary certification is available.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Fines and penalties as outlined in the Service Dog Act.

• Government Contacts: Service Dog Program, Government of Nova Scotia.

Prince Edward Island

• Legal Definition: Service animals recognized under the Human Rights Act.

• Public Access Rights: Protected under provincial law.

• Certification Requirements: No specific provincial certification.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Complaints handled by the PEI Human Rights Commission.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut

• Legal Definition: Service animals are recognized under human rights legislation.

• Public Access Rights: Guaranteed under local and federal laws.

• Certification Requirements: No specific provincial or territorial certification.

• Penalties for Discrimination: Complaints handled by respective human rights commissions.

Traveling with a Service Dog in Canada

Domestic Travel (Air, Rail, Bus, and Ferry)

• Service dogs travel free of charge under ATPDR regulations.

• Airlines may require documentation confirming the dog’s training.

• Notify the carrier in advance to confirm requirements and avoid issues.

Crossing Provincial Borders with a Service Dog

• Some provinces, such as BC and Alberta, have certification requirements, while others, like Ontario and Quebec, do not.

• Challenges: If traveling from a non-certification province into one that requires it, businesses or public spaces may question access rights.

• Solution: Carry a doctor’s note and any training documentation to help prove the dog’s legitimacy.

• Pro Tip: If concerned about access issues, contact local human rights commissions or service dog regulatory bodies before traveling.

Understanding service dog rights in Canada requires navigating both federal and provincial laws. While some provinces mandate certification, others rely on human rights protections. If you travel between provinces, especially to those with certification requirements, carry supporting documentation to avoid challenges.

If you experience discrimination, contact your provincial human rights commission to report violations.