THE CANADIAN FOUNDATION FOR ANIMAL-ASSISTED SUPPORT SERVICES (CFAS)

SERVICE DOGS IN CANADA
​AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

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Innovation through a multifaceted lens
Removing Barriers...​

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Back to Service Dogs in Canada 
Download Text Version Briefing Paper
Target Audiences
End-Users/Consumers (Service Dog Teams), Producers (Service Dog Trainers or Service Dog Training Organizations), Regulators (Government: Public Access & Human Rights), Donors, Grant Makers, Corporate Sponsors, Private Sector, and Other Stakeholders (General Public, All those that are required to grant public access to Service Dog Teams)
Download the pdf Briefing Paper


Purpose of the Briefing Paper
This paper provides a summary of topics pertaining to Service Dogs in Canada along with an introduction to the big picture. There is also mention of the growing interest in the prospect of developing a Canadian Service Dog Industry Association. As a result, the Foundation is in the process of reviewing this probable next step.
Highlights Include:
  1. Basic Terminologies,
  2. Standards,
  3. Benefits of Competition, 
  4. End-Users/Consumers Checklist, and this
  5. Probable Next Step.​
Lastly, this briefing is the Foundation's response to those soliciting our support, answers, and information, while presenting this information through a progressive and holistic vantage point.  
Publications for Service Providers and Government Regulators Consideration
  • ​Abuse of Dominance
  • Collaborations with Competitors
  • ​​​Price Maintenance 
  • Refusal to Deal
  • ​​Restricting the Use and Supply of Products
  • ​Trade Associations and the Competition Act

PictureA picture of a glass that is half full or half empty depending on one's perspective.
An Evolving Landscape
A landscape is typically described as the visible features of a specific environment. In order to fully appreciate this landscape all of its features must become apparent. For instance, the Basic Terminologies section encompasses general explanations in an attempt to make things more clear. The reference to Standards are meant to help people grasp some of the nuances and differences within the standards arena and the importance of not using these terms interchangeably, but in their proper context. In all cases Standards within this context refer to service dog organizations  'private company standards'. 

​Presently, there are no consensus-based national or international 
Standards that meet the requirements recognized by the Canadian or global standardization network known as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Members of ISO cannot be individuals or companies, but rather, each member represents its own country. For example, Standards Council of Canada (SCC) represents Canada's National Standardization Network through its membership with  ISO. In a nutshell, there are standards, for developing standards. 

​Private company standards have merit in that their self-declaration echoes the commitment of the organizations that create and uphold them. However, without the proper infrastructure in place to showcase and value the industry at large, establish consensus-based standards, and a corresponding third-party conformity assessment scheme quality assurance and credibility is compromised; which brings us to our next topic; benefits. 


​The Benefits of Competition 
The Benefits of Competition are reinforced through the Trade Association Best Practices on account of their alignment with Canada's Competition Act. There is a fine line between competing in the marketplace and how organizations go about it, therefore, the Foundation is in the process of coordinating educational opportunities to inform this process.

​The End-Users/Consumers Checklist is the culmination of general responses from The Canadian Foundation for Animal Assisted Support Services (CFAS) when people are seeking direction as to how to get the help they need. CFAS receives hundreds of calls and thousands of email messages annually concerning Animal-Assisted Services and many of these communications relate to service dogs. As such, CFAS is no longer able to respond to every person and question individually, therefore, it made sense to provide a general checklist for consideration in order to compensate for the absence of an official guiding document. 


Where do service dogs fit within the grand scheme of things?
Canada's social fabric has involved and treasured their relationships with animals since the beginning of time, but there is still much confusion in terms of where they fit in exactly. For instance, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) currently recognizes 10 sectors nationwide, however, Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) is not on this list, but there is no reason why it couldn't be. 
​​Range of Animal-Assisted Services within 'this landscape':
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy and Activities
  • Equine Facilitated Learning
  • Equine Assisted Counseling 
  • Equine Leadership Development
  • Guide and Service Dogs
  • Trail Riding 
  • Hippo-Therapy/Medical Models
  • Therapeutic Riding
  • Prison Programs​...
Who benefits from Animal-Assisted Services?
​
Persons with: developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, visual, hearing and mobility impairments, head Injuries, neurological disorders, chronic illness, substance abuse issues, life-altering injuries, trauma-based injuries, vicarious trauma, pressures that lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels, etc. These reciprocal relationships whether informal, clinical, or non-clinical in nature benefit people, pets and partners (animals in service). Last, but by no means least, the welfare of the animals is paramount in all we do and aspire to do. 
PicturePeople and communities coming together to engage in interdisciplinary and cross-sector excellence.
Anthrozoology
​
​Anthrozoology is the study of Human-Animal Relationships (HAR). Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) would fall under this field of study, however, AAS is not a 'recognized field'. This up and coming field encapsulates a wide range of disciplines like humanities, veterinary medicine, social sciences, epidemiology, and anthropology. How would recognizing this industry ignite Canada's social landscape, economy as well as its industrial innovation? The possibilities are virtually endless. While this prospect may seem over the top it is possible. Much of the AAS Sector already exists it is just a matter of bringing it together and that is where CFAS comes in. 

​
CFAS endeavours to inspire and sustain the innovation, coordination, and integration of exceptional Animal-Assisted Services within Canada's healthcare, social services, justice, and corrections sectors in order to build a healthier and safer Canada with people, pets, and partners (animals in service). For more information please check out our milestones page and our overarching goals. Interest in blazing this trail has grown over the years, but we still have a ways to go given the breath and depth of this amazing landscape; and this is where you come in.

Tidbits from a flash Poll in May 2018
Given that canine-assisted services are so diverse, fragmented, and unregulated by the government or an impartial third party would you be willing to entertain discussions that may include a 
combination of the following topics: Please choose all that apply.
  • Auditing Tools and Resources to Manage Risk 35.71%
  • Developing Industry Quality Assurance Standards for Service Delivery 64.29%
  • Developing a Professional Code of Ethics, Code of Core Values and Code of Conduct 75%
  • Building Multi-Disciplinary Local Hubs, Provincial Networks, and Niche Oriented Communities of Practice 42.86%
  • Co-Creating a Canine Bill of Rights 57.14%
  • Establishing Service Specific Best Practices (How to apply a Standard or Standards) 60.71%
  • First Nations Perspective and Practices 14.29%
  • Introduction to Accreditation of Organizations 35.71%
  • Professional Development 67.86%
  • Qualifications and Certification of Trainers and Handlers 53.57%
  • Shifting the Paradigm - A New Canine-Assisted Services Narrative 35.71%
  • Spearheading the Development of a One Health for People, Pets, and Partners (Animals in Service) Portal and Culture 35.71%
Other (please specify) 10.71%
  • Expectations for canine-assisted persons
  • I would not pay to attend a 2-day conference so this question does not apply
  • Canines in schools
If the Foundation is able to get the necessary sponsorship to host a national event would you like to attend professional development workshops that address a number of commonalities like the ones listed below? Please check all that apply. 
  • Public Policy and Program Development 59.26%
  • Knowledge Mobilization - Building a Knowledge Network(s) 33.33%
  • How to Work in Tandem With Other Disability Initiatives 37.04%
  • An overview of Professional Development Opportunities 55.56%
  • Insurance and Managing Risk 22.22%
  • How to Work Smarter Not Harder in the Marketplace 22.22%
  • Working Together to Establish Best Practices 81.48%
  • Governance and Leading Organizations Through Change 14.81%
  • Volunteerism Best Practices 25.93%
  • Other (please specify)13.70%

Picture
1010 Polytek St., Unit 14, Ottawa, Ontario, K1J 9H9  
Email: community@cf4aass.org


Copyright 2020
​The Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services (CFAS) All rights reserved.


Business Number: 870159043RR0001 
  • Home
    • About Us
    • One Health for People Pets and Partners Initiative >
      • Covid-19
    • Board Members & CEO
    • Contact Us
    • Donation Form
    • Accomplishments
    • Patrons
  • Getting Involved is Easy
    • SMART Ambassadors
    • Build a Legacy
    • Charity Car
    • Donate Now Form
    • Giving Made Easy
    • How Your Gifts Can Help
    • ​​Round Up to Give! ​
    • The Major-General Lew MacKenzie Fund >
      • Animals in War Dedication! The Legacy Continues
  • People, Pets, and Partners
    • Unleashing Potential >
      • The Canadian Service Dog Consumer Survey
      • A Canadian Service Dog Industry Health Practitioners and Clinicians Survey
      • The Canadian Service Dog Industry Producers Survey
      • The ABC's of Service Dogs
    • Development of a National Standard of Canada for Service Dogs >
      • Service Dogs in Canada >
        • Service Dog Teams Public Access Challenges
        • Service Dogs in Canada - An Evolving Landscape >
          • Opt-In
        • Selecting a Service Dog Organization or Trainer
      • Standardization
    • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    • Industry Directory
  • Volunteerism
    • Employer Supported Volunteerism
    • Post Secondary Student Internships
  • Research & Development
    • Community Guard Insurance
    • Canadian Research Consortium >
      • Research Consortium Opt-In Form
      • The Canadian Animal-Assisted Services Virtual Centre of Excellence
      • Discovery >
        • Prince George Hub