Man's Best Friend
removing barriers...
Service Dogs in Canada - A Position Paper
Most would agree that service dogs benefit people with disabilities; however, the human rights of a growing number of Canadians with service dogs are being infringed upon due to public access and accommodation barriers. One such barrier is the need for a ‘common national standard’ that establishes benchmarks for service excellence, accountability, and transparency in order to prevent the exploitation of service dog teams within the emerging unregulated multi-million-dollar service dog industry. Voluntary standardization would benefit existing committed service dog trainers and service dog training organizations by demonstrating not only their commitment to service dog teams but to preserving the rights and freedoms of all Canadians; an act of good faith that would undoubtedly inspire pawsitive change.
Where and How to Obtain a Service Dog
CFAS receives ongoing calls about where to obtain a service dog, how to certify a pet as a service dog, how to train a service dog, and how much does it cost to get a service dog. Most service dog organizations have waiting lists and not all organizations train service dogs for every kind of disability. First things first, there is no process for certifying a pet as a service dog. Service dogs are specially trained to support people living with visible and invisible disabilities in order to lead meaningful lives, and to participate in an inclusive society. There can be serious repercussions for passing a pet off as a trained service dog, as well as public safety concerns if the dog is not properly selected, socialized, and trained. As such, the following information is meant to provide some general guidance concerning service dogs. Be Aware - SERVICE DOGS IN CANADA - AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE Text Only Version One of the safest means to obtain a service dog at this point in time is through a registered charity or non-profit organization because they are accountable to provincial and/or national regulators to adhere to their mandate. Charities are registered with Canada Revenue Agency and non-profits are either registered nationally with Corporations Canada or a provincial non-profit registrar. Canada's National Standardization Network (Formerly referred to as Canada's National Standards System) Canada's National Standardization Network is the framework for developing, promoting and implementing national standards in Canada. Almost 15,000 people help write standards and hundreds of organizations specialize in testing, certification and other standards development activities. Read on... Participating in the Standards System – What are Standards? Standards are technical specifications or other criteria that a product, process or service must meet. Standards provide information to consumers, manufacturers and retailers, and enhance safety, reliability and performance of the products, processes and services consumers use. Standards assure consumers about reliability or other characteristics of services provided in the marketplace. Standards also give consumers more choice by allowing one firm's products to be substituted for, or combined with, those of another. Read on... National Standard Project The Development of a National Standard of Canada for Service Dogs is long overdue. CFAS is pleased to announce that this gap is finally going to be addressed. It took over 20 years to raise awareness, while promoting viable solutions, finally someone listened. Consumers are vital contributors to Canadian standardization. They help ensure that the products and services that are manufactured, imported and sold in Canada are as safe and relevant as possible. Feedback from consumers provides an important perspective on consumer interests to the standards community. This input is actively solicited and greatly valued. Consumer feedback provides much-needed information from Canadians about the products and services that they use every day. As well, input from consumers contributes to the integrity of Canada’s standardization system and its efforts to preserve the safety and well-being of the nation, its citizens, its pets and animals in service, and the environment. The Standards Council coordinates Canada’s standards activities through a vast standardization network, which comprises organizations and individuals involved in voluntary standards development, promotion and implementation in Canada. Stakeholders within the network include representatives from business and industry, government, as well as consumers. Benefits of Standards for Consumers’ Quality of Life Safer Products and Services Consumers of all types (i.e. parents, employers, workers, athletes) list health and safety as their top consumer concerns. Adherence to standards and third-party conformity assessment gives the public confidence that the products or systems they purchase will not cause harm when used as intended. Read more... National Standards of Canada are created by uniting and engaging a variety of stakeholders through committees and public consultation through a consensus-based process. National Standards clarify common expectations and what the stakeholders set out to achieve by working together. One of the many benefits of National Standards is that they can be referenced in provincial and territorial regulations for the purpose of clarity, consistency, and public education. Please click on the embedded link noted above for more information. For an introduction to Canada's National Standards System please visit Standards Council of Canada. Assistance Dogs International (ADI) member organizations adhere to their branded benchmarks (private company standards) issued by ADI. Learn more about Canadian ADI member organizations. Since this emerging field is unregulated by a third-party most other service dog organizations operate in a similar fashion using proprietary practices. In such cases organizations certify their own service dog teams deeming them ready to work as a team in public places. Organizations like ADI and MSAR self-accredit their respective organizations. Please Note* Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is the Canadian member for the International Organization of Standardization (ISO)and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the world’s two foremost voluntary standards organizations. Members of ISO and IEC Standards Development, Canadian stakeholders must participate in the Canadian Standardization Network formerly referred to as Canada's National Standards System (NSS). 
National Registry and Identification Cards
There is no nationally recognized registry for service dogs in Canada, nor is there a national identification card. These are two areas that National Standards of Canada could address through a complementary third-party certification program. Please note, there are no national registered standards for the training, placement, and certification of service dogs in Canada or abroad. Reference to service or assistance dogs in legislation is either absent or inconsistent making it difficult for people travelling with a service dog. Public Access and Certification of Service Dog Teams Legislation pertaining to public access of service dog teams varies from province to province. There is no nationally recognized service dog team certification program. Once a National Standard of Canada for Service Dogs is created a national third-party certification program could be established to administer the standard. This would be ideal - a seamless solution for public access, awareness, and support. Service Dog Trainers There is no national certification or National Occupation Classification (NOC) for service dog trainers. Some people are self-selecting and training dogs on their own and using doctor's notes to gain public access with their dogs.It is important to note that there are no national or international standards for the credentialing of service dog trainers. |
Report a Concern... Canadian Citizens
If you have been diagnosed with a physical or psychiatric disability you may qualify, for an service dog. Some children, youth, and adults obtain their assistance dog from registered charities in Canada. Please visit the Directory of Services and Programs for a list of organizations that can be contacted directly. Self-Trained Service Dog Teams Unfortunately, waiting lists are getting longer. As a result, many people are either training their own dogs or are selecting, fostering, and training dogs that they acquire from a variety of sources. Due to the ever increasing number of inquiries regarding service dogs answers to the most frequently asked questions are enclosed for your information. Links to Frequently Asked Questions
News Update Links!
Service Dog Team National Standards Forum Five-month Public Review for Drafted Animal Service Teams Standards is now open for comments from the General Public - the comments deadline is November 20, 2012 - Read more... Development of a National Standard of Canada for Service Dogs Letter from the Ontario Accessibility Directorate. Industry Directory *Please note that we cannot be held responsible for the opinions and accuracy of linked pages, websites, articles, etc. |
Animal Welfare
Obtaining and working with a service dog is a big responsibility. The dog must be cared for and training is ongoing - both of which require a commitment not to be taken lightly.Individuals and sometimes family members may need to educate the public when public access is challenged. If you, or someone you know, lacks the necessary funds to care for your/their service/guide dog, refer to the FAQ's for possible assistance.
Applying for a Service Dog
Be Aware - SERVICE DOGS IN CANADA - AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
Text Only Version
The cost of and applications for service dogs are not standardized or regulated. The pricing can range anywhere from $3,000 to $50,000. Reputable organizations will answer your questions enabling potential applicants to make informed decisions that will benefit the handler, while considering the welfare of the dog. Applicants should never be given an ultimatum with respect to fundraising to obtain a service dog. Read the fine print and if possible seek legal advice. Applicants that cannot afford to seek legal advice are encouraged to contact the Law Society of Upper Canada to request a free one-hour consultation with a lawyer specializing in consumer affairs, contracts and such. Visit the Law Society for details.
Terminologies
There are many types of assistance dogs. Seeing Eye Dogs is a brand name for dogs trained and placed by the Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey. Other service dogs may be referred to as guide dogs, assistance dogs, hearing-ear dogs, mobility dogs, seizure-alert dogs and service dogs for people living with mental health issues. There are no national definitions or terminologies for assistance dogs in Canada or internationally.
Obtaining and working with a service dog is a big responsibility. The dog must be cared for and training is ongoing - both of which require a commitment not to be taken lightly.Individuals and sometimes family members may need to educate the public when public access is challenged. If you, or someone you know, lacks the necessary funds to care for your/their service/guide dog, refer to the FAQ's for possible assistance.
Applying for a Service Dog
Be Aware - SERVICE DOGS IN CANADA - AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
Text Only Version
The cost of and applications for service dogs are not standardized or regulated. The pricing can range anywhere from $3,000 to $50,000. Reputable organizations will answer your questions enabling potential applicants to make informed decisions that will benefit the handler, while considering the welfare of the dog. Applicants should never be given an ultimatum with respect to fundraising to obtain a service dog. Read the fine print and if possible seek legal advice. Applicants that cannot afford to seek legal advice are encouraged to contact the Law Society of Upper Canada to request a free one-hour consultation with a lawyer specializing in consumer affairs, contracts and such. Visit the Law Society for details.
Terminologies
There are many types of assistance dogs. Seeing Eye Dogs is a brand name for dogs trained and placed by the Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey. Other service dogs may be referred to as guide dogs, assistance dogs, hearing-ear dogs, mobility dogs, seizure-alert dogs and service dogs for people living with mental health issues. There are no national definitions or terminologies for assistance dogs in Canada or internationally.
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About CFAS...
The Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services (CFAS) does not train service dog teams. CFAS is a national cross-disability public health foundation that invests in the human-animal bond in order to build healthier and safer communities for both people and animals. Please note that CFAS does not make referrals, instead we have created a single-point of entry to access and share information. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of third-party information so please contact service providers directly for more information. To view the Directory of Services and Programs, please click on the embedded link. |
US and International Information
Service Animal Definition A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals. Read more.. The Life-Changing Impact of Autism Service Dogs Americans With Disabilities Act Service Animal Definition (posted by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners) (IAADP) Service Dog Central What tasks do psychiatric service dogs perform? Join the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP). |
