DEFINITION:
Service Dog: A highly trained assistance animal that is specifically trained to perform tasks or provide services to individuals with disabilities. In Canada, service dogs are legally recognized and protected under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA).
FAQs:
1. What disabilities qualify for a service dog in Canada?
– In Canada, service dogs are trained to assist individuals with a wide range of physical, sensory, and psychiatric disabilities. These can include mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments, epilepsy, diabetes, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health conditions such as PTSD.
2. How can one obtain a service dog in Canada?
– To obtain a service dog in Canada, individuals must go through a process that typically involves an application, assessment, and training program. Each province may have slightly different requirements and organizations that provide service dogs, so it’s important to research and contact the appropriate authorities or organizations in your area.
3. Are there any legal rights given to individuals with service dogs in Canada?
– Yes, individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs have specific legal rights in Canada. They are protected under the AODA and CHRA, granting them access to public places, housing accommodations, and employment without discrimination. It is illegal to deny access or privileges to someone with a legitimate service dog.
4. Can any dog be a service dog in Canada?
– Not all dogs are suitable to become service dogs. Service dogs must possess specific traits such as intelligence, trainability, temperament, and physical abilities necessary to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Various breeds or mixed breeds can be trained as service dogs, but it ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the disability and the training organization’s guidelines.
5. How long does it take to train a service dog?
– The length of training for a service dog can vary depending on factors such as the tasks it needs to perform and the individual dog’s capabilities. Typically, it can take several months to a couple of years to fully train a service dog. The training process involves obedience training, task-specific training, public access training, and ongoing reinforcement.
6. Are service dogs provided for free in Canada?
– Service dogs in Canada are often provided by non-profit organizations that rely on donations and funding. While some organizations may provide service dogs to applicants at no cost, others may charge a fee or require fundraising efforts to cover the costs associated with breeding, training, and ongoing support.
7. Are emotional support animals considered service dogs in Canada?
– No, emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered service dogs under Canadian law. Service dogs are trained specifically to perform tasks or services for individuals with disabilities, while ESAs provide comfort and companionship to individuals with emotional or psychological disabilities. ESAs do not have public access rights like service dogs do.