# Service dogs, guide dogs and emotional support dogs in Canada: the rules in every province (2026) URL: https://pawtrace.ca/service-dogs-canada-rules/ Updated: 2026-10-24 The short answer Canada has no national service dog certification. A 2015 attempt to write a national standard was withdrawn in 2018. Each province and territory sets its own rules: British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia issue government certificates or ID cards, Ontario issues a guide dog ID card under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, Newfoundland and Labrador has a Service Animal Act, and the others rely mainly on human rights law. In Ontario, a business must let a service animal in if it is readily identifiable by a vest or harness, or if the person shows a note from one of nine listed regulated health professionals. Emotional support animals are not service dogs under Ontario’s accessibility rules or federal transport rules. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Quick highlights - Canada has no national service dog certification; a 2015 attempt at a national standard was withdrawn in 2018. - Each province and territory sets its own service dog rules. - In Ontario, a business must let a service animal in if it is readily identifiable by a vest or harness, or if the person shows a note from one of nine listed regulated health professionals. - Emotional support animals are not service dogs under Ontario’s accessibility rules or federal transport rules. Photo: [Gustavo Fring / Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-walking-with-his-dog-5163803/) ### Key takeaways - There is no national service dog certification in Canada. The Canadian General Standards Board’s notice of intent for a service dog standard was [withdrawn on March 27 2018](https://scc-ccn.ca/standards/notices-of-intent/canadian-general-standards-board-cgsb/service-dogs). - Guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals are different things. Only guide and service dogs have public access rights under the provincial service dog laws we checked. - Three provinces run government certification or ID programs for service dogs: British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia. Ontario issues an ID card for guide dogs only. - In Ontario, [O. Reg. 191/11, s. 80.45(4)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191) says an animal is a service animal if it is readily identifiable by a vest or harness, or if the person provides documentation from one of nine listed regulated health professionals. - Falsely claiming a service dog is an offence in some provinces: up to $3,000 in British Columbia, up to $300 in Alberta for falsely claiming a disability, and up to $500 in Ontario for falsely claiming to be a blind person under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act. - For flights, trains and buses under federal rules, a service dog is a dog individually trained by a person or organization specializing in service dog training. The [Canadian Transportation Agency](https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/content/cta-101-your-rights-when-travelling-a-service-dog) says those rules do not address emotional support animals. - PawTrace does not certify, register or verify service dogs. ### Guide dog, service dog, therapy dog or emotional support animal? These four labels are often mixed up in ads and online. The law treats them differently, and the difference decides where the dog may go. | Type | What it does | Public access rights? | Guide dog | Trained to guide a person who is blind or has low vision. Ontario’s [Blind Persons’ Rights Act](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90b07) defines a guide dog as a dog trained as a guide for a blind person and having the qualifications prescribed by regulation. | Yes, in every province and territory, under a service dog law, a guide dog law or human rights law. | Service dog | Trained to perform tasks related to a person’s disability. The federal [transport regulations](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2019-244/FullText.html) define it as a dog individually trained to perform a task to assist a person with a disability. | Yes, under the same laws. Some provinces require certification to use rights under their service dog statute. | Therapy dog | Visits hospitals, schools or care homes with its owner to comfort other people. | No. British Columbia and Nova Scotia say therapy animals are not covered by their service dog acts. | Emotional support animal | Gives comfort to its owner. It is not trained to perform a disability-related task. | Not under the service dog acts we checked or the federal transport regulations. Human rights law may still apply in some cases (see housing below). Sources: Blind Persons’ Rights Act (Ontario); SOR/2019-244; Government of British Columbia; Government of Nova Scotia. ### Is there a national service dog certification? No. In 2015 the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) posted a notice of intent to write a National Standard of Canada for service dogs (CGSB-193.1). The Standards Council of Canada lists that notice as [withdrawn on March 27 2018](https://scc-ccn.ca/standards/notices-of-intent/canadian-general-standards-board-cgsb/service-dogs), at the request of the standards body. A December 2 2022 Veterans Affairs Canada [Question Period note](https://search.open.canada.ca/qpnotes/record/vac-acc%2CVAC-2022-QP-00020) says the CGSB withdrew because there was no consensus among committee members that the standard could be achieved, and the initiative was discontinued. The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission puts it plainly in its [service animal brochure](https://nwthumanrights.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Service-Animal-Brochure_WEB_ENG.pdf): there is no nationally recognized certification program for training service animals. Any website that sells a “Canadian service dog certificate” is not selling a national credential, because none exists. ### The rules in every province and territory The table below lists the main law in each jurisdiction, whether the government issues certification or ID, and whether we found an offence for falsely claiming a service dog. “None found” means we did not find one in the sources listed; it is not a legal opinion. Every province and territory also has a human rights law that protects people with disabilities. | Province or territory | Main law | Government certification or ID | Who it covers | Offence for falsely claiming | British Columbia | [Guide Dog and Service Dog Act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/15017) (2015); Human Rights Code | Yes. Voluntary government certificate. Route 1: a dog from an accredited school. Route 2: pass a public safety test ($200 assessment; certification itself is free). | Guide dog teams, service dog teams, retired dogs, dogs in training and certified trainers. Not therapy or emotional support animals. | Yes. Falsely representing a dog as a guide or service dog (s. 4): fine up to $3,000 (s. 8). | Alberta | [Service Dogs Act](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dogs-in-public); [Blind Persons’ Rights Act](https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=b03.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=0779728068&display=html) (guide dogs) | Yes. Free government Service Dog ID card. Dogs from schools accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) qualify; owner-trained dogs pass a yearly assessment ($50; $150 from out of province). | Qualified service dogs and their handlers; dogs in training with a qualified organization. | Yes. Falsely claiming to be a disabled person to get protection under the Act: up to $300. Refusing access: up to $3,000. | Saskatchewan | [Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018](https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/91969/formats/108911/download); [Animal Protection Act, 2018](https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/90971/formats/108937/download), Part 4 | None found. | The Code’s definition of disability includes “physical reliance on a service animal”. The Animal Protection Act makes it an offence to harm or interfere with a service animal (s. 33). | None found. | Manitoba | [The Human Rights Code](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/h175.php); [The Service Animals Protection Act](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/s090.php) | None found. | The Code defines a service animal as an animal trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability and protects “reliance on a service animal” (s. 9(2)(l)). The Service Animals Protection Act makes it an offence to touch, feed, impede or interfere with a service animal (s. 2). | None found. | Ontario | [O. Reg. 191/11](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191) (AODA); [Blind Persons’ Rights Act](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90b07); [Human Rights Code](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h19) | Guide dogs only: an ID card issued by the Attorney General (Blind Persons’ Rights Act, s. 4). No certification for other service dogs. | Service animals as defined in s. 80.45(4) of O. Reg. 191/11; guide dogs trained at facilities listed in R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 58. | Yes, for guide dogs. Purporting to be a blind person to claim the Act’s benefit: fine up to $500 (s. 6(2)). None found under the AODA. | Quebec | [Charter of human rights and freedoms](https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/participation-sociale-personnes-handicapees/chien-assistance) | No. The government says there is no official certification issued by a government body. | A person may not be discriminated against because of a disability or the means used to palliate it, including an assistance dog. | None found. | New Brunswick | [Human Rights Act](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/hrc-cdp/PDF/GuidelineonAccommodatingPeoplewithServiceAnimals-HRC-CDP201702.pdf) (Commission guideline, 2017) | None found. The guideline says an animal does not need to be professionally trained or certified for the Act to apply. | Service animals, including self-trained ones. Emotional support animals may be protected if part of treatment for a disability. | None found. | Nova Scotia | [Service Dog Act](https://novascotia.ca/servicedogs) (S.N.S. 2016, c. 4, in force June 27 2018); Blind Persons’ Rights Act (guide dogs); Human Rights Act | Yes. Voluntary. Certified teams receive a provincial ID card from the Registrar’s Office, Department of Justice. Certification is needed to use rights under this Act. | Certified service dog teams. Not pets, emotional support animals or therapy animals. Uncertified handlers are still protected by the Human Rights Act. | Yes. Falsely representing a dog as a service dog team member is an offence; the maximum fine for violations of the Act is $3,000. | Prince Edward Island | [Human Rights Act](https://www.peihumanrights.ca/sites/www.peihumanrights.ca/files/Service%20Animals%20Apr%202023_0.pdf) | No. The Commission says there is no standardized identification or certification on P.E.I. | Animals trained to assist with a disability. Comfort or companion animals are not protected. | None found. | Newfoundland and Labrador | [Service Animal Act](https://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/s13-02.htm) (2012) | None found. The Act allows qualifications to be set by regulation. | A service animal that is readily apparent, or where the person has a letter from a physician, registered nurse or nurse practitioner. | General offence for breaking the Act (individual: fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both; corporation: fine up to $1,000). No offence specific to false claims found. | Yukon | [Human Rights Act](https://yukonhumanrights.ca/what-is-discrimination/) | None found. | “Physical or mental disability” is a protected ground. | None found. | Northwest Territories | [Human Rights Act](https://nwthumanrights.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Service-Animal-Brochure_WEB_ENG.pdf) | No. The Commission says the NWT has no legislation regulating training or certification of service animals. | Animals trained, including self-trained, to assist with a disability, with medical evidence. | None found. | Nunavut | [Human Rights Act](https://nhrt.ca/) | None found. | Disability is a protected ground. | None found. | Federal (air, rail, bus, ferry under federal rules) | [Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2019-244/FullText.html) (SOR/2019-244) | No government certification. A carrier covered by the rules may ask for a declaration and an ID card or document from the trainer. | Service dogs only. Emotional support animals are not addressed. | Not applicable. Sources: provincial and territorial statutes, government and human rights commission pages listed under Sources, all checked October 23 2026. ### Ontario in detail #### The AODA service animal rule (O. Reg. 191/11) Ontario’s customer service rules sit in Part IV.2 of the [Integrated Accessibility Standards, O. Reg. 191/11](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191), under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (e-Laws currency date October 21 2026). Section 80.45(4) says an animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if: - the animal can be readily identified as one being used by the person for reasons relating to the disability, through visual indicators such as a vest or harness; or - the person provides documentation from one of the regulated health professionals listed below, confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability. The nine professionals listed in s. 80.45(4)(b), as the regulation reads on e-Laws today, are members of: - the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario; - the College of Chiropractors of Ontario; - the College of Nurses of Ontario; - the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario; - the College of Optometrists of Ontario; - the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; - the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario; - the College of Psychologists of Ontario; - the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario. Section 80.47(2) says that when a person with a disability is accompanied by a guide dog or other service animal, the provider must let the person enter with the animal and keep it with them, unless the animal is excluded by law from the premises. If it is excluded by law, s. 80.47(3) requires the provider to offer other measures so the person can still get the goods or services. #### Restaurants and food premises (O. Reg. 493/17) Ontario’s [Food Premises regulation, O. Reg. 493/17](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/170493), s. 14(1), says rooms where food is prepared, served or sold must be kept free of live animals. Section 14(2) makes an exception for service animals described in s. 80.45(4) of O. Reg. 191/11 in areas where food is served, sold or offered for sale. Kitchens and other preparation areas are not covered by that exception. Separate exceptions allow pet dogs on outdoor patios where no food is prepared, and in some indoor areas that serve only low-risk food. #### Guide dogs and the Blind Persons’ Rights Act The [Blind Persons’ Rights Act](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90b07) (R.S.O. 1990, c. B.7) bars anyone from denying a blind person accompanied by a guide dog access to a place the public is customarily admitted (s. 2(1)), or occupancy of a self-contained dwelling unit (s. 2(2)). The Attorney General may issue an identification card naming the person and the guide dog (s. 4(1)); the card is proof, without evidence to the contrary, that both qualify (s. 4(2)). Denying access is an offence with a fine up to $5,000 (s. 6(1)). [R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 58](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900058) sets the qualifications: a dog that completed the training program at one of the listed facilities, or at another facility the Attorney General’s ministry designates. A designated facility must provide at least three months of training, including at least 10 days of training with a guide dog user. Three listed facilities are in Ontario, including one in Ottawa. #### The Human Rights Code Ontario’s [Human Rights Code](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h19) gives every person a right to equal treatment in services, goods and facilities (s. 1) and in the occupancy of accommodation (s. 2(1)) without discrimination because of disability. Section 17(2) sets the duty to accommodate up to undue hardship, considering cost, outside sources of funding and health and safety requirements. The AODA regulation sets minimum steps for businesses; human rights law can reach situations the regulation does not. #### An Ottawa example: OC Transpo [OC Transpo](https://www.octranspo.com/en/our-services/accessibility/service-animals) welcomes service animals on all OC Transpo vehicles and all Para Transpo vehicles, including taxis. It accepts any of these to identify a service animal: a vest, harness or other visual indicator; an Attorney General of Ontario guide dog photo ID card; an OC Service Animal card issued in the past (no longer offered, but still valid); or a letter from a regulated health professional licensed in Ontario. Small animals ride in a cage or pouch, or on a short leash on the handler’s lap; larger animals stay on a leash or harness. ### What a business can and cannot ask The answer depends on the province. These points come from the government and commission sources in the table above. - **Ontario:** if the animal is not readily identifiable by a vest or harness, the business may ask for documentation from one of the nine listed health professionals (O. Reg. 191/11, s. 80.45(4)(b)). The regulation does not say the documentation must name a diagnosis. - **Prince Edward Island:** when the purpose is not obvious, the [Human Rights Commission](https://www.peihumanrights.ca/sites/www.peihumanrights.ca/files/Service%20Animals%20Apr%202023_0.pdf) says a provider may ask whether the animal is assisting with a disability and what assistance it is trained to provide. It says not to ask for the diagnosis or request a demonstration. - **Northwest Territories:** the [Commission](https://nwthumanrights.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Service-Animal-Brochure_WEB_ENG.pdf) says it may be appropriate to ask for medical documentation that the animal assists with a disability, but not for the diagnosis, and not for a demonstration of tasks. - **Alberta:** the [government](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dogs-in-public) asks the public not to ask personal questions on the handler’s disability or ask the dog to demonstrate its skills. Handlers should carry their Service Dog ID card. - **Quebec:** a business may look for visual identification such as a harness or badge and, if in doubt, ask what training the dog has had and which organization trained it. [Quebec.ca](https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/participation-sociale-personnes-handicapees/chien-assistance) says doubt alone is not enough to refuse access. - **Everywhere:** a handler must keep the dog under control. Alberta and the NWT say a dog that is aggressive or disruptive can be asked to leave. ### Housing: rentals, condos and no-pet rules Human rights law applies to housing in every province and territory. Some provinces also have specific rules: - **Ontario rentals:** under the [Residential Tenancies Act, 2006](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17), s. 14, a lease clause that prohibits animals in the residential complex is void. The Human Rights Code, s. 2(1), protects equal treatment in occupancy of accommodation because of disability, and the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, s. 2(2), protects guide dog users in any self-contained dwelling unit. - **British Columbia:** the [Guide Dog and Service Dog Act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/15017) has a tenancy section (s. 3), and the province says certification lets retired dogs live with their handlers despite strata bylaws or rental rules that prohibit pets. - **Alberta:** the [government](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dogs-in-public) lists pet-restricted apartments and condos among the places a qualified service dog team may go. - **Newfoundland and Labrador:** the [Service Animal Act](https://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/s13-02.htm), s. 5(2), says a lease ban on dogs or animals does not apply to a service animal used by a person with a disability. - **New Brunswick:** the [Human Rights Commission guideline](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/hrc-cdp/PDF/GuidelineonAccommodatingPeoplewithServiceAnimals-HRC-CDP201702.pdf) says a “no pets” term is unenforceable for service animals unless the housing provider shows undue hardship, and that a fear of other tenants calling their pets service animals is not a valid reason to refuse. We found no Ontario government source specific to service animals in condominiums. If a condo board or landlord refuses a service dog, contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre or a lawyer before you sign or move. ### Flying, rail and bus travel under federal rules The [Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2019-244/FullText.html) (SOR/2019-244, current to September 30 2026) define a service dog as a dog individually trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training to perform a task to assist a person with a disability. Under s. 51, a carrier must accept the service dog on board on request. The carrier may require the dog to be on a leash, tether or harness, a declaration at booking that the dog has been trained that way, and an ID card or other document from the trainer before departure. If the seat does not leave enough floor space, the carrier must provide an adjacent seat (s. 51(4)). These duties apply to the carriers listed in s. 25: large air carriers (1,000,000 or more passengers worldwide in each of the two preceding years) on flights within, to or from Canada, and certain interprovincial and international rail, ferry and bus carriers. The [Canadian Transportation Agency](https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/content/cta-101-your-rights-when-travelling-a-service-dog) says these regulations apply only to service dogs and do not address pets or emotional support animals. Separately, in [Decision 105-AT-C-A-2023](https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/content/canadian-transportation-agency-issues-final-decision-about-travelling-emotional-support) (June 23 2023), the Agency found that requiring carriers to accept species other than dogs as emotional support animals would cause undue hardship. It found that carriers could be required to accept emotional support dogs in the passenger cabin under conditions, including proof from a licensed physician or medical health professional that they are treating the person for a mental health disability, a veterinary certificate, documents provided at least 96 hours before travel, and a dog that stays in an animal carrier at the seat (under the seat in front on a flight). The decision dealt with complaints against air and rail carriers and is guidance for the Agency’s future cases; it is not a regulation. Check with your carrier before you book. For pet travel rules, see our flying guide below. ### Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides programs Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a registered charity based in Oakville, Ontario. Its [home page](https://dogguides.com/index.html) says a Dog Guide goes to a Canadian living with a disability at no cost to them, and [its own site](https://www.dogguides.com/about-us/) says each Dog Guide costs $35,000 to train and place. Its [programs page](https://www.dogguides.com/get-a-dog-guide/) lists seven program areas; six place dogs with individuals: | Program | Who it serves (as the program describes it) | Canine Vision | Canadians 14 and older who are blind or visually impaired. Trained to navigate obstacles on daily routes. | Hearing | Canadians 16 and older who are deaf or hard of hearing. Trained to distinguish specific sounds and alert the handler. | Autism Assistance | Children aged 3 to 12 on the autism spectrum. | Service | Canadians 14 and older with a physical or medical disability. Trained to retrieve objects, open and close doors, and get help. | Seizure Response | Canadians 14 and older diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. The program says the dogs are trained to assist through specific tasks. | Diabetes Alert | Canadians 14 and older with type 1 diabetes. The program says the dogs are trained to detect sudden drops in blood sugar and alert the handler. Source: Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, checked October 23 2026. The seventh area, Facility Support, places dogs with professional agencies. A seizure response or diabetes alert dog does not replace medical care. Talk to your doctor before you apply, and ask how a dog would fit with your treatment plan. ### Accredited schools in Canada (Assistance Dogs International) Alberta and British Columbia both recognise dogs from accredited schools. The [ADI member directory](https://assistancedogsinternational.org/member-search/canada/) (checked October 23 2026) lists these accredited members with facilities located in Canada. ADI [accredits only not-for-profit organizations](https://assistancedogsinternational.org/standards/what-is-accreditation/). Ask each school directly for its eligibility rules and wait times. | Province | ADI-accredited members located there | Dogs trained (per ADI listing) | British Columbia | British Columbia Guide Dog Services (Delta); Freedom Paws Canada (Fanny Bay); Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (Burnaby) | Guide, service, hearing | Alberta | Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society (Edmonton) | Service | Ontario | Autism Dog Services (Brantford); Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (Manotick, Ottawa); CNIB Guide Dogs (Carleton Place); COPE Service Dogs (Barrie); Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (Oakville); National Service Dog Training Centre (Cambridge) | Guide, service, hearing | Quebec | Fondation MIRA (Sainte-Madeleine) | Guide, service Source: Assistance Dogs International member search, “Members serving Canada”. A listing here is not a PawTrace recommendation. We did not find an ADI member located in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Atlantic Canada or the territories. Some schools listed above serve several provinces; for example, the directory says Pacific Assistance Dogs Society serves Saskatchewan and Manitoba for service and hearing dogs. ### Myth vs fact | Myth | Fact | You can register a service dog with the Government of Canada. | There is no national registry or certification. The CGSB standard effort was withdrawn in 2018. | A vest bought online makes a dog a service dog. | A vest is one way to identify a service animal in Ontario, but the animal must be used for reasons relating to the person’s disability. In B.C., falsely representing a dog as a service dog can bring a fine up to $3,000. | Emotional support animals have the same rights as service dogs. | Not under Ontario’s AODA definition, the provincial service dog acts we checked, or federal transport regulations. Human rights law may still apply case by case. | Any doctor’s note works in Ontario. | O. Reg. 191/11 lists nine regulated health professions. The note must come from a member of one of those Colleges. | A service dog can go anywhere, including the kitchen. | Ontario’s food rules allow service animals where food is served or sold, not where it is prepared. | A landlord’s no-pet clause applies to service dogs. | In Ontario, a no-pet clause in a tenancy agreement is void (RTA s. 14), and human rights law applies. Sources: SCC; O. Reg. 191/11; O. Reg. 493/17; RTA 2006; B.C. Guide Dog and Service Dog Act; CTA. ### Frequently asked questions Do I need to certify my service dog in Ontario? No provincial certification exists for service dogs in Ontario. Under O. Reg. 191/11, the animal qualifies if it is readily identifiable by a vest or harness, or if you provide documentation from one of the nine listed regulated health professionals. Guide dog users may apply for an ID card under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act. Can a restaurant in Ottawa refuse my service dog? Ontario’s food premises rules allow service animals in areas where food is served or sold. That exception does not cover kitchens or other preparation areas. If you are refused, ask to speak to the manager and keep notes of what happened. An application under the Human Rights Code goes to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, within one year of the incident (s. 34). Is an emotional support animal covered on a flight? The CTA says the federal accessible transportation regulations do not address emotional support animals. In a 2023 decision, the CTA found that carriers could be required to accept emotional support dogs, but no other species, in the cabin under strict conditions, including a dog that stays in an animal carrier at the seat. The decision is guidance for future complaints, not a regulation. Ask the carrier before you book. Can I train my own service dog? Yes, in many provinces. British Columbia offers a public safety test for teams not trained by an accredited school, and Alberta assesses owner-trained dogs every year. In Ontario, the AODA definition does not require professional training. Federal transport rules require a dog trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training. What happens if someone fakes a service dog? It depends on the province. B.C. makes false representation an offence with a fine up to $3,000. Alberta fines up to $300 for falsely claiming a disability. Nova Scotia makes false representation an offence. Ontario fines up to $500 for falsely claiming to be a blind person under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act. Does PawTrace certify service dogs? No. PawTrace does not certify, register or verify service dogs, and nothing on PawTrace is a service dog credential. ### Find dog services near you Looking for a trainer, walker or groomer who understands working dogs? Browse our [dog services directory](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-services/). A listing is not a recommendation. PawTrace does not certify service dogs, and no PawTrace label or listing is a service dog credential. This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, contact a lawyer, a legal clinic or your provincial human rights body. ### Keep reading - [Flying with a dog in and out of Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/flying-with-a-dog-in-and-out-of-canada/) - [How to choose a dog trainer in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/how-to-choose-a-dog-trainer-in-canada/) - [Adopting a dog in Ottawa](https://pawtrace.ca/adopting-a-dog-in-ottawa/) - [Dog walkers and daycare: safety checks before you book](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-walkers-and-daycare-safety-checks-before-you-book/) ### Sources All links were checked on October 23 2026. - [Ontario e-Laws: O. Reg. 191/11, Integrated Accessibility Standards, ss. 80.45 to 80.47 (currency date October 21 2026)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191) - [Ontario e-Laws: Blind Persons’ Rights Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. B.7, ss. 1, 2, 4 and 6 (currency date October 21 2026)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90b07) - [Ontario e-Laws: R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 58, Guide Dogs (currency date October 21 2026)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900058) - [Ontario e-Laws: O. Reg. 493/17, Food Premises, s. 14 (currency date October 21 2026)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/170493) - [Ontario e-Laws: Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, ss. 1, 2, 17 and 34 (currency date October 21 2026)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h19) - [Ontario e-Laws: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, s. 14 (currency date October 21 2026)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17) - [OC Transpo: Service animals](https://www.octranspo.com/en/our-services/accessibility/service-animals) - [Justice Laws: Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations, SOR/2019-244, ss. 1 and 51 (current to September 30 2026)](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2019-244/FullText.html) - [Canadian Transportation Agency: CTA 101, your rights when travelling with a service dog (August 6 2026)](https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/content/cta-101-your-rights-when-travelling-a-service-dog) - [Canadian Transportation Agency: final decision on travelling with emotional support animals (June 23 2023)](https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/content/canadian-transportation-agency-issues-final-decision-about-travelling-emotional-support) - [Canadian Transportation Agency: Decision No. 105-AT-C-A-2023, paras. 153 to 155 and 225 to 228 (June 23 2023)](https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/ruling/105-at-c-a-2023) - [Standards Council of Canada: CGSB notice of intent, Service Dogs (withdrawn March 27 2018)](https://scc-ccn.ca/standards/notices-of-intent/canadian-general-standards-board-cgsb/service-dogs) - [Veterans Affairs Canada: Question Period note, Service dogs (December 2 2022)](https://search.open.canada.ca/qpnotes/record/vac-acc%2CVAC-2022-QP-00020) - [BC Laws: Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, SBC 2015, c. 17 (current to October 20 2026)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/15017) - [Government of British Columbia: Guide and service dog certification (updated October 9 2026)](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-rights/guide-and-service-dog) - [Government of British Columbia: Certification testing](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-rights/guide-and-service-dog/certification-testing) - [Government of British Columbia: Rights and responsibilities of businesses and the public](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-rights/guide-and-service-dog/public-rights) - [Government of Alberta: Service dogs in public](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dogs-in-public) - [Government of Alberta: Get a service dog assessed](https://www.alberta.ca/get-service-dog-assessed) - [Government of Alberta: Service dog identification card](https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-identification-card) - [Alberta King’s Printer: Blind Persons’ Rights Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. B-3](https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=b03.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=0779728068&display=html) - [Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018, S.S. 2018, c. S-24.2, s. 2 (Publications Saskatchewan)](https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/91969/formats/108911/download) - [The Animal Protection Act, 2018, S.S. 2018, c. A-21.2, Part 4, ss. 32 to 34 (Publications Saskatchewan)](https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/90971/formats/108937/download) - [Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: Service animals, the right to access public services and facilities (January 5 2018)](https://saskhrc.ca/service-animals-the-right-to-access-public-services-and-facilities/) - [Manitoba: The Human Rights Code, C.C.S.M. c. H175, ss. 1 and 9](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/h175.php) - [Manitoba: The Service Animals Protection Act, C.C.S.M. c. S90, ss. 1 to 3 (current as of October 21 2026)](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/s090.php) - [Quebec.ca: Rôle et droit d’accès des chiens d’assistance (updated August 5 2025)](https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/participation-sociale-personnes-handicapees/chien-assistance) - [Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse: Service dogs and guide dogs](https://www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/our-positions/issues/service-dogs-and-guide-dogs) - [New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: Guideline on Accommodating People with Service Animals (2017)](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/hrc-cdp/PDF/GuidelineonAccommodatingPeoplewithServiceAnimals-HRC-CDP201702.pdf) - [Government of Nova Scotia: Service Dog Act](https://novascotia.ca/servicedogs) - [Nova Scotia: Service Dogs Regulations, N.S. Reg. 94/2018, made under the Service Dog Act, S.N.S. 2016, c. 4](https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/sdservicedogs.htm) - [Government of Nova Scotia news release: Service Dog Act to be proclaimed (June 13 2018)](https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2018/06/13/service-dog-act-be-proclaimed) - [PEI Human Rights Commission: Service Animals (April 2023)](https://www.peihumanrights.ca/sites/www.peihumanrights.ca/files/Service%20Animals%20Apr%202023_0.pdf) - [Newfoundland and Labrador: Service Animal Act, SNL 2012, c. S-13.02](https://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/s13-02.htm) - [Yukon Human Rights Commission: What is discrimination?](https://yukonhumanrights.ca/what-is-discrimination/) - [NWT Human Rights Commission: Let’s Talk About Service Animals and Accessibility (2023)](https://nwthumanrights.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Service-Animal-Brochure_WEB_ENG.pdf) - [Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal](https://nhrt.ca/) - [Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides: Get a Dog Guide (programs)](https://www.dogguides.com/get-a-dog-guide/) - [Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides: About us](https://www.dogguides.com/about-us/) - [Assistance Dogs International: member search, Canada](https://assistancedogsinternational.org/member-search/canada/)