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Get your service dog's training tested to see if they are qualified to access public places with you.
A service dog team can take the Service Dog Qualification Assessment (PDF, 212 KB) to become qualified and have public access rights. This assessment is needed for service dogs that:
Service dogs do not need to be assessed if they have:
The Service Dog Qualification Assessment (PDF, 212 KB) evaluates the service dog team in a variety of settings to prove they do not pose a risk to the public. The dog must also demonstrate a minimum of 3 skills or tasks it does to help with the handler’s disability.
The assessment is based on the Alberta Training Standard and consists of 40 exercises that test the service dog’s ability to:
The handler is assessed to make sure they have control over the dog at all times.
Once a letter of approval has been received, a Service Dog Identification Card will be processed and mailed to the handler.
The assessment fee is $50 for Albertans and $150 for out-of-province applicants.
Albertans receiving income supports may be eligible to have the fee waived and receive reimbursement for travel costs to attend the Assessment. Contact the Service Dog Assessment Team for more information.
You can get your service dog assessed if you:
Service dogs are eligible for assessment if they:
Before getting your dog assessed, you may want to get upgrade training for your service dog.
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
You can also get printed versions of the forms by contacting the Service Dog Assessment Team.
Service Dog Assessment Team
Community and Social Services
12th Floor Telus House (South Tower)
10020 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0N3
Once the application is processed, you will be contacted to set up a time and location for the assessment. Note: Incomplete applications and packages will not be processed.
Go to the location of the assessment on the day and time it is scheduled. The assessment will be done in public areas that include distractions such as:
If appropriate assessment areas are not available in your community, alternate arrangements will be made.
Trained staff from approved organizations will conduct the assessment.
The service dog team must successfully complete all assessment exercises of the Qualification Assessment (PDF, 212 KB). The assessor will explain each exercise prior to beginning the assessment.
The assessor may stop, postpone or cancel the assessment at any point if they feel that the performance of the assessment may cause risk to any person or animal.
The assessment will immediately be stopped if the handler:
A dog will be disqualified if it:
If a dog is disqualified for any of these reasons, they may not be eligible for further assessments.
You will be notified about the assessment results in writing. If you qualify, you will get a temporary letter of acknowledgement for public access. An official Identification Card will be mailed to you shortly after. Service dog teams should carry their ID with them at all times when in public.
If the assessment is unsuccessful, the Service Dog Assessment Team will discuss the reasons with you.
You can apply to have your dog reassessed if:
You can apply for reassessment after 30 days from the last assessment. The Service Dog Assessment Team may request a longer period to wait for a reassessment.
Connect with the Service Dog Assessment Team:
Phone: 780-427-9136 (Edmonton)
Toll free in Alberta: dial 310-0000, then the phone number
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Service Dog Assessment Team
Community and Social Services
12th Floor Telus House (South Tower)
10020 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0N3
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