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Information about service dog handler rights, how to interact with service dogs and responsibilities for handlers and businesses.
Service dog owners should carry their Service Dog ID card with them at all times when in public.
A qualified service dog team has their rights to access public spaces protected under the law. The right to public access means that a service dog team has the right to go anywhere the public may go, including:
This does not apply to non-public areas such as food preparation areas, sterile hospital rooms or restricted access areas.
If other persons are present who are allergic to dogs, afraid of dogs, or avoid them for religious reasons, the rights of both parties must be taken into account. A reasonable compromise should be found to accommodate both parties. The Service Dog Assessment Team may be of assistance in finding options for dealing with conflicting interests.
To perform their jobs, service dogs must focus on their handler and the task they are doing. Service dogs are trained to very high standards and typically ignore distractions, but they are not perfect. A distracted service dog could make a mistake that puts it and its handler in danger.
Some things that can distract a service dog are:
Service dogs are trained to ignore food on the ground and not to beg for food. Feeding a service dog could make it sick, which could take away its handler’s independence.
Don’t be offended if:
Allow a service dog handler to go about his or her business just as you would anyone else.
Individuals with qualified service dogs are allowed entry into all places where the public is allowed. Businesses should keep the following information in mind:
Businesses that discriminate against qualified service dog teams can be fined.
If you are planning long-term stays in Alberta or will be traveling frequently to the province, you should apply for an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card.
Handlers travelling with dogs with owner- managed training or that have graduated from a non-ADI school can apply for a qualification assessment. Please note that the application process and assessment scheduling takes some time, so plans must be made well in advance of travel.
The Service Dogs Act include fines for violations from both service dog handlers and businesses. Fines include the following:
Offense | Fine (Max.) |
---|---|
Falsely claiming to be a disabled person to get protection under the Act | $300 |
Refusing to return a service dog identification card when asked to do so | $300 |
Discriminating against a person lawfully using a qualified service dog or refusing access to qualified service dog teams | $3,000 |
You can report a concern about a service dog, service dog handler or service dog trainer.
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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