SERVICE DOG INFORMATION
WHAT IS A SERVICE DOG?
A service dog is a specially trained canine that assists individuals with disabilities to perform specific tasks or mitigate challenges related to their condition. These dogs are not pets; they are working animals trained to provide invaluable support to their handlers, enabling greater independence and improving quality of life. In Ontario, service dogs are protected under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), allowing them to accompany their handlers in public spaces where pets are typically not allowed.
Service Dog vs. Therapy Dog vs. Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
It’s important to understand the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals as they serve distinct roles:
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Service Dogs:
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Training: Extensively trained to perform specific tasks directly related to their handler’s disability.
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Access: Protected under the AODA, they are allowed in public spaces, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
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Role: Work one-on-one with their handler to assist with daily tasks related to their disability.
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Therapy Dogs:
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Training: Trained to provide comfort and affection to people in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.
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Access: Do not have public access rights under the AODA; permission must be granted by the facility.
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Role: Provide emotional support to groups or individuals but are not trained for specific disability-related tasks.
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Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):
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Training: Require no specialized training, though they offer comfort and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions.
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Access: Not protected under the AODA; not permitted in public like a service dog.
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Role: Serve as comforting companions but do not perform specific tasks related to a disability.
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Types of Service Dogs
Service dogs are trained to meet the unique needs of their handlers. Some common types include:
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Guide Dogs:
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Assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired by navigating obstacles and ensuring safe travel.
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Hearing Dogs:
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Help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds such as doorbells, alarms, or a baby crying.
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Mobility Assistance Dogs:
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Provide support to individuals with physical disabilities, such as retrieving items, opening doors, or providing stability for walking.
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Medical Alert Dogs:
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Detect and alert to specific medical conditions, such as low blood sugar for individuals with diabetes or impending seizures for those with epilepsy.
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Psychiatric Service Dogs:
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Support individuals with mental health conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, by performing tasks like interrupting harmful behaviors or providing grounding during anxiety attacks.
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Autism Assistance Dogs:
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Help individuals with autism by promoting safety, reducing sensory overload, and providing calming pressure during moments of distress.
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About Our Program
Our service dog training program is structured into four progressive phases. Each phase builds upon the previous one, preparing both the dog and the handler for the final graduation test. Upon successfully completing the graduation test, participants receive a certificate of completion. Please note: this is not a certification. In Ontario, there is no formal certification for service dogs. More information on this topic is available in our FAQ.
The program typically spans 6 months to 2 years, though the exact timeline depends on factors such as the frequency of training and the dog’s initial skill level. On average, it takes about 2 years to fully train a service dog. If your dog already possesses advanced obedience and public access skills and only requires task-specific training, the process may be shorter. Conversely, starting with a puppy will generally require more time and commitment.