Medical Alert Service Dog Public Access Required by law

Medical Alert Service Dog Public Access Required by law

Long haired standard dachshund lies at the feet of a brown haired caucasian boy at a Dr. office.
Long haired standard dachshund poses with a scent training box and his training certificate
Long haired standard dachshund practices his down stay command. He is red brown coloured with black tips on his ears and tail.
Long haired standard dachshund sits in a chair with his handler who put a hand heart over his head. Dog is red brown coloured with black tips on his ears and tail.
Long haired standard dachshund practices his sit stay command outside of a bookstore. He is red brown coloured with black tips on his ears and tail.
Long haired standard dachshund licks his boys face and the boy is smiling and cringing at the same time. A funny moment. Dog is red brown coloured with black tips on his ears and tail.
Dog sits in boys lap while he plays Nintendo

Buddha is a standard dachshund, a scent hound, trained to identify food sensitivities and fluctuations in blood sugar.

These task meet the requirements of a service animals in Ontario.

What is required by law in ONTARIO?

To grant a trained service dog public access all that is legally required in Ontario is a doctors note identifying the clients need for a dog as a medical assistance device and the dog is trained to a task to perform.

FAQ

Can a service dog be privately trained by the owner or professional dog trainer and still qualify as a service dog?

— YES!

Atypical dog breeds may be utilized to perform breed specific skills, because of size requirements, or coat characteristics which are better for persons with allergies.

Can I ask to see proof of training or skills the dog is able to perform?

— Maybe?!

For travel on airlines, stays in hospitals, to attend school, access to long term care housing and other places may ask what the tasks the dog is trained to perform and who assessed these skills.

You need to show me the dogs ID card! If he doesn’t have one, he isn’t a real service dog.

— NO!

Service dogs are not required by law to have a special ID in Ontario at this time.

Does a handler have to disclose details their disability to gain public access rights?

— NO!

We have diclosed Rannon’s disability on this webiste with his permission. A handler is NOT required to diclose their disability to you by law. You only have the right to see the Dr. Note.

Do I have to allow a service dog access to my restaurant? I am worried the dog will be a risk to public health.

— YES!

Public Access rights are everywhere a regular member of the public is allowed to go. If you deny access to a service dog authorized by a medical professional you can be held responsible in the court of law and leave yourself open to a civil lawsuit.

If I am allergic to dogs am I still required to provide access to a service dog?

— Yes!

Previous Case Law and the Accessibility for Ontarians Act states that the dog is a medical device and has rights over someone with allergies. You may ask a client to book a time or place to receive the product or service but this may not always be possible.

I am terrified of dogs and I refuse to let them in my home.

— Okay

Public Access rights do not count in private residences, however a person with a disability could hold you accountable in a civil court for pain a suffering, especially if they were welcome at gatherings and visits before the dog and you are denying access specifically because of the dog.