Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

  • According to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s (AODA) Customer Service Standards, one of two conditions must apply for your animal to be considered a service animal:

    • the animal is easily identifiable as relating to your disability (for example, it is a guide dog or other animal wearing a vest or harness)

    • you can provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the animal is required due to a disability

  • You are allowed to bring your service animal into areas that are open to the public unless the animal is excluded by another law.

    Some municipalities may also have by-laws restricting certain breeds of animals or dogs from the municipality.

    In cases where another law prohibits service animals from entering the premises, the business or organization must provide another way for you to access their goods, services or facilities.

  • Under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA, service animals do not need to have certificates or identity cards.

    However, you may be asked to provide acceptable documentation. This includes:

    • documentation from a regulated health professional

    • an identification card from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General for people who are blind and use a guide dog

  • Service animals have training to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. Emotional support animals provide comfort and security. However, they do not have training for specific tasks. Therefore, emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals under the AODA.