New B.C. Act introduces Guide and Service Dog standards

The need for national standards for service dogs becomes increasingly important as "fake" service dogs threaten the good works of properly trained service dogs, their owners and the organizations who train them. 

Photo Credit

Earlier this month, British Columbia introduced its new Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, which, if passed, will lay the foundation for a number of changes proposed to take effect this fall. It will establish high and consistent training standards, requiring all guide and service dogs to be trained by a facility accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) - both of which are internationally recognized training standards. 

The Act will ensure that the public and businesses are aware that a guide or service dog is certified with new requirements around visible identification for the dogs - such as a designated tag or card for its vest. 

"These changes are about ensuring access rights for these individuals and their certified dogs and safeguarding the public through high training standards," said Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton. "They will also provide clarity around the rules where guide and service dogs can accompany their handlers - for the public, for business owners and staff, and for landlords and strata."