Defining Service Dog
WHAT IS A SERVICE DOG?
Service dogs are specially trained canines that perform tasks for persons with a physical, physiological, sensory, neurological, developmental/cognitive impairment, addictions or other daily living challenges.
What is a therapy dog (also known as a wellness or comfort dog)?
Therapy dogs are accompanied by their handlers in order to carry out specific activities to benefit individuals and groups. These teams are granted access to certain spaces only when prior permission is arranged.
What is an emotional support animal?
Emotional support animals are not necessarily trained to carry out specific tasks for their handler. However, they can provide comfort and security to their handlers.
Where do I access a service dog?
This is a frequently asked question, and you can find important information for your consideration at The Canadian Foundation for Animal Assisted Support Services and Considerations for the Use and Training of Service Dogs in Canada.
ACCESSIBILITY and ACCOMMODATION of service dog teams
Service dog teams have the right to access public spaces, housing and the workplace and are protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial Human Rights Codes. Some provinces/territories include Emotional Support Animals in their code.
How are service dogs associated with our "pawsitive" support project?
Our goal is for service dog organizations working with veterans diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to address recovery from problematic substance use, with specific attention to distance peer support, in their service dog training programs.
IMAGE SOURCE: Love on a Leash
MORE DEFINITIONS
Common definitions are are available on the Pet Partners website.
*The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission has a policy on emotional support animals, including in housing.