A Service dog in Alberta is a special animal trained to provide assistance to individuals with physical or mental disabilities, which can significantly improve their lives. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to the individual’s disability. These tasks could include pulling a wheelchair, guiding a person with sight impairments, relieving feelings of depression, anxiety, PTSD, diabetes, and more. Service dogs are legally allowed to accompany their handlers wherever they go, which is a fundamental right.
The specific requirements and regulations for service dogs may differ depending on the country, province or state where you live. If you’re in Alberta and wish to have a service dog, it’s essential to understand the service dog regulations in that province.
How to Register a Service Dog in Alberta
A Service Dog in Alberta, there are several organizations that produce service dogs based on the Alberta Training Standard. The Alberta Training Standard sets out certain qualities that a dog must have in order to be a service dig. Some of the requirements are set out below:
· Must be spayed or neutered
· Must be up to date on vaccinations
· Must be clean and well groomed
· Must not disrupt the normal course of business
· Must be calm and quiet
· Must be very obedient and have prompt recall
A qualified service dog in Alberta may be eligible to receive a service dog ID card. Service dogs should also always be easily identifiable as such by the use physical markers such as bandanas or collars. Having an identification card guarantees public access rights for service dogs and their handlers.
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit programs for training and placing assistance dogs. Accredited members of ADI are subject to regular assessments to guarantee the necessary standards. If you prefer to work with an organization accredited by ADI, you can check their website to find recognized organizations in Alberta.
Self Training
No formal training is required, and If you prefer to train your dog individually, you can take the Service Dog Qualification Assessment. This test assesses the dog’s eligibility to demonstrate a
minimum of three skills related to the owner’s disability and ensures that the service dog team will not cause any risk to the public.
Emotional Support Animals in Alberta
An Emotional Support dog in Alberta is not considered service dogs and are not provided the same public access rights as a service dog in Alberta. If your disability does not rise to certain thresholds or if your dog is not eligible to be qualified as a service dog, you may be eligible to register your dog as an ESA. There are many tangible benefits to registering an ESA, such as being able to travel to hotels without extra fees. Always consultant with a licensed medical professional who can help you confirm your need for an emotional support animal.
Register now to receive your uniquely identifiable ESA Identification and Certification.