Ontario Service Dog Laws

SYNOPSIS

Ontario does not have a Service Dog Act.

The Blind Persons’ Rights Act, RSO 1990, c B.7  makes reference to "Service Dog" & "Guide Dog"

• The "Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act" defines "Disability" and references “guide dog or other animal” but does not define those terms. This Act guidelines for accessibility standards for businesses. This Act is not in full force until 2025.
• INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS Regulations O. Reg. 165/16: Defines “guide dog” and “Service dog”. Service dog must be identified as such, or documentation from a healthcare professional is to be provided. Provides access rights. Requires companies to maintain accessibility policies and make them available upon request
• The Human Rights Code R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER H.19 Defines “disability”. Definition includes “guide dog or other animal”. Provides freedom from discrimination
•  R.S.O. 1990, Reg. 493/17: FOOD PREMISES: S.14 specifically allows Service Animals “…in an area of the food premise where food is served, sold or offered for sale.”