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Service dogs in Alberta

How to get a service dog, find service dog training, testing and approved organizations, and how to interact with service dogs in public.

Introduction

Service dogs perform specific tasks or behaviours to help people with visible and non-visible disabilities such as epilepsy, PTSD, diabetes or mobility limitations. Guide dogs support people with low or no vision by navigating around obstacles, finding bus stops and elevators, and similar tasks. Both guide dogs and service dogs are trained and tested to ensure safety in public. By law, qualified guide and service dog teams have the right to access any location where the public is allowed.

In focus

Photo of a man sitting on bench with guide dog in front of him

Information about service dog handler rights, how to interact with service dogs and responsibilities for handlers and businesses.

Photo of a black poodle service dog with owner

Get a dog from one of Alberta’s approved service dog organizations.

Photo of a golden retriever wearing a guide harness while sitting

Get your service dog's training tested to see if they are qualified to access public places with you.

For businesses and organizations

  • Picture of a woman with a service dog beside her waiting for a train.
    Supports for service dogs organizations

    Apply to become a qualified service dog organization or get funding to help improve access to qualified service dogs for Albertans.

  • Service dog decal that businesses and organizations can request to display at their business to show they welcome and support service dog teams.
    Service Dogs Decal

    Show your business is welcoming and inclusive towards people with disabilities and service dogs by placing a Government of Alberta Service Dog Decal on your door or window.

    To request a decal, contact the Service Dog Assessment Team:

    Phone: 780-427-9136
    Toll free: dial 310-0000, then the phone number
    Email: [email protected]

Video: Service dogs at work in Alberta