Revised regulations for service, guide dogs go into effect on Monday

VICTORIA, B.C. — Starting this Monday, new legislation will modernize guide and service dog regulations in B.C.

Dog handlers will be able to submit certification applications to the Security Programs Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Once these applications are processed, handlers seeking certification for guide and service dogs that were not trained by an accredited school will be able to have the Justice Institute of British Columbia test their dogs.

Another big change is for the tenancy of retired dogs. Once a dog is no longer certified as a working animal due to age, injury or disease, it will now be able to be certified as retired and remain in the home with its handler.

“The Guide Dog and Service Dog Act is one more step toward making B.C. the most progressive province in the country for people with disabilities,” says Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of B.C.

“These certification changes will enable people who rely on a guide or service dog to enjoy the same protected rights and opportunities as every citizen.”

The new legislation runs parallel to a commitment made in Accessibility 2024 – the government’s 10-year action plan to make B.C. the most progressive province in Canada for persons with disabilities.