Service animals
Service animals are important because they can save lives and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by performing specific functions and services to assist the individual. That includes guide dogs for people who are blind or partially sighted, cats to aid people living with anxiety, and rats trained to be alert to muscle spasms.
Welcoming service animals is an important part of being inclusive to all residents.
What can you do to support people with service animals?
- Put the person first: Focus on the individual rather than the animal. The service animal won't mind.
- Assume independence: The service animal and the handler function as one independent unit. The handler knows best how to handle their animal. If you think someone could use some help, ask how you can help before stepping in.
- Recognize access rights: That people can bring their service animals to any public space.
- Avoid distractions: Help service animals do their job by saving snacks and cuddles for your pets at home.
By following these guidelines, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
Identifying a service animal |
It is not always obvious an animal is a service animal. Some disabilities are non-visible and not all animals wear a special harness or vest that identifies them as a service animal. If you have a service animal that does not wear a noticeable vest or harness, you may be asked to show identification that the animal is needed for reasons of a disability. Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, businesses and organizations can ask for documentation from a regulated health professional stating you need your animal because of a disability. |
Acceptable regulated health professionals |
People with service animals may produce documentation from a member of the:
If there is a conflict on Town property between a customer with a service animal and another customer, the Town of New Tecumseth will work with all customers to ensure everyone has access to Town services and facilities. |
Frequently asked questions
What is a service animal? |
A service animal is any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to aid an individual with a disability. Animals may be considered service animals regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a school or training facility. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks to aid the individual with a disability. Guide dogs are one type of service animal used by some people who have vision loss. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. Some examples include:
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How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a pet? |
Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and have identification papers. Sometimes, but not always, it is obvious that a person with the service animal has a disability. However, because not all disabilities are visible, and not all service animals wear a harness or have identification papers, it can be difficult to know if an animal is a service animal. If you are not certain that an animal is a service animal, you may ask the person who has the animal if it is a service animal required because of a disability. It is important to remember you cannot ask someone if they have a disability or about the nature of their disability. Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, if it is not readily apparent (you cannot tell if the person has a disability or that the animal is a service animal), people with service animals can be asked to show documentation from a regulated health professional stating that the animal is a service animal and needed for reasons of a disability. |
What must I do when an individual with a service animal comes to my business? |
Service animals must be allowed to accompany individuals with disabilities to all areas of the facility where customers are typically permitted. Individuals with service animals cannot be separated from other customers or their service animals. |
Am I responsible for the animal while the person with a disability is in my business? |
No, the care or supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of its owner. You are not required to provide care, food or a special location for the animal. If you have questions about service animals or the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, you may contact the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario or call 1-866-515-2025 (telephone) or 1-800-268-7095 (TTY). |
Other resources
Service animals are not regulated, so there is no single source for information about them. For more details, you can contact local organizations that work with people with disabilities, as they may have more information about service animals. Here are a few resources that you may find helpful: