How to certify a service dog in ontario, canada?

[Stephernovas]

I'm from Ontario, Canada. Does anyone know how to get a dog (I presently own) certified?? She is 7 months. I also have a 4 year old dog that could be trained for the same purpose, but due to his size and the kind of fur he has, I am thinking it would be more functional to train the younger one. If you have phone numbers, emails, websites, or any info, please let me know!

I've tried to do my own research but it seems we do not have a regulatory body to certify animals. From what I found out I would only need a letter from my doctor stating my diagnosis and function of the animal. Then I've seen some websites that ask if the dog can sit, heel and etc. If so, then all I have to do is pay $250 and order her a vest. That makes me leery, as anyone could do that with any dog.

Thanks in advance!

 

[desiderata310]

@Stephernovas
I am not in Canada but as I remember things in Canada are more stringent.
The US goes by the honor system method of things and that creates its own issues.

Check out:
Canada | Service Dog Central
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners

Your 9 mo. dog presently is too young to work for that purpose and unless you have done an intense amount of training with the 4 year old, that one is not ready either. You're looking at about 3 years of work, intense work and the dog may still flunk out of the public access stuff, or wind up being wrong for that work, or be physically unable to stand up the the rigors of the work.

Please do not slap a vest on a dog that is not ready nor has been trained or has not been tested for its ability to deal with the stress of the work. It's not fair to you, the dog, the public or other handlers.

Also, take your time entering into this world. It's far more than you think it is. It can be helpful but also very emotionally, psychologically and physically draining as well.

ETA: the IAADP has some great information of MINIMUM of what your dog should be able to do in public. Those are the basics and do not cover tasks etc.

Think about why you 'need' a service animal.

 

[Gs172003]

I'm from Ontario, Canada. Does anyone know how to get a dog (I presently own) certified?? She is 7...

In the us that would be emotional support not service as a service animal has to be trained to perform tasks.

 

[Stephernovas]

@Stephernovas
I am not in Canada but as I remember things in Canada are more s...

I'm strictly in the research phase of all of this. I am aware she is too young for work, however she is showing natural behaviours that would make her more than suitable for service. If this idea does come to fruition, then she and I will have gone through all of the appropriate training and certifications that are necessary.

I keep doing my best to research - I even contacted government agencies, and no one seems to know who/what is required for legitimate certification. I was shocked to read a local airline's requirements is to simply have a letter from my doctor stating I am allowed to have one. There has to be more regulations than that!!