In Ontario, service animals are defined in section 80.45 (4) of the AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).
An animal is considered a service animal for a person with a disability if:
There are no breed, species, or training restrictions—any animal may qualify with proper documentation.
Note: There is no mandatory provincial or federal registration system in Ontario. A letter from a regulated health professional (e.g., physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker) is sufficient to establish the need for a service animal. Certification programs are not legally required. In Ottawa, service animals must be registered with the City, but registration is free. Learn more.
Example: If the animal barks, the handler should calm it. If it’s disruptive, businesses can request removal but must provide alternatives.
A brief letter is sufficient; no disability details are required.
[Letterhead]
[Name], MD
OHIP # [Number]
[Address]
[City, ON, Postal Code]
[Phone] • Fax: [Fax]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
Re: [Patient Name] • DOB: [Date] • Age: [Age]
[Patient] requires a service animal for medical reasons.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name], MD
Who Can Write It? Regulated health professionals including: Physician, Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Physiotherapist, Ophthalmologist/Optometrist, Chiropractor, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist/Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Speech-Language Pathologist/Audiologist, Social Worker, Registered Nurse, Mental Health Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Certified Orientation/Mobility Instructor. ARCH.
If Denied: Show the letter, cite AODA, request a written denial, and contact the Human Rights Tribunal or call 311 (Ottawa).
If access is denied unlawfully, file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or contact Legal Support.
Follow these steps to obtain a service animal letter:
Tips: Use 211 Ontario to find professionals. Update the letter every 1-2 years.
This section provides answers to common questions about service animals in Ontario, based on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other relevant laws. For personalised guidance, consult a regulated health professional or legal expert.
A service animal is any animal that assists a person with a disability, as confirmed by a letter from a regulated health professional or identifiable by visual indicators (e.g., harness or vest). No specific species or training is required. Learn more.
Yes, in Ottawa, service animals must be registered with the City, but registration is free. This helps reunite lost animals with their owners. Register here.
No, vests or identification tags are optional. A letter from a regulated health professional is sufficient to confirm the animal’s status.
Any animal can qualify as a service animal if it supports a person with a disability and meets AODA requirements, as verified by professional documentation.
No, Ontario law does not require certification. A letter from a regulated health professional is the primary documentation needed.
Yes, service animals are permitted in dining areas of restaurants but not in commercial kitchens where food is prepared, as per the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
Yes, service animals are permitted on public transit, including buses and taxis, as mandated by the AODA.
No, landlords cannot charge pet fees for service animals, as they are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Learn more.
Present your documentation, reference the AODA, request a written explanation for the denial, and contact the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for support. File a complaint.
No, businesses cannot ask about the nature of your disability. They may only request verification that the animal is a service animal.
If a service animal is disruptive, businesses may request its removal, but they must offer alternative accommodations (e.g., curbside service).
Yes, unless it causes undue hardship to the employer, as per AODA regulations.
Yes, service animals are allowed in non-sterile areas of hospitals, such as waiting rooms or patient rooms, subject to hospital policies.
No, taxis cannot refuse service animals. If denied, contact 311 in Ottawa to report the issue.
The handler is responsible for any damages caused by their service animal, as outlined in the Dog Owners’ Liability Act.
Yes, service animals can travel on aeroplanes with advance notice (typically 48-96 hours). Contact your airline for specific policies. Learn more.
No, formal training is not required under Ontario law, though training is recommended for public safety. View training resources.
Present your documentation and contact local support organisations, such as Community Veterinary Outreach, for assistance. Contact.
Yes, service animals are permitted in schools, provided appropriate arrangements have been made with the school administration.
Contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre for assistance with filing a discrimination complaint or seeking legal advice. Get support.
Disclaimer: This FAQ provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. For specific concerns, consult a qualified professional or refer to official sources.
Inquiries: [email protected]
Complaints: [email protected]
Human Rights: OHRC
Local Support: 211 Ontario
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