Have You Found A Service Animal?
Did you locate a Service Animal with a EmergencyHousing.CA Tag or Collar?
Exemplar Service Animal Letter:
Exemplar Service Animal Perscription:
View Our Enhanced Service Animal Matrix
Are You A Medical Practitioner With Questions?
Have A Service Animal And Need Help?
Looking For Programs And Services Or Other Information?
🐾 Service Animals Ontario – Know Your Rights
📜 Ontario Laws That Protect You
- AODA: Lets you bring your service animal anywhere the public can go.
- Ontario Human Rights Code: Protects you from discrimination if you're denied access.
- DOLA: Makes it illegal to harm your service dog.
- Criminal Code of Canada: Harming a service animal can result in up to 5 years in jail.
- Housing laws: Landlords can’t say "no pets" to your service animal.
- No ID or Vest Required: You only need a letter from a medical professional confirming your need.
🤝 Service Animal Etiquette
- Don't touch, feed, or distract the animal.
- Speak to the handler, not the animal.
- Don’t ask personal medical questions.
- The animal is working—respect its space.
🩺 Sample Doctor's Letter
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [FULL NAME] requires the assistance of a service animal for medical purposes.
Sincerely,
[HEALTH PROVIDER NAME]
[LICENSED TITLE]
[CONTACT INFO]
This is all that’s needed—Ontario does not require any tags, vests, or licenses.
🛡️ Your Rights in Ontario
- Bring your service animal anywhere the public can go.
- You don’t need to explain your disability.
- Landlords cannot deny housing or charge pet fees.
- You can file a complaint if your rights are violated.
📝 How to Get a Letter
- Talk to your doctor, nurse, or therapist.
- Explain how the animal helps your daily life.
- Ask for a short letter on official letterhead.
- Keep a digital and printed copy with you.
📚 Resources
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can someone ask me for ID for my service animal?
A: No. A doctor's note is sufficient. - Q: Can I be denied housing?
A: No. Service animals are not pets. - Q: Can I be charged extra on rent or flights?
A: No. Charging extra is against the law.
📩 Contact Support
If you’ve been denied access, discriminated against, or need help:
Community Support Resources
Community Veterinary Outreach
A registered charity providing veterinary care for pets of homeless and vulnerably housed individuals, alongside human health and social services to strengthen the human-animal bond.
Visit Community Veterinary OutreachProgressive Animal Welfare Services (PAWS)
A volunteer-based organization offering subsidized veterinary care and educational resources for low-income pet owners to prevent pet surrender and reduce animal suffering.
Visit PAWS CanadaFAM Network
A Canadian charity providing foster care for pets of survivors fleeing domestic violence, ensuring both human and animal safety during crises.
Visit FAM NetworkSafePet Ontario
Helps survivors of domestic abuse escape violence by placing their pets with foster families, enabling safe transitions to secure housing.
Visit SafePet OntarioCanadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)
Provides resources and training for social workers to address family and intimate partner violence, including webinars on trauma-informed care and risk assessment.
Visit CASW ResourcesOttawa Victim Services
A not-for-profit offering emotional and practical support to survivors of crime and tragedy in Ottawa, with a focus on equity, diversity, and community partnerships.
Visit Ottawa Victim ServicesEnding Violence Association of Canada (EVA CAN)
A national directory of Abuse Intervention Programs supporting shelters in connecting clients to programs that promote accountability and behavior change for abusers.
Visit EVA CAN ProgramsShare Your Service Animal Story
We’d love to highlight the incredible service animals making a difference in people’s lives. If you have a service animal, consider sharing photos and a brief story with us. Selected submissions may be featured on our website to help raise awareness and celebrate the vital role these animals play.
📩 Email photos and story to: [email protected]
