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 Enganced 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:
Share 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]
