National Services Dogs holds the following accreditations in good standing:
National Service Dogs is Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and has been a member since 2000. ADI sets standards for the worldwide assistance dog movement, with the purpose of improving the training, placement, and utilization of Assistance Dogs, as well as staff and volunteer education and management.
Members of ADI meet regularly to share ideas, attend seminars, and conduct business regarding such things as educating the public about Assistance Dogs and the legal rights of individuals with disabilities partnered with them, setting standards and establishing guidelines and ethics for the training of these dogs, client care program management.
As members of ADI, our dogs are carefully screened for health, stable temperament and working ability. NSD certifies Service Dog and Facility Dog Teams as having met ADI’s rigourous dog and client related standards; including passing ADI’s Public Access Test. NSD retains ownership of all active service and facility dogs, provides on going follow up care and recertification and provides the dogs and after care to clients free of charge.
National Service Dogs achieved accreditation through the Standards Program shortly after it launched in 2013. NSD is one of only 200 organizations out of 85,000 Canadian charities to achieve distinction through the Standards Program. Accredited Organizations demonstrate excellence and leadership in five key areas of operation:
Board governance, Financial accountability and transparency, Fundraising, Staff management, Volunteer involvement
National Service Dogs is committed to helping service dog users achieve greater independence and equality.
Accessibility laws across Canada differ from province to province, and in many cases are antiquated, poorly defined, and do not take into account the various needs of individuals with disabilities being supported by service dogs. Only three Provinces (BC, AB, NS) have Service Dog Legislation and provide government issued ID cards to support qualified service dog handlers.
National Service Dogs, together with Assistance Dogs International, The Canadian Association of Guide and Assistance Dog Schools, other accredited service dog training schools, and clients, is working to improve and streamline access laws across Canada.
Click: 2021 Updated Airline Regulations
CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit – Service Animals:
According to the Government of Canada, the expenses incurred for the Care & Maintenance of a service dog, including team training expenses. More information can be found by clicking HERE.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
People who are receiving ODSP Income Support and own a certified service or guide dog, may receive $84 a month, to help pay for their care. To qualify for this benefit, you need to give your local Ontario Disability Support Program office proof that your service or guide dog has been trained at an accredited training facility. An accredited training facility is:
– a facility listed in the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, Regulation 58
– an organization that is a member of Assistance Dogs International, or a school that is a member of the International Guide Dog Federation.
More information can be found by clicking HERE.
Similar Programs can be found in the following provinces:
Alberta: Visit AISH
British Columbia: Visit BCEA
Provincial Laws Governing Service Dog:
Alberta • Blind Person’s Rights Act • Service Dogs Act
British Columbia • Guide Animal Act
Manitoba • The Human Rights Code • The Service Animals Protection Act
New Brunswick • Human Rights Act
Newfoundland & Labrador • Blind Persons Rights Act • Human Rights Act
Northwest Territories • Human Rights Act
Nova Scotia • Blind Persons Rights Act • Human Rights Act
Nunavut • Human Rights Act
Ontario • Blind Persons Rights Act • Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act • Human Rights Code
Prince Edward Island • Human Rights Act
Quebec • Individuals with Disabilities Act • Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
Saskatchewan • Human Rights Code
Yukon • Human Rights Act
Unites States of America • Americans with Disabilities Act
