Public Access - What Does That Mean?
IAAD is an approved service dog organization by the Alberta Government - training highly skilled dogs that support individuals with disabilities in daily life.
In Alberta, qualified service dogs are legally allowed to accompany their handlers anywhere the public is permitted - restaurants, stores, transit and hospitals etc. Handlers are typically required to carry identification for their service dogs. This access ensures independence, safety and equal participation in society for people who rely on assistance dogs.
As a qualified assistance dog provider, puppy trainers and assistance dogs in training maintain the same public access rights as a certified client/dog team. In their training, the puppies need to understand how to behave in all situations, environments and around all kinds of people and other animals. This public access allows the trainers the opportunity to broaden the puppies experiences and build more well rounded assistance dogs.
As a facility manager, shop owner, restaurant employee, it’s important to understand your rights:
You can always request identification for the Trainer or the Assistance Dog in Training. In Alberta, the identification is created and maintained by the qualified assistance dog organization. Government issued identification is only provided to Client/service dog teams.
Ensure that the assistance dog in training is clearly identifiable via cape/vest identifying the organization the team represents.
The puppies must be under control and the Trainers must clean up after the puppies if there is ever a toileting accident.
Ask questions of the Trainer and if you’re interested in being tagged in photos, let them know.
As a puppy trainer or assistance dog in training caregiver, it’s important to understand your responsibilities.
Always carry your identification and ensure your assistance dog in training is wearing their cape/vest in public spaces where applicable.
Always ensure your assistance dog in training is under control via leash and that you respect the rules of the space you are in.
Always clean up after you pup!
Be respectful and open to providing education to those that ask questions.
