Guide Dog and Service Dog Team Certification

There are two ways for dog and handler teams to be certified:

• Receive a trained dog from an accredited school
• Pass a public safety test

Guide and service dog teams with valid identification cards issued by training schools accredited by ADI or IGDF, regardless of province or country of issue, are considered to be certified under the GDSDA. These teams no longer need to make a formal application for a GDSDA certificate to receive the protections available under the GDSDA.

Guide and service dog teams holding valid identification cards from accredited training schools may still choose to apply for the GDSDA certificate.

Teams Trained by an Accredited School

New Application and 2-year Renewal Applications

Recommended Application Method: Apply Online

For faster processing, please submit your application through our online system. You will need to upload the following documents:

• A copy of an identification card issued by an accredited training school
• A photo showing your face clearly
• A copy of valid government-issued photo identification

Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online

• A completed Application for a Guide or Service Dog Certificate (Accredited School) (SL400) with all documentation listed above and submit to the Guide Dog and Service Dog Program.

Self-trained teams and teams trained by non-accredited schools: New Application – Documentation

If you are the handler of a dog that was not trained by a school accredited by ADI or IGDF:

Recommended Application Method: Apply Online

For faster processing, please submit your application through our online system.

New Application – Documentation:

• A Medical Form Confirming Requirement for Guide Dog or Service (SL403) completed by a Canadian or U.S. physician or nurse practitioner

• Written confirmation from a Canadian or U.S. veterinarian or equivalent that your dog has been spayed or neutered
• A photo showing your face clearly
• A copy of valid government issued photo identification.

2-Year Renewal Application – Documentation:

• A photo showing your face clearly
• A copy of valid government issued photo identification.

If your documents are complete, Security Programs will direct you to Obedience Unleashed Dog Training (OUDT) to schedule a public safety assessment.

Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online

• A completed Application for a Guide or Service Dog Certificate (Non-Accredited School) (SL402) with all documentation listed above and submit to the Guide Dog and Service Dog Program.