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 – Documentation
If you are the handler of a dog trained by a school accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) submit the following documents to Security Programs:
- A completed Application for a Guide or Service Dog Certificate (Accredited School) (SPD0800)
- A copy of an identification card issued by an accredited training school
- An electronic copy of a photo that shows the applicant’s face clearly
- A copy of valid government issued photo identification such as a passport, BCID or driver’s licence.
2-Year Renewal Application – Documentation
- A completed Application for a Guide or Service Dog Certificate (Accredited School) (SPD0800)
- An electronic copy of a photo that shows the applicant’s face clearly
Security Programs will process your application within 3 to 4 weeks of receiving your complete application package.
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 please submit the following documents to Security Programs:
- A completed Application for a Guide or Service Dog Certificate (Non-Accredited School) (SPD0801)
- A Medical Form Confirming Requirement for Guide Dog or Service (SPD0803) 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
- An electronic copy of a photo that shows the applicant’s face clearly
- A copy of valid government issued photo identification such as a passport, BCID or driver’s licence
2-Year Renewal Application – Documentation
- A completed Application for a Guide or Service Dog Certificate (Non-Accredited School) (SPD0801)
- An electronic copy of a photo that shows the applicant’s face clearly
If your documents are complete, Security Programs will direct you to the Justice Institute of British Columbia for assessment.
