Medicine Hat News
Service dog window decals for business premises, schools and workplaces to display are available through the provincial government to assist service dogs and owners.
The purpose of the decals is to promote inclusion and increase awareness about the rights of those with service dogs to bring their qualified service dogs into any public place.
“Albertans with disabilities should have access to the supports they need,” Minister of Community and Social Services Irfan Sabir said in a press release. “For years, service dogs have been opening opportunities for people with disabilities, and now Alberta is opening the door for them. When businesses display the service dog decal we help remove barriers and support inclusion.”
Changes to service dog regulations in 2017 developed provincial standards, improved access and increased the ability of owner-trained dogs to become qualified service dogs.
This year alone nearly 60 new service dogs have been qualified by Alberta’s eight approved service dog organizations. Most of those were owner-trained dogs that passed assessments. Under previous rules, an average of only 20 qualified service dogs were graduated each year.
To request a service dog decal for your business, contact Alberta’s Service Dog team at: 310-0000-780-427-9136 (toll free) or 780-427-9136.
