# SERVICE ANIMAL ACCESS NOTICE

To Business Owners, Managers, and Security Personnel:

This dog, [Insert Name of Dog/Animal Here], is a legally recognized Service Animal under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC).

Under provincial law, obligated organizations (O. Reg. 165/16 s. 80.45 (2)) are required to allow persons with disabilities to be accompanied by their Service Animal in all areas open to the public. A Medical Letter from a Regulated Health Professional (O. Reg. 165/16 s. 80.45 (4)b) is the official documentation that satisfies this legal requirement.

# Summary of Ontario Legal Framework:

Identification & Documentation: Service animals are not legally required to wear a vest or harness. Under O. Reg. 165/16, s. 80.45 (4)a, a Medical Letter from a Regulated Health Professional is the definitive and sole proof required.
General Public Access: Per O. Reg. 165/16, s. 80.47 (2), obligated organizations shall ensure that a person with a disability is permitted to enter the premises with their service animal and keep the animal with them.
Food Establishments: Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (O. Reg. 493/17, s. 14), service animals are expressly exempt from rules prohibiting animals in areas where food is served, sold, or offered for sale.
Privacy Rights: The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits businesses from demanding disclosure of a person's medical diagnosis or proof of the animal's training. (Allarie v. Rouble, 2010 HRTO 61).

Thank you for ensuring your staff is aware of these guidelines (O. Reg. 165/16 s. 80.49 (1)) to maintain compliance with Ontario's accessibility and human rights laws.