This program allows dogs that have not been trained by an ADI or IGDF accredited organization to apply for and take a standardized public access test with a Certified Validator in order to be certified as a Guide and/or Service Dog in BC. Several other provinces, including Alberta and Nova Scotia have adopted the testing standard as well. Here is a link to the BC Government News Release of the Guide & Service Dog Certification Program.

– A completed Application for a Guide and Service Dog Certificate. 

– A Medical Form Confirming Requirement for Guide Dog or Service, completed by a B.C. Physician or nurse practitioner. 

– Written confirmation from a B.C. veterinarian that the dog has been spayed or neutered. 

– A passport size and quality photograph of the applicant. 

For a full description of the BC Government Service Dog Certification program and Certification test click HERE.

The guide and service dog  assessment administered by Validators assesses whether a dog demonstrates the high standard of training required of guide and service dogs . It also evaluates if:

• The handler has control over the dog
• The dog is safe to be in public
• The dog is calm, stable and reliable in situations commonly encountered by dog and handler teams.

Assessments are performed while the dog is on-leash. An occasional tight leash is acceptable. However, a dog is not ready for an assessment if it displays behaviour requiring major restraint or a continuously tight leash to perform a task (unless the tight leash is required for mobility limitations). Only regular collars are acceptable. Correction collars such as pinch collars will not be accepted.

The assessor will follow the team but will communicate only when required as a part of an assessed task. The team must pass all 40 tasks in the Assesment to be certified. You are welcome to view the assessment here.