CANADA - BRITISH COLUMBIA

The first Canadian obtained his dog guide in 1931.  Since that
time, the number of dog guides in use in Canada has grown steadily,
and today many blind Canadians enjoy the freedom the dog guides so
richly provide.  In recent years all Canadian provinces have
adopted special statutes granting dog guide users legally protected
access to a variety of public accommodations.  These are summarized
in the following pages.

When crossing and recrossing the Canadian-American border, a dog
guide user should remember to carry the dog's up-to-date health
certificate and a current rabies vaccine record.  It would also be
wise to have the identification card issued by dog guide schools
to their graduates and to keep a muzzle available, as occasionally
there are muzzling requirements.

Blind Persons' Act- 1974 - (repeals  Act of 1960)

British Columbia statutory law guarantees a blind person the right
to be accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public
accommodations.  No extra charge can be levied because of the dog
guide's presence, but the dog may not occupy a seat on a public
conveyance and the dog must be under proper control at all times
through a leash or a harness.

The Minister of consumer Services is empowered to issue a special
identification card to dog guide users.  However, the cards issued
by dog guide schools to their graduates are also evidence of the
special training the dogs have received.

Public accommodations include restaurants, hotels, public
conveyances, and all other places which serve and accommodate the
general public.

Violation: Anyone who unlawfully discriminates against the rights
of a dog guide user is guilty of an offense and upon conviction may
be punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.