For some Albertans with disabilities, service dogs are essential in supporting them to get a job, go to school, get services, or participate in community activities.

• Service dogs perform specific tasks or behaviours to help people with visible and non-visible disabilities such as epilepsy, PTSD, diabetes, or mobility limitations.
• Guide dogs are service dogs that support people with low or no vision by navigating around obstacles, finding bus stops and elevators, and similar tasks.

Both guide dogs and service dogs are trained and tested to ensure safety in public. Qualified dog teams have the right to access any location where the public is allowed. Teams include a dog, a client, and a dog handler (when the client is a minor).

Related legislation:

• Blind Persons’ Rights Act
• Service Dogs Act

Emotional support animals, comfort animals and therapy animals are not considered service dogs under Alberta’s Service Dogs Act and Service Dogs Qualifications Regulations. Emotional support animals provide comfort and companionship to the owner but are not trained to do specific tasks that assist a disability. A therapy dog is brought by the owner on visits to people in institutions or in their homes, providing others with an opportunity to interact with the dog.

Qualified dog teams must have an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card, and owners are asked to carry it with them at all times in public. Each ID card has:

• Name of the handler
• Name of the dog
• Photo of the handler and dog
• Validation number

There are several different policies, bylaws and guidelines that provide clarity on animal and pet access to City owned amenities. See below for specific locations and circumstances.

Restrictions on animals at public pool and spray park sites are required by Alberta Public Health Act Regulation 204/2014.

Indoor City facilities

Only qualified service dog teams are permitted in indoor City facilities. Owners of animals entering these facilities must be able to prove the animal is certified by providing a service dog identification card (shown above). Emotional support animals are not permitted to enter indoor City of Red Deer facilities.

Indoor facilities include Collicutt Centre, Don Moore Recreation Centre (including the outdoor pool), G.H. Dawe Community Centre, Michener Aquatic Centre, Setters Place at Great Chief Park, Kinsmen Community Arenas, Servus Arena, City Hall, Archives & Records Centre, Intermediate School building.

City parks

Pets may access city parks, unless otherwise signed, if they are leashed and under control. Dogs are required to be licensed.

Exception: Dogs are not permitted in City Hall Park.

Spray parks

Only qualified service dog teams are permitted at City spray parks, including Central Spray & Play in Rotary Recreation Park, Woody’s Spray Park at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, Kin Canyon Rock, Discovery Canyon and Pop-Up Spray Park events held in various locations through the summer.

Note: Pets are permitted to visit Canada 150 Square in Capstone but are not permitted in the fountain area, as per AHS regulations noted above.

Red Deer Transit

• Certified service dog teams are permitted on transit buses, including Action buses, with no additional fees.
• Small cats and dogs may be allowed to board public transit if the following apply:
  • They are contained in a fully enclosed, clean, handheld crate appropriate to the animal’s size
  • The crate has a solid bottom to contain any animal waste
  • The crate is small enough to fit in the owner’s lap
  • Only one handheld crate per passenger is allowed
  • Passengers are responsible for their pet and must always hold onto crate. If there is room on the bus, crates may be placed on the floor beside the owner without blocking the aisle or other passengers
• Pets may be refused if they misbehave or pose a health or safety risk.
• Concerns with allergies are minimized when pets are contained in crates, which reduces the spread of dander. If a passenger with pet allergies notifies the driver of a problem, the passenger carrying a pet on board may be placed in a different location on the bus.

Off leash dog parks

At Three Mile Bend and The Oxbows off-leash dog parks, dogs are permitted to roam off-leash if dog park etiquette and bylaw requirements are adhered to by both dog(s) and owner. Learn more.

Dog park requirements

Dogs must:

• have current license
• not chase wildlife
• interact well with other dogs and dog owners
• come immediately when called

Dog owners must:

• keep dogs on leash until inside fenced area
• have a leash in possession at all times
• keep dog within site and under verbal control at all times

Dog park etiquette

Dog owners are also asked to keep their dog’s vaccinations updated, and to clean up after their dogs. Please remove dogs if there are signs of aggression.

There are no restrictions on access to City facilities or public spaces for RCMP Canine Unit or RCMP Canine Training Unit teams.

Animal licensing questions:

The City of Red Deer Inspections & Licensing
403-342-8182
licensing@reddeer.ca

Pets in City parks, including off-leash parks:

The City of Red Deer Parks & Public Works
403-342-8238
Parksandpublicworks@reddeer.ca

Pets in City recreation facilities:

The City of Red Deer Recreation
403-309-8411
recreation@reddeer.ca

Concerns about domestic animals (cats and dogs):

Alberta Animal Services
403-347-2388
https://albertaanimalservices.ca/bylaw-enforcement/#concerns-regarding-animals

Service Dogs in Alberta:

Service Dog Assessment Team
Alberta Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services
Phone: 780-427-9136 (Edmonton) or toll-free: dial 310-0000 then the phone number
Email: servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
Web: https://www.alberta.ca/service-dog-information.aspx