Car rental companies in Canada provide services to the public and are generally required to accommodate customers with disabilities. This obligation may include allowing service dogs in rental vehicles.
Policies that prohibit animals or impose cleaning fees do not automatically apply to service dogs. Charging additional fees for a service dog is usually unlawful.
Rental companies may express concerns about damage or hygiene, but these concerns rarely meet the legal standard of undue hardship. Service dogs are trained to remain under control and minimize impact.
Behaviour-based restrictions may apply in rare cases, but decisions must be individualized and evidence-based.
If access is denied, documenting the interaction and escalating through corporate accessibility channels is often effective.
Key takeaways:
• Service dogs are generally allowed in rental vehicles
• Extra fees for service dogs are unlawful
• No-animal policies do not apply
• Behaviour-based limits are rare
For rental-specific rights and complaint options, consult the Canadian Service Dogs Handbook.