Businesses and service providers sometimes request a doctor’s note when a person is accompanied by a service dog. In most public access situations, this request is not legally justified.
Canadian human rights law protects privacy and limits the amount of medical information that can be demanded. Service dog access generally does not depend on presenting a doctor’s note.
Medical documentation may arise in specific accommodation contexts, such as employment or housing, where accommodation planning is required. Even then, requests must be reasonable and limited.
Businesses open to the public typically cannot require medical confirmation as a condition of entry. The focus remains on accommodation and behaviour, not diagnosis.
Key takeaways:
• Doctor’s notes are not usually required
• Medical privacy is protected
• Documentation requests must be reasonable
• Public access does not depend on diagnosis
For clarification on documentation in different settings, consult the Canadian Service Dogs Handbook.