Skip to content

A service dog is allowed in with the person it works for.

This is the rule for a restaurant in Ontario. It applies whether or not that person has ever heard of us.

The provision

the provider shall ensure that the person is permitted to enter the premises with the animal

If a person with a disability is accompanied by a guide dog or other service animal, the provider shall ensure that the person is permitted to enter the premises with the animal and to keep the animal with him or her, unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law from the premises.

O. Reg. 191/11 (Integrated Accessibility Standards), s.80.47(2)

Outside, the food rule may not apply at all
Live dogs in an outdoor eating area of a food service premise as long as food is not prepared in the eating area.

O. Reg. 493/17 (Food Premises), s.14(2) para 4

They may

  • Ask if the dog is a service animal, and what the dog doesSprague v. RioCan (HRTO, reconsideration, 2015); Scott v. Siu (HRTO)

They may not

  • Require a certificate, registration or training papersAllarie v. Rouble (HRTO, 2010), para 27; OHRC Policy on ableism
  • Ask about the handler's health, outside the rare cases the Commission allowsOHRC Policy on ableism and discrimination based on disability, s.8
  • Decide from their own assumptions what a service dog looks likeRobdrup v. Sadler (HRTO, 2009); OHRC Policy on ableism

O. Reg. 191/11 (Integrated Accessibility Standards), s.80.47(2) · last reviewed 18 Sept 2026 · the full page

Add your dog — free.

Then this screen carries your dog’s record too: the photo, the name and the number, under the rule.

Create a free record

Already have one? Log in