–Information Sheet issued by the Victoria City Police–

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January 1, 2021

Information Update for Customers with Guide Dogs and Service Dogs

Victoria Police, local taxi representatives and community members representing those with vision loss recently participated in a teleconference to discuss concerns pertaining to equitable taxi service in our community. From this conversational session, police offered to provide an up-to-date information sheet to ensure that all taxi companies and their employees are fully informed of their legal obligations vis-à-vis guide dogs and service dogs. To ensure clarity, this fact sheet does not apply to any companion animals (pets) and is solely in reference to certified guide dogs and service dogs.

What is a Guide Dog or Service Dog and what do they do?

A Guide Dog is a dog who is trained to be a guide for a blind or visually impaired person. A Service Dog is trained to perform specific tasks to assist a person with a disability. Both guide dogs and service dogs are certified and fall under the protections and powers of the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.

What does the law say about transporting service animals?

The Guide Dog and Service Dog Act articulates that any guide/service dog team may enter any place and use any service just the same as any person who is not with a guide/service dog. This includes all transportation services such as busses, ferries and taxis.

What are the expectations of the Guide Dog/Service Dog team?

According to the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, the dog member of the guide/service dog team must not occupy a seat in a public conveyance (such as a bus or taxi) and must be held by a leash or harness. This means that the guide/service dog must be with the individual who requires the assistance of the guide/service dog. It is common to have the guide/service dog sit directly at the feet of the individual who requires the guide/service dog. There are no limitations on where the guide dog team/service dog team are able to sit in a vehicle, on a bus, etc.

Does a person need to disclose that they have a Guide Dog/Service Dog ahead of time?

It is completely up to the individual whether they let the dispatcher know of their guide/service dog ahead of time – it is not required by law.

What can happen if a Taxi/Cab refuses to pick up a Guide Dog or Service Dog Team?

If a driver fails to pick up a Guide Dog/Service Dog Team (either by failing to stop or by attending and subsequently refusing service) they risk a Violation Ticket in amount up to $288. This ticket can be issued by any police officer in the Province of British Columbia. Further, the taxi company risks exposing itself to civil litigation which has, in the past, resulted in financial penalties in the range of $10,000.

Respectfully,

Inspector Michael Brown
OIC Community Services & Traffic Section
Victoria Police Department