The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has enabled the Canadian Foundation of Animal-Assisted Support Services (CFASS) in the process of setting up a technical committee to develop standards for all animals that perform a service or activity for humans. These standards will also apply to all humans involved in the care and handling of such animals. The Canadian Foundation of Animal-Assisted Support Services (CFASS) has indicated that guide dogs and their handlers will be included.

Guide dog handlers object to the Canadian Foundation of Animal-Assisted Support Services (CFASS) proposals as follows:

1. Guide dog handlers were never asked or consulted about being included in the standards.

2. Guide dog teams are already required to comply with rigorous international standards established by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). Requiring guide dog teams to meet additional requirements is unnecessary and could pose further burdens and barriers on guide dog teams.

3. Handlers and their guide dogs have been working safely and effectively in North America for over ninety years. The Canadian Foundation of Animal-Assisted Support Services (CFASS) has not produced any concrete substantive evidence demonstrating that guide dog teams are encountering problems requiring additional standards.

4. Imposing standards on guide dog handlers without their involvement or request is a blatant violation of human rights law. 

For additional information please follow our Facebook page at The National Coalition of People who Use Guide and Service Dogs or email us at info@hooh.ca. 

In Solidarity, 

HOOH Steering Committee 

"Hands Off Our Harnesses, Hands Off Our Hounds!"