Duane Burr with his service dog Trevoy (Photo by Colton McKee)

By Hayley Ferguson

Working Dog

City hosts information session on importance of service dogs and certification

Oct 18, 2019 | 5:36 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Trevoy isn’t just any dog.

He’s a dog that was born and trained to help people like his owner, Duane Burr.

“He’s just a happy little guy. He loves to work. A lot of people say, and I’ve heard that ‘it’s so sad they have to work their whole life.’ But that’s what they live for” Burr smiled.

That means jobs like carrying shopping bags, picking things up, opening doors, and helping Burr with tasks like taking his coat off.

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“He goes everywhere with me,” Burr smiled.

In order for Trevoy to go with Burr everywhere, the pair had to become officially certificated through the government of Alberta.

“The certification process is really important because it protects your rights to public access. And proves to businesses and the public that your dog is fit and suitable for being in those spaces,” explained Pacific Assistance Dogs Society trainer Miranda Turenne.

In Alberta, certificated service dogs must be permitted anywhere the public is allowed, like restaurants, stores, and hospitals under the Service Dog Act.

The City of Medicine Hat decided to host an information session on service dogs with Burr and Turenne on Friday to talk about the importance of the certification and what that looks like for the public.

Turenne explained that while people can’t ask a certificated service dog to leave a public space, they do have the right to ask for their government ID.

Turenne says is important for business owners and people to ask for that ID if they are unsure, with more reports of people trying to claim their dogs as service animals.

“Without this certification process, a team that has not yet gone through qualification can be asked to leave anyplace, anytime. And that you have no rights to access that place without certification,” she said.

Burr said he is more than happy to show his ID if needed.

“It’s so the public knows what a legit service dog is, what it looks like, and how they are supposed to act. And so the public knows what to look for, for a qualified dog,” he continued. “It’s ok to ask to see our licenses when we’re out in public.”

During her presentation, Turenne stressed that it’s important to just ask for the ID though, not ask for details on the handler’s disability or try and test the dog.

Burr admits the process of getting certificated, which involves a written and practical test every year, can be stressful.

He says in the grand scheme, he doesn’t mind if it means he and Trevoy can be a team.

“He is like a best friend and a co-worker right beside you the whole time. He’s a great companion and the jobs they can do for you. And the independence they give you, so it’s worth it.”