Guide And Service Dogs And Strata Corporations

British Columbia's new Guide Dog and Service Dog Act (which we wrote about in an earlier blog post) will come into force on January 18, 2016.

Corresponding changes to the Strata Property Act will also come into force on January 18, 2016.  Strata owners, occupants, tenants and visitors will be able to have their certified guide dog or service dog on strata premises, regardless of the terms of their tenancy agreements or any strata bylaws restricting or banning pets. Owners, occupants and tenants will also be able to keep their certified retired guide dog or service dog with them, including after a new dog has been certified to take over its duties. This acknowledges the bond between a handler and their retired guide dog or service dog.