CANADA - NOVA SCOTIA

The first Canadian obtained his dog guide in 1931.  Since that
time, the number of dog guides in use in Canada has grown steadily,
and today many blind Canadians enjoy the freedom the dog guides so
richly provide.  In recent years all Canadian provinces have
adopted special statutes granting dog guide users legally protected
access to a variety of public accommodations.  These are summarized
in the following pages.

When crossing and recrossing the Canadian-American border, a dog
guide user should remember to carry the dog's up-to-date health
certificate and a current rabies vaccine record.  It would also be
wise to have the identification card issued by dog guide schools
to their graduates and to keep a muzzle available, as occasionally
there are muzzling requirements.

Blind Persons' Act - enacted 5/77

Nova Scotia law guarantees a blind person the right to be
accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public
accommodations and facilities.  No extra charge can be levied
because of the presence of the dog guide.  A dog guide user also
has a right to equal housing accommodations, but the landlord is
not required to make any modifications.

Public accommodations include restaurants, hotels, public
conveyances, and other places to which the public is customarily
admitted.

Housing accommodations include the rental of any self-contained
dwelling unit.

Violation: Anyone who interferes with the rights enumerated above
is guilty of an offense and punishable under Nova Scotia law.
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