Service animals

Welcome aboard!

Service animals used by persons with disabilities are welcome on board all OC Transpo vehicles.

In Ontario, service animals are defined in section 80.45 (4) of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. 

An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if: 

  • The animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons relating to the person’s disability; or
  • The person provides documentation from a regulated health professional. 

When using OC Transpo, you can identify your service animal with any of the following:

  • A vest, harness or other visual indicator that clearly identifies your animal as a service animal
  • An Attorney-General of Ontario guide dog photo ID card
  • Previously issued OC Service Animal card. Although no longer offered, existing cards remain a valid way to identify a service animal
  • A letter from an authorized health professional confirming you require the animal for reasons relating to a disability

Authorized health professionals

We accept documentation from all the regulated health care professionals listed below who are registered (licensed) to practise in Ontario:

  • Physician / Surgeon
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Physiotherapist
  • Ophthalmologist / Optometrist
  • Chiropractor
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Psychologist/Psychiatrist
  • Psychotherapist
  • Speech Language Pathologist / Audiologist
  • Social Worker
  • Registered Nurse
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Certified Orientation / Mobility Instructor

Riding with a service animal

It is the handlers' responsibility to ensure that their service animals are kept under their supervision and control, and do not block the vehicle's aisle.

Small service animals must be contained in a cage or pouch, or kept on a short leash or harness on their handler's lap.

Larger service animals must be on a leash or harness.

  • When possible, large service animals should be placed on the floor between the customers knees sitting up so that the service animal is supported by the person’s legs providing greater stability while the transit vehicle is in motion;
  • When possible, customers who are able, should adjust or fold their foot rests while on the bus and have their service animal sit in front of the assistive device, instead on lying down on the floor;
  • If a customer is unable to adjust their foot rests, they should have the service animal seated on the side of the assistive device nearest the aisle, as close as possible to the customer and if necessary, have the service animal temporarily seated in front of them while other customers are loading.

Service animals on Para Transpo

Service animals are welcome on all Para Transpo vehicles, including taxis. You can indicate your service animal when you make your Para Transpo application or update your customer information.