​A service dog is a specially trained dog who provides assistance to a person with a disability. Think of these dogs as the equivalent of a wheelchair or an oxygen machine, imperative for their handler but should be mostly ignored by everyone else.
Where are they allowed? Pretty much everywhere. With a couple exceptions (kitchens or surgical rooms) they have total access to any public space including restaurants, medical clinics, and even airplanes. Remember they are medical equipment, nobody just leaves their pacemaker at home.
How can you tell? I'm glad you asked! Alberta is special in the way that we have a provincial test to certify service dogs which makes it really easy for businesses to know. Each team is then given an ID card which is government issued and individual to the team. NOTE there are fake registries for certifying pets that are not trained for work, these are not valid and you should not accept anything that isn't government issued, or these pets can present real dangers to the public.
What is required? First of all the handler must be permanently disabled. This includes physical disabilities, like epilepsy or being wheelchair bound, and psychological disabilities such as severe anxiety or PTSD. A doctor must sign a form indicating a dog would be helpful for your circumstances. Next the dog must be checked by a vet to ascertain they are fit for duty. Training is done in a couple ways, either by a program or the owner can train the dog. Once a dog is trained they are tested by a master service dog trainer to ensure they are up to standard, and then they are a full service animal!
If you own a business you are encouraged to ask teams you meet, 1. Is this a service animal? 2. Do you have Alberta government ID? If it's a no to either access can be denied. If any animal INCLUDING certified service animals, is behaving poorly in your business (harassing people, making excess noise, disturbing product, etc.) you are legally allowed to ask the team to leave.
Otherwise if you see a service dog in public please ignore them so they can do their job. No touch, no talk, no eye contact, no noises. You can smile to the owner but otherwise leave them be. They're there for a reason and they know they're adorable.

​Fireworks are fun right? Everyone loves a red and white display on Canada Day... except for your pets. The majority of pet dogs (and cats) are nervous about fireworks, some to an extreme degree. Here are some suggestions to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities as much as possible.
-Tire them out before night comes. Go for a long walk or run to work off some nervous energy and set them up for calmness.
- SECURE YOU PETS. This is so important: even if you don't think that your pets will react, keep them close. Bring pets inside well before dark, and if they need to go out for potty breaks, keep them on a leash. Even outdoor pets should be put inside somewhere safe, even a barn or shed, just so they won't run away and get into danger.
- If you are camping, put them on a leash and a secure collar or harness that won't slip off, or put them inside the camper/tent so they don't get loose in a strange environment (I am seeing reports of dogs going missing already sadly).
- Provide a comforting space. If you aren't out enjoying the festivities, keep your pet close because they will feel more comfortable with you. In either case have your pets hang out in an interior room with windows and doors closed.
- If your pet is alone and comforted by being in a crate, you can cover it with a heavier blanket to mute sounds.
- Turn on a TV or radio at a moderate level to cover the harsh cracking and popping sounds of fireworks.
- Provide them with a bone or puzzle toy to focus on for the night and keep them happy during the night.
- Check up on them frequently for stress signs: like panting, cowering, whining, drooling, barking, and hiding. If you see these signs dedicate more time to soothing them and taking their mind off of the fireworks.
If you take good care of your animals this firework season; your pet will be safer and happier, you won't have to endure a missing animal, and you will both enjoy your summer more.