VicPD Launches B.C. Guide and Service Dog Act Awareness Campaign for Citizen Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2026
Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Police Department is releasing public messaging to remind the public, businesses, and transportation agencies about rights and responsibilities outlined in the B.C. Guide and Service Dog Act.
The department’s goal is to improve understanding, reduce discrimination, and ensure guide and service dog handlers have equal access to services – following formal and informal concerns to police that greater awareness and enforcement is necessary.
VicPD’s Traffic Section has already provided refresher training initiatives and complaint-routing procedures to patrol officers and dispatch partners on the Act, specifically as it applies to public transportation such as ridesharing.
Next VicPD’s Community Engagement Division will be issuing social media and scenario-based content to educate people on the law, offences, and fines as it relates to public transportation and public spaces.
Long-time advocates and members of the Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) are supporting these steps in an ongoing effort to protect the legal rights of blind citizens using guide dogs.
“After decades of advocacy to correct some of the severe injustices blind citizens face, this human rights legislation has been given the status and enforcement it deserves,” says CFB member and advocate, Graeme McCreath. “Human rights legislation is only meaningful when enforced, and VicPD has shown how it should be done.”
Public transportation services are legally obligated to accept patrons with guide and service dogs. They cannot refuse service based on the presence of the dog. It’s important to remember that the animals are trained to help people with a range of disabilities; they are not the same as emotional support animals and have rights to public access.
Guide and service dogs can also access public places, including local businesses. The establishment’s owners, managers, and staff are not allowed to ask intrusive questions about a person’s disability; but they can ask if the dog is a guide or service dog.
“Access is a fundamental right,” says VicPD’s Media Relations Officer, Sgt. Kristin Greffard. “Guide and service dogs are more than helpers. They’re valued partners providing independence, companionship, and improved quality of life.”
Whether in a public space or with transportation, Failure to Allow Access is a $288 fine under the Act.
VicPD encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with the Act in support of a more inclusive and respectful community.
The department also wishes to thank BC Transit, Bluebird Cabs, Hillside Centre, and North Perk Cafe for its support and partnership in the creation of the awareness videos. You can find the awareness videos on VicPD’s social media channels: @vicpdcanada on Instagram and the Victoria Police Department on Facebook.
Quotes:
“Public access is a fundamental right for guide and service dogs. They are more than helpers. Guide and service dogs are valued partners providing independence, companionship, and improved quality of life,” VicPD Media Relations Officer, Sgt. Kristin Greffard.
“After decades of advocacy to correct some of the severe injustices blind citizens face, this human rights legislation has been given the status and enforcement it deserves,” CFB member and advocate, Graeme McCreath.
“There’s no better education than a fine when an infraction occurs. It’s great to see authorities taking proactive steps to uphold the rights of guide and service dog handlers,” CFB member and advocate, Oriano Belusic.
“BC Transit is proud to partner with the Victoria Police Department and support this important initiative to ensure accessibility in our community. We remind all riders that everyone can take transit, and we welcome guide and service dogs on board all our buses. Our Operators are trained to support everyone’s needs to ensure public transit remains a safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation service you can rely on,” BC Transit Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Ross.
“Bluebird Cabs was pleased to be invited to participate in this VicPD public awareness campaign. We strongly support the rights of those with disabilities to travel with guide and service dogs, and we take pride in providing safe, inclusive transportation for all,” Bluebird Cabs Operations Administrator, Josephine MacIntosh.
“Hillside Centre is pleased that we were able to participate in the Guide and Service Dog awareness campaign developed and launched by the Victoria Police. At Hillside we strive to ensure that we provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone, including members of our community who rely on guide and service dogs. We strongly support the laws associated with service dogs and our shops and services hope that all our visitors feel welcome here,” Hillside Centre BC Regional Director and General Manager, Kerry Shular.
“When we designed and built our little community cafe, we knew we wanted to be a place that was accessible for all. By participating in this initiative, we were reminded that it is not enough to be ‘barrier free,’ rather visually impaired folks who come into the cafe with their companion animals, look for signals that they are welcome into a space and that their working dog will be respected and accommodated. Yes, it’s the law. And it’s also just being good humans,” North Perk Cafe Lead Volunteer, Sue Hallatt.
B.C. Guide Dog and Service Dog Act:
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/15017
