New rules for strata corporations on guide and service dogs in force today
January 18, 2016
BY Kevin Zakreski
British Columbia’s Guide and Service Dog Act comes into force today, bringing with it some new rules for strata corporations. The act contains a consequential amendment to the Strata Property Act, which provides that a “bylaw that prohibits a pet or other animal or that restricts the access of a pet or other animal to a strata lot or common property does not apply to
- a guide dog or service dog, or
- a dog that is a member of a retired guide or service dog team if the person who is a member of the team is an owner, tenant or occupant.”
In other words, strata corporations can’t prevent strata-lot owners, tenants living in a strata property, or visitors to a strata property from being accompanied by a certified guide or service dog.
The government of British Columbia has further information on the act and its operation.
