Service Dogs

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of key terms, such as emotional support animal/dog, service/assistance dog, and therapy/workplace dog, all categorized in this study as support dogs.

Through an analytical approach, the study seeks to define these terms, laying the groundwork for additional discussions.

This study will also include a scoping review of the literature in several distinct categories including terminology, effectiveness, challenges in implementation, ethical considerations, handler experiences, and long-term effects.

Police dogs, cadaver dogs, and search and rescue dogs fall outside the study’s scope. Additionally, the study will delve into the Accessible Canada Act, which received royal assent on June 21st, 2019 (Government of Canada,2019).

By synthesizing existing knowledge and exploring the implications of recent legislative changes, this scoping review aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the roles and impact of care dogs in a contemporary society

(c) Aja Notte & Nicola Shaw.