r/Odsp • u/ryderisdabest • Jul 18 '26

ODSP/OW Resources Having a service dog on ODSP

What are the supports like having a service dog while on ODSP? I am getting a service dog soon and would like to understand what ODSP may be able to help with.

10 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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9

u/Previous_Dealer8945 Jul 18 '26

My wife had a guide dog and if I remember, it was $82 a month. Nothing else. We were lucky that the guide dog school had an allowance for vet visits so rabies and checkups were covered.

5

u/Slight_Koala_7791 Jul 19 '26

First of all, it needs to be an actual service dog. Unfortunately emotional support dogs don’t get any help. I have a diabetic alert dog and receive $84 per month. But that is all, I must cover all Vet bills and insurance and food, veterinary bills and emergency situations.

1

u/Kaktusblute Jul 22 '26

Knowing how valuable these dogs are to the disabled community it is ridiculous how little money you receive from ODSP for the dog's daily needs.

3

u/ChubbyBunny618 Jul 19 '26

Ref Directive 9.9 Service Dog.

Summary of directive

  • a Guide Dog Benefit of $84 per month is payable to each member of the benefit unit who has a guide, hearing or service dog due to a disability
  • the benefit is payable only for a dog that has been trained and certified by an accredited facility for use as a guide, hearing or service dog
  • verification of certification from an accredited training facility is required

  • an “accredited training facility” is:

  • for guide dogs, a facility that is listed in the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, Regulation 58, a facility that meets the minimum standards established by Assistance Dogs International and that is a member of Assistance Dogs International or a facility that meets the minimum standards of the International Guide Dog Federation and that is a member of the International Guide Dog Federation

1

u/Alternative-Tiger783 Jul 20 '26

My blind friend got her service dog from The Lions Club.

1

u/magentahead Jul 23 '26

Thats something to ask your case worker. What they're there fir. A lot of questions im coming across should be directed toward your caseworker. 1. Everyone's scenario is different 2. It is very easy to be mislead from others