Certifies guide and service dogs and their handlers in accordance with the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act (GDSDA). Handlers of dogs trained by an accredited school can submit documents for provincial certification. Employees or volunteers training dogs for accredited schools can also apply for certification allowing them to train the dogs in public spaces. Certified guide and service dogs that have retired and remain with their handlers can receive retirement certification permitting them to continue living with their handlers regardless of strata bylaws or rental conditions prohibiting pets. Certification under the GDSDA is voluntary; persons with disabilities who rely on a guide or service dog that is certified with other authorities, or is not certified, have equal right to access and use public services/spaces and rental or strata housing, and are protected under the BC Human Rights Code. Handlers who believe they have been wrongly denied access or accommodation may submit a Complaint Form to the Security Programs Division. Office hours are 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.