The standard
Sensory Dogs Canada Standard (SDCS) v1.0Training, task, behaviour, and assessment requirements. The document every credential is assessed against.
PublishedView PDF →Assessment score sheets — all three modulesIn-Home, Public Access, and Travel Readiness scoring instruments, as used on the day.
In developmentView PDF →Task catalogue & restricted techniquesSeventeen catalogued tasks with training criteria, plus the six mandatory conditions on tethering.
PublishedView PDF →Integrity & governance
Assessor Independence & Conflict of Interest Policy (GOV-01)The firewall: no assessor may score a team they trained within 12 months. No waivers, including for the founder.
PublishedView PDF →Revocation, Complaints & Appeals Policy (GOV-02)How a credential is suspended or withdrawn, who decides, and how a decision is appealed.
In developmentView PDF →Records Retention & Verification Policy (GOV-03)Assessment video retained seven years. Credential register, verification, and audit access.
In developmentView PDF →Privacy Policy — PIPEDAHow health-adjacent personal information is collected, stored separately, and never published.
In developmentView PDF →Animal welfare
Dog Welfare & Humane Training PolicyAny assessor may halt any assessment on welfare grounds at any time. A welfare halt is never recorded as a failure.
In developmentView PDF →Career Change & Retirement Policy (GOV-04)When the work stops suiting the dog. Career change is a supported outcome, not a failure.
In developmentView PDF →Veterinary Standards & Fitness to WorkHealth clearances, orthopaedic screening, and fitness-to-work requirements by credential class.
In developmentView PDF →Handlers & clients
Client Agreement & Informed ConsentWhat we commit to, what you commit to, and what happens if a team does not meet standard.
In developmentView PDF →Tethering Informed Consent FormRequired before any tether work with a child. Documents the risks to both child and dog.
In developmentView PDF →Health Professional Letter TemplateFor your OT, physician, or psychologist to complete. Tracks the AODA regulated professions list.
In developmentView PDF →A note on what is still in development
We could have quietly listed everything as published. We would rather you saw the real state of it —
including that several policies are drafted but not yet through legal review. Each will appear here,
dated and versioned, when it is finished.
Questions about any policy: standards@sensorydogs.ca