Education
Information Sessions & Lunch and Learns:
educating Your Team on Service Dog Accessibility
At Wellness Wags Assistance Dogs, we believe education is key to fostering an inclusive and accessible community. Our Lunch and Learn sessions provide businesses, schools, and organizations with the knowledge they need to confidently welcome service dogs and their handlers into their spaces.
To book a session, email sydney@wellnesswags.ca to inquire!
Topics covered
Our interactive sessions are engaging, informative, and tailored to your audience. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, healthcare facility, school, corporate office, or an association, we will equip your team with the knowledge to support accessibility with confidence. Our sessions cover essential topics, including:
- All About Service Dogs – Learn what service dogs do, the types of assistance they provide, and how they differ from other working dogs like guide dogs and therapy dogs.
- Service Dogs in Nova Scotia – Understand local laws and regulations governing service dogs, including public access rights and the responsibilities of businesses.
- Service Dogs in Canada – Get an overview of national service dog standards, human rights protections, and how service dog accessibility varies across provinces.
- Rights and Responsibilities of Businesses – Learn how to accommodate service dogs while complying with legal requirements.
- How to Interact (and Not Interact) with a Service Dog – Practical guidance on respecting working dogs and their handlers in public spaces.
- How Your Organization Can Become a Service Dog-Friendly Space – Tips for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals who rely on service dogs.
Suggested Donations
As a nonprofit, we strive to keep these sessions accessible while also ensuring we generate the necessary funds to sustain and grow our programs. Your donation directly supports our service dog training and accessibility education, allowing us to expand our impact. Contributions help cover the time, expertise, and resources needed to deliver these sessions while also supporting the long-term sustainability of our programs.
Standard Suggested Donations:
- Community groups and nonprofits: $100–$250
- Small businesses (fewer than 10 employees): $300–$500
- Large businesses (10–30 employees): $500–$1,000
- Corporations (30+ employees): $1,000–$5,000
- Per attendee model: $30–$50 per person
Sessions can be held in person, or virtually, based on your preference. If travel outside our local area (Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth areas) or specialized customization is required, we ask that your contribution reflects the additional time and resources involved.
To ensure clarity in scheduling and planning, we ask that you confirm your preferred topic(s), group size, and donation amount at the time of booking.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Unions, Associations, or Corporate Sponsorships: Larger organizations may choose to contribute a lump sum to fund multiple accessibility training sessions for their members, locations, or affiliates.
Restorative Education: Making Things Right: Businesses that have previously denied access to service dog users—whether unintentionally or due to misinformation—have the opportunity to make meaningful amends. Booking an educational Lunch and Learn for their own employees helps ensure compliance, rebuild trust, and foster a more welcoming environment for service dog users.
Pay It Forward: Sponsor a Session for Others: Companies that want to go a step further can sponsor additional sessions to allow other businesses or community organizations to receive this training free of charge. This is a great way for corporate leadership to ensure accessibility is a priority across multiple locations or within their industry. In some cases, businesses may be required to provide service dog training as part of corporate training requirements or legal corrective action.
Lunch and Learn as a Puppy Sponsorship Benefit: Businesses or individuals who sponsor a service dog, name a puppy, or sponsor an entire litter can receive a Lunch and Learn session as part of their sponsorship package. View our Sponsorship Guide here.
By participating, you are not only educating your team but also directly contributing to our mission of making the world more accessible for service dog users. Your support ensures we can continue this important work and sustain our programs for the future.
Thank you for your on-going support!
Booking a Session
Interested in learning all about service dogs or making your business or workplace more accessible? We would love to work with you! Contact us today to schedule a Lunch and Learn session and help create a more inclusive community for service dog handlers.
Email: sydney@wellnesswags.ca to inquire.
To ensure clarity and scheduling, we confirm the suggested donation amount at the time of booking. This helps us allocate resources effectively and ensures our team can continue providing valuable education on service dog accessibility.
JOIN THE WELLNESS WAGS
Service Dog Support Network
Show your commitment to accessibility and inclusion by joining the Service Dog Support Network.
By taking the pledge, you signal that your staff have been proactively educated on welcoming service dog teams and that handlers will be received without questions or barriers in your space.
By taking the pledge, your business or organization will:
- Demonstrate support for service dog handlers and their right to access public spaces freely and safely.
- Get listed on our website as a service dog-friendly business or organization.
- Receive a window decal to display at your location, signaling that your space welcomes service dog teams.
Together, we can create a Nova Scotia where service dog handlers can confidently access public spaces without barriers.
Take the Pledge Today!