Professional Public Access Testing & Accessibility Evaluation
Public Access Testing (P.A.T.) is a structured professional performance evaluation process designed to assess working reliability, environmental neutrality, task competency, and public safety readiness of service dog teams according to Bugson Lifelines standards.
Bugson Lifelines Public Access Testing supports ethical accessibility practices, responsible service dog representation, and public safety through structured professional evaluation.
Public Access Testing is not a training session.
The evaluation confirms that a working service dog team demonstrates stable behavior, reliable task performance, and appropriate public access conduct in real-world environments.
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Public Access Testing is not a training session.
The evaluation confirms that a working service dog team demonstrates stable behavior, reliable task performance, and appropriate public access conduct in real-world environments.
Our Services
Additional Professional Evaluation Fees
Professional Evaluator Fee
$200 per evaluator per evaluation day
Meal Allowance
$75 per evaluator per day
Evaluation fees reflect professional assessment services and operational scheduling requirements rather than session duration.
Regional & Travel Evaluations
Base regional travel fees cover transportation only.
Regional Base Travel Fees
Wawa — $525
Sudbury — $875
Timmins — $1,300
Kapuskasing — $1,750
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Additional travel costs may include accommodation, parking, and operational travel expenses as required.
Overnight stay requirements are determined based on travel distance and evaluation scheduling requirements.
All travel evaluations are conducted with two evaluators present.
Public Access Testing Investment
Graduated Bugson Lifelines Clients
P.A.T. — $650​
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Local Non-Client Teams
(Sault Ste. Marie Region)
P.A.T. — $850
What Is Evaluated
Public Access Testing includes structured evaluation of:
• Obedience reliability under distraction
• Environmental neutrality in public spaces
• Minimum of three trained task demonstrations
• Transportation behavior based on the handler’s primary travel method
• Professional handler communication and public safety awareness
Evaluation environments may include:
• Shopping centers
• Restaurants
• Sidewalks and public outdoor spaces
• Transit systems
• Real-world public environments relevant to the handler’s daily life
Transportation Performance Requirements
Service dog teams must demonstrate safe and controlled behavior during transportation scenarios relevant to the handler’s normal routine..
Evaluation may include:
• Vehicle entry and exit behavior
• In-vehicle settling and stability
• Taxi or rideshare conduct
• Public transit behavior when applicable
Dogs must remain controlled, unobtrusive, and environmentally stable throughout transportation scenarios.
Eligibility Requirements
To Qualify For Public Access Testing:
• Dog must be at least 20 months of age
• Dog must demonstrate consistent obedience performance
• Dog must demonstrate environmental neutrality
• Dog must reliably perform trained tasks
• Handler must review and sign the Bugson Lifelines Ethical Standards Agreement
Teams that do not meet baseline readiness may be advised to complete additional development prior to scheduling evaluation.
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Equipment Requirements
Training or correction devices are not permitted during Public Access Testing.
Handlers may use:
• Flat collar
• Martingale collar
• Head halter
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Dogs must wear professional working equipment during public evaluation components.
Evaluation Outcomes
Upon completion of evaluation:
• A written professional evaluation summary is provided
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• A final score is issued based on Bugson Lifelines evaluation standards
• Teams that meet performance standards may receive a Bugson Lifelines Standards Identification Number
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• Documentation photographs may be taken with handler consent for registry records
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If standards are not met, additional development work may be recommended prior to retesting.
Booking & Payment Policy
Local Evaluations
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Regional / Travel Evaluations
A 50% deposit is required to reserve evaluation dates.
The remaining balance is due prior to travel or one day before the evaluation, depending on scheduling requirements.
Travel deposits are non-refundable once dates are confirmed.
Testing dates are reserved exclusively for the scheduled team.
What Passing Means
Passing confirms that the team demonstrated performance readiness according to Bugson Lifelines professional evaluation standards at the time of testing.
Teams are expected to maintain training consistency and professional conduct following evaluation.
Periodic re-evaluation may be required to maintain active registry standing
What Passing Does NOT Guarantee
• Legal service animal status
• Government certification recognition
• Airline policy acceptance
• Workplace or school accommodation approval
Accommodation decisions are determined by applicable legislation and institutional policies, not by private evaluations.
Standards Philosophy
Bugson Lifelines Public Access Testing is designed to support:
• Public safety
• Working reliability
• Ethical accessibility practices
• Handler confidence
• Community trust in legitimate service dog teams
The purpose of evaluation testing is professional performance verification and accessibility education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Passing Guarantee Legal Service Dog Status?
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Public Access Testing is a professional performance evaluation, not government certification.
Does This Guarantee Public Access Rights?
Legal public access rights are determined by human rights legislation and institutional policies.
What Happens If My Dog Does Not Pass?​
If evaluation standards are not met, development recommendations may be provided prior to retesting.
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