For me to bring a dog into an appartment I seen they require a doctors perscription. I can get that as my wife is type1 diabetic and I am hearing impaired. I was wondering if they might require it to be trained or if it could be in training?
A dog can only be used as a service dog for only one person officially, although it may serve more than one person in the household. However, it is very hard on a dog to alert for two or more people.
By law, they only have to accept a dog that IS a service dog. It is up to the owners discression if they decide to allow a service dog-in-training. I would get that in writing before you get the dog so you know where you stand and the apartment owners do too. Sadly, less than 50% of dogs, even those professionally trained ever make it to certification status. Less of owner-trained do as well but those who own their own homes can take the time needed to finish certification if their dog takes longer. otherwsie the dog will need to find a new home or the owner can move out. Those from program have usually max 18 months to show they can do the job or they are taken out of the program.
I would find out what exactly your apartment owner's requires and get it in writing! To be certified in BC, the dog must be issued a gov't certificate and that entails the list on my blog post number 4. I suspect they will want proper BC gov't certification unless they are pet friendly anyway (allows cats etc). If you end up moving at some point, unless you are moving to your own home, you may be barred access if your dog is not certified.
If they allow a dog in training, they may require ongoing proof that you are indeed training your dog, especially if you are not working with an organization. If they decide they don't want dogs in their apt bldg or your training is taking too long, they can use the BC laws to keep non-certified dogs out. You need to feel them out.
Sadly, there are many cases of people trying to claim their dog is a service dog but they are really just pets. It would be nice if more apts were pet-friendly as it would amke it easier for those wanting to train their own service dog, but they aren't.
Here is a link to what can happen when your dog is not trained nor certified in BC.
Vancouver Island Assistance Dogs: 4A A Case for Certifying your Service Dog
