Assistance Dogs: Know the Law

(UK)

Legal Protection

• Protected under the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Discrimination Act
  1995 (Northern Ireland).
• It is unlawful to refuse service or offer a lower standard of service.
• Assistance dogs are auxiliary aids, not pets.

Access Rights

• Businesses must make reasonable adjustments.
• Assistance dogs should be allowed even in no-dog venues.
• Exceptions are very rare (e.g. certain hospital wards).

Important to Know

• Not all disabilities are visible.
• Assistance dogs vary in appearance.
• No requirement for identification (vest/harness).

If You're Unsure

• Treat each person individually.
• Allow access if the dog behaves appropriately.
• Refusal only justified for poor behaviour.

ID & Registration

• Some handlers carry ADUK ID or app.
• Not all do - and that is legal.
• No official UK registration or required proof.