Apart from the practical disruption it brings, being refused access because you rely on a highly trained assistance dog can be a very humiliating and stressful experience.

A lot of service providers are simply not aware of their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 or Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (NI), so sometimes providing initial information about access rights for assistance dogs is the first step.

In many cases, when service providers realise they are at fault, they are more than happy to help to resolve the problem.

Legal advice and help

Unfortunately. Assistance Dogs UK is not able to provide advice and does not have any legal powers.

If a service provider refuses to deal positively with the issue, you should contact the assistance dog organisation who trained and provided your dog for advice and support.

People who rely on dogs not trained by an organisation – whether an ADUK one or not – can contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau or the Equality Advisory and Support Service

Useful Resources

We have created a range of Quick Guides which lay out both the legal obligations of service providers towards disabled people who rely on highly trained assistance dogs, as well as the rights of disabled people who rely on highly trained assistance dogs.

These can be found on our website at ADUK Quick Guides and Resources

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