Unleashing Freedom: Exploring the World of Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs play a vital role in the lives of many individuals across the United Kingdom, providing invaluable support and companionship to people with disabilities. In the UK, several types of assistance dogs are recognised for their specific training and abilities. They are recognised under UK law including their rights and responsibilities of owners and the public. Let’s explore this and the different types of assistance dogs recognised in the UK along with the roles they play in improving the lives of their owners.

Recognition and Rights

In the United Kingdom, assistance dogs hold a distinguished status under the Equality Act 2010. These highly trained canines are the unsung heroes of our society, providing vital assistance and independence to their handlers. These dogs are recognised under the Equality Act 2010 as service animals, granting them and their owners certain rights and protections. These rights include access to public places such as shops, restaurants, and public transportation, regardless of a "no pets" policies. The Equality Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability and requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including those accompanied by assistance dogs. Service providers are not allowed to refuse entry to assistance dog owners or charge them additional fees because of their dogs. Furthermore, assistance dog owners have the right to be accompanied by their dogs in all areas of premises, including dining areas and seating areas. It's important to note that not all dogs are recognised as assistance dogs, and only those who have undergone specialised training from accredited organisations are afforded these legal rights.

Responsibilities of Assistance Dog Owners

While assistance dog owners are entitled to certain rights under the law, they also have responsibilities to ensure that their dogs behave appropriately in public settings. Owners are expected to keep their dogs under control at all times and to clean up after them if they make a mess. Additionally, assistance dog owners should ensure that their dogs are well-behaved and do not cause a nuisance to others.

Recognising Assistance Dogs

It's important for the public to be able to recognise assistance dogs and to understand their role. Assistance dogs are typically identifiable by special harnesses or jackets indicating their status as service animals. However, it's essential to remember that not all disabilities are visible, and some assistance dog owners may not have obvious disabilities. It's important to treat all assistance dog owners with respect and to refrain from asking intrusive questions about their disability.

One of the main associations making assistance dog recognition possible is Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), a coalition of assistance dog organisations that have been accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and/or The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

ADUK members are non-profit organisations that work to the highest standards of assistance dog training and welfare. From guide dogs to medical alert dogs, from autism dogs to hearing dogs, the ADUK members train assistance dogs that change and often save, the lives of their owners. These incredible dogs receive meticulous training, for up to two years to prepare them for their roles.

There are over 7,000 people relying on a highly trained assistance dog from one of ADUK’s members, enjoying the additional emotional benefits and greater independence that such dogs bring; all of which are protected by the Equality Act 2010.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the legal protections in place for assistance dog owners, there are still challenges that they may face, such as access refusals or discrimination. In such cases, assistance dog owners can seek recourse through the courts or through mediation services. Additionally, raising awareness about the rights of assistance dog owners and educating the public about the importance of these animals can help mitigate these challenges.

It’s important to note, that unlike assistance dogs, emotional support dogs are not referenced in law. While there is no doubt that trained assistance dogs offer emotional support to their owners, members of the ADUK do not currently train dogs for the sole reason of bringing comfort or support. Despite this, a quick Google can have your pet registered as an ‘official and legal’ emotional support animal in just minutes, claiming to allow you the same rights as someone with an assistance dog, for a hefty fee. However, this is an unrecognised money-making operation, with absolutely no legal standing, and provides no guarantee that your access rights will increase.

An emotional support dog is a pet that offers comfort and companionship to their owner simply by being present, which requires no specialist training. Though the support these animals bring can be important to the mental well-being of an owner, businesses are not legally obliged under the Equality Act to allow access to someone with an emotional support dog. They do not have the same legal protection as a highly trained assistance dog, regardless of any official ID card that may have been purchased online.  

Furthermore, there is also an issue of unscrupulous breeders claiming to breed and train assistance dogs. These young dogs are sold into family homes with the label of being an assistance dog that are fully trained. However, they are seldom registered with any of the recognised organisations by ADUK.

Awareness

We’re relieved to see publicity surrounding assistance dogs is on the rise, beginning education from a young age, via visits to schools and even a TV show on CBeebies, Dog Squad, based on various assistance dogs and their owners. One pair sharing their journey is owner Charli, and Support Dog Tink.  

Charli worked in the BBC’s children’s department for a number of years before becoming ill and being diagnosed with the progressive genetic condition Ehlers Danloss Syndrome. This causes hypermobile, painful joints and fatigue and has left her reliant on a wheelchair. After the diagnosis of the syndrome along with Crohn’s disease put an end to her career in her early 30s, Charli went through some dark times before applying to Support Dogs. Support Dogs are an ADUK member, they helped to train her puppy Tinks to be her disability support dog. Tinks can support Charli with actions like opening and closing doors, picking up objects, raising an alarm, dressing and undressing and even loading and unloading the washing machine.  

Training for this kind of role takes anything between 18 months to 2 years, with dogs legally needing to be at least 2 years old. The Equality and Human Rights Commission states that assistance dogs are trained to a high standard, will not wander freely around a premises, will sit or lie quietly on the floor next to its owner. In addition, they are trained to go to the toilet on cue, meaning they are unlikely to foul in a public place. They should be instantly recognisable by the harness or identifying dog jacket they wear.

Types of Assistance Dogs in the UK

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs, also known as seeing-eye dogs, are perhaps the most well-known type of assistance dog. These highly trained dogs assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired by helping them navigate obstacles, cross streets safely, and travel independently. Guide dogs are trained to stop at curbs, avoid obstacles, and navigate complex routes, providing their owners with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence.

Hearing Dogs

Hearing dogs are trained to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These dogs alert their owners to important sounds such as doorbells, alarm clocks, and approaching vehicles. They are trained to make physical contact with their owners and lead them to the source of the sound, providing crucial auditory support and enhancing their owners' safety and independence.

Assistance Dogs for Physical Disabilities

Assistance dogs for physical disabilities are trained to help individuals with mobility impairments or other physical disabilities. These dogs can perform a variety of tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, turning lights on and off, and providing stability and balance support while walking. They are trained to respond to specific commands tailored to their owner's needs, enabling greater independence and autonomy.

Medical Alert Dogs

Medical alert dogs are trained to detect changes in their owner's body chemistry or behaviour that may indicate a medical emergency, such as a seizure or a diabetic episode. These dogs can alert their owners or caregivers to take necessary precautions or seek assistance promptly. Medical alert dogs can provide peace of mind to individuals with medical conditions and their loved ones, allowing them to live more confidently and safely.

Autism Assistance Dogs

Autism assistance dogs are trained to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by providing companionship, emotional support, and assistance with specific tasks. These dogs can help reduce anxiety, improve social interactions, and provide a sense of routine and structure for individuals with autism. They are trained to recognize signs of distress and intervene when necessary, helping their owners navigate the challenges of everyday life more easily.

Member Organisations Registered with Assistance Dogs UK

• Guide Dogs
• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
• Canine Partners for Independence
• Dogs for Good
• Support Dogs
• Medical Detection Dogs
• Dogs for the Disabled (now merged with Dogs for Good)
• Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland
• Darwin Dogs
• Dog Aid
• Veterans with Dogs
• Service Dogs UK
• Autism Dogs

Please note that the membership of ADUK may change over time, with new organisations joining and others leaving. For the most current information, it's best to visit the official website of Assistance Dogs UK or reach out to them directly. At the time of writing this blog (May 2024) we are informed that there are SEN standards being created for EU assistance dogs.

Assistance dogs play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities across the United Kingdom. Whether they are guiding individuals who are blind, alerting those who are deaf, or providing assistance to individuals with physical or medical disabilities, these highly trained dogs enhance the independence, safety, and quality of life of their owners. Recognising the different types of assistance dogs and the invaluable services they provide is essential for promoting inclusivity and accessibility in our communities.

Katey is proud to be a volunteer trainer with Veterans with Dogs.

We’d love to hear from you if you have an assistance dog and would like to share your story.

May 2024