Access Rights for Autism Assistance Dogs

Autism assistance dogs play a vital role for many autistic people. But even today, access refusals in public spaces are common. Whether it’s a supermarket, GP surgery, or transport provider, many handlers are still being stopped at the door.

Autism Dogs Charity is both ADI-accredited and a full member of ADUK. That means our teams are trained, qualified, and legally protected under the Equality Act 2010. Yet, access problems persist.

Let’s look at the data and what we can do about it.

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A Global Problem, Backed by Data

A recent international survey by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) gathered responses from 1,200 handlers across 60+ countries in early 2025. The findings confirm what many already know: assistance dog users face frequent and unjustified access denials.

Whether trained for autism, PTSD, or mobility support, handlers are being asked to leave businesses or denied service altogether, even with clear identification.

The UK Landscape: Shifting Expectations

In the UK, a concerning trend is emerging. Major pub chain have updated their policies to allow only ADUK-trained assistance dogs. We recommend that our teams with assistance dogs carry a physical ID booklet to ensure permit entry, even if the dog is visibly working and clearly labelled. 

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Why We Support Accreditation Standards

Autism Dogs Charity supports the push for consistent, regulated access. That’s why we pursued and maintain full ADI and ADUK accreditation.

Our dogs meet international standards in training, behaviour, welfare, and handler support. Families in our programme receive:

• Individualised training and therapeutic integration
• A formal ID booklet
• Ongoing aftercare and legal advice
  
  

This creates trust between the public, businesses, and the community.

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Allergies and Fears: What the Law Actually Says

Allergies and fears are often cited as reasons to deny access. But legally, that’s not acceptable under the Equality Act 2010. Businesses are required to make reasonable adjustments. This includes accommodating assistance dogs.

Here’s what is considered reasonable:

• Separate seating or waiting areas
• Flexible scheduling
• Clear communication between the staff and both parties
  
  

Refusing access outright is not a reasonable response, especially without exploring alternatives.

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First-Hand Reports: What Handlers Experience

From our own community, examples are consistent with global trends:

• “The dentist refused even to allow the dog into the room. We had to find another dentist.”
  
  
• “The doctor wouldn’t proceed with the appointment due to allergies. A nurse stepped in and provided care without issue.”
  
  

These experiences underline the need for stronger public education, not just about the law, but about the role autism dogs play.

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What Autism Dogs Charity Is Doing

We are:

• Supporting our teams with formal ID documentation, training refreshers, and legal advice.
• Collecting evidence of access refusals to report to authorities and business head offices.
• Educating new families on how to handle refusal situations calmly and legally.
  
  

Our support continues beyond delivering an assistance dog, lasting as long as the team requires it.

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What You Can Do

If you’re a handler:

• Carry your ID booklet where possible.
• Know your rights under the Equality Act.
• Report access issues directly to us.
• Stay calm, document incidents, and ask for the refusal in writing.
  
  

If you’re a business owner or staff member:

• Familiarise yourself with the Equality Act’s guidance on assistance dogs.
• Do not depend only on visual cues. If you are unsure, ask questions respectfully.
• Offer alternative accommodations instead of outright refusal.
  
  

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Final Thoughts

Access to public spaces is not optional for people who rely on autism assistance dogs or other service dogs for autism. These partnerships support daily function, not convenience.

As ADUK members, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards and pushing for consistent, fair treatment across the UK.

We don’t want exceptions. We expect equality.

Learn more from ADUK guides and resources about the legal obligations for service providers towards disabled individuals who depend on assistance dogs:
assistancedogs.org.uk/information-hub/quick-guides-and-resources/

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