Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are specially trained animals that support individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, enhancing their independence, mobility, and quality of life.
Below is an overview of their roles and how they are identified:
| Type of assistance dog | Purpose | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Guide dogs | Assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. | Navigating obstacles, leading across roads, and finding destinations. |
| Hearing dogs | Support people who are deaf or hard of hearing. | Alerting to sounds like doorbells, alarms, or someone calling their name. |
| Mobility assistance dogs | Aid those with physical disabilities. | Retrieving items, opening doors, pressing buttons, and providing balance support. |
| Medical alert dogs | Detect medical conditions and warn their owners. | Sensing low blood sugar levels (for diabetics), detecting seizures, or alerting to allergens. |
| Psychiatric assistance dogs | Support individuals with mental health conditions, such as PTSD or anxiety disorders. | Interrupting self-harm behaviours, grounding during panic attacks, or reminding owners to take medication. |
| Autism assistance dogs | Help individuals, particularly children, with autism. | Providing safety, reducing anxiety, and facilitating social interactions. |
Assistance dogs can be identified through various features and protections. They frequently wear branded harnesses, jackets, or vests indicating their role, such as "Guide Dog" or "Medical Alert Dog," and many handlers carry identification cards issued by recognised assistance dog organisations.
Behaviourally, these dogs are well-trained, calm, and focused, even in busy environments, remaining non-aggressive and generally unbothered by distractions.
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 grants assistance dogs legal access to public places, including shops, restaurants, and public transport, ensuring their handlers can navigate society with greater ease and independence.
When interacting with a passenger with an assistance dog, you should not touch or talk to the dog or otherwise distract them while they are supporting their owner. Always ask the owner before approaching or interacting with the dog in any way.