You’re in the right place.
Take a breath. Your assistance dog has full public access under the Equality Act 2010.
Is access being refused right now?
This is an assistance dog supporting a disabled person.
Please speak with the handler and consider access as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.
A specific ADUK card, yellow booklet or charity membership is not a legal requirement.
Please ask the duty manager before refusing access.
Once they’ve read it…
Good. That’s your right.
Enjoy your visit. You did nothing wrong.
Recording this later helps protect the next handler who gets stopped.
What reason are they giving?
Read this out, calmly
You don’t have to prove anything, or share your medical details.
Leave safely, then record it.
- Ask for the name of the person refusing you, and the duty manager’s name.
- Don’t argue further. Your safety matters more than winning at the door.
- Record what happened below. Your report builds the case that protects everyone.
Record what happened
It takes about a minute. We’re building the UK’s first record of where assistance dog handlers are turned away. Your report helps hold businesses to account and improve access for everyone. No account needed.
We respect your privacy. We never ask about your disability, your details stay anonymous, and you choose exactly how your report is used.
Thank you, your report is saved.
You’ve helped build the picture of assistance dog access across the UK. Create a free ADR account to keep a copy and get your digital profile.
Create my free account →Know your rights
- Refused entry? What to say, ask and do next
- Can a business legally refuse an assistance dog?
- Can a pub refuse your assistance dog?
- Airlines & the aviation exception
- Can landlords refuse assistance dogs?
- Free UK rights pocket guide (2026)
The official government guidance
This is the government’s official EHRC guide for businesses. Jump straight to the page that answers the excuse you were given:
- Page 5“Owner-trained dogs count too”The guide states assistance dogs can be owner-trained. You don’t need a charity or a certificate.
- Page 11“It’s not a hygiene issue”For cafés, restaurants and food shops: assistance dogs are unlikely to be a hygiene risk and should be allowed access.
- Page 13“Allergy / religion isn’t a reason”Refusing because someone ‘might’ be allergic, or on religious/cultural grounds, is likely unlawful.
Register your assistance dog with ADR
Get a digital profile plus a physical ID card & lanyard you can show at the door. Scannable proof that stops most challenges before they start.
See registration plans → Already a member? Log in to your profileNot ready to register?
Get our free digital assistance-dog law card and keep your rights in your pocket for the next time you’re questioned.
Get the free law card →One payment, covered for your dog’s whole life. Physical ID card, lanyard and digital profile.
Register for life →