A global survey has highlighted widespread challenges facing handlers and their assistance dogs when it comes to accessing public spaces.
The Paws For Access Report on Assistance Dog Rights was published jointly by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). It contains responses from more than 1,200 assistance dog handlers in 24 countries across the world.
The report says four out of every ten assistance dog handlers — and 48% of guide dog handlers — say they sometimes stay at home or avoid public places because of the hostility they encounter when out and about.
It also looks in detail at the main challenges experienced by assistance dog handlers including access to public spaces and public transport, demands to verify or justify their dogs, fake assistance dogs, emotional and behavioural impact, and infringement of human rights.
The report notes that the UK, USA, Canada and Australia rank among the most unfriendly countries for handlers with assistance dogs, despite having some of the most robust disability and discrimination laws.
Responses suggested the worst places for access include restaurants and cafes (56%), hotels and other accommodation (28%), medical facilities (28%) and grocery stores (19%).
Public transport also came in for strong criticism, with 56% of respondents globally experiencing refusals in taxis or rideshare vehicles.
The survey also reveals stark regional and national disparities. In the UK and Netherlands, 79% of handlers report multiple access refusals within the last year, with Russia at 71% and Ireland (60%), Australia (58%) and the USA (35%) also scoring poorly.
ADI Executive Director Chris Diefenthaler said: “The repercussions of a handler being denied entry with their assistance dog extend way beyond immediate practical inconveniences.
“The emotional and subsequent behavioural impact can last a long time. On top of living with a disability, many handlers feel burdened, frustrated and anxious.”
David Maynard, Executive Director of IGDF, added: “There is an urgent need for improved public education, clearer definitions of assistance dog roles, and stronger enforcement of existing law..
“This would help mitigate the challenges faced by handlers and promote a more inclusive and accessible environment for all assistance dog handlers. Despite legal frameworks designed to protect handlers’ rights, implementation and enforcement is inconsistent across different regions and countries, reflecting the global disparity in the treatment and perception of assistance dogs.”