Resources
Did you know that Guide and Assistance Dogs are allowed access to everywhere their handler goes – and this includes dogs in training.
It is an offence to refuse entry to a person accompanied by a Guide or Assistance Dog including dogs in training; the only exceptions to this rule are operating theatres and some areas of zoos (such as the walk-through exhibits).
These rights are covered by a variety of legislation including:
- The Dog Act (1976), Section 8 (link opens in a new window)
- The Disability Discrimination Act (1992), Section 8 (link opens in a new window)
Guide and Assistance Dogs are matched with people living with low vision, disability or illness. Being refused entry into a venue, rideshare or workplace may result in a Guide or Assistance Dog handler feeling: embarrassed, humiliated, frustrated, scared, isolated, unsafe, confused, angry and hesitant to leave their home in the future.
This is the opposite of the independence, confidence, inclusion and safety that having a Guide or Assistance Dog is meant to provide. We must work together as a community to ensure that people using Guide & Assistance Dogs Are Always Welcome.
People often ask how to act around a Guide Assistance Dog. The simple answer is to just act normally and go about your business or journey.
A Guide or Assistance Dog has an important job to do! After undertaking two years of specialised training they are carefully matched to their handler – a Western Australian living with low vision, disability or illness.
It is important to let a working dog concentrate on it’s job, and the commands of it’s handler.
Fact Sheet
Guide and Assistance Dog Facts
Posters
Guide and Assistance Dog Access Rights
Guide and Assistance Dog Etiquette
How to Identify Guide and Assistance Dogs
Videos
Guide and Assistance Dog Access Rights
Guide and Assistance Dog Etiquette