What is an assistance dog?
The assistance dog lives in permanent partnership with a person with disabilities. While their assistance increases autonomy, quality of life, and often safety through meaningful, trained tasks, the human handler provides leadership and care. Each successful partnership between human and dog is based on a balance of Give and Take.
Many people are familiar with guide dogs for the blind. However, there are many other types of assistance dogs who are no less important. The concept is rapidly expanding.
Qualified assistance dogs are carefully selected and receive intensive education, typically for over 21 months. Once the assistance dog team is ready, it should obtain a certification that establishes their status and access rights.
“Assistance Dog Welcome”
The access campaign “Assistance Dog Welcome” reached over 40 million people in Germany from 2018-21.
Assistance Dog Foundation is seeking partners to expand the campaign into many more countries.
Access rights of assistance dog teams
An assistance dog enables their human partner to participate in everyday life. That is why assistance dog teams have access rights wherever people in street clothes are allowed. This means that assistance dogs are also, among others, allowed in grocery stores, restaurants, cultural institutions, public transportation, and the medical sector.
The right to “animal assistance” is enshrined in international law (UN Commission on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities/UN CRPD) and in an increasing number of national laws.
Only healthy, well-balanced, and reliable dogs succeed with the demanding training, so you do not have to worry about assistance dogs causing problems. As assistance dogs, they have the right of access to public places worldwide.
They are not mere companions; they are medical aids who mitigate the disabilities of their handler and provide them with autonomy.
How can I recognize assistance dogs?
Assistance dogs generally wear the following equipment options while working.
Assistance Dog Foundation was founded to provide an independent, universal ID for qualified assistance dog teams based on ISO-aligned certification.
Correct behavior around assistance dog teams
Even if you have many questions and perhaps a dog treat in your pocket – please pay attention to these rules of conduct and safety instructions:
- Do not distract an assistance dog by stroking them without their human’s permission.
- Do not stare at the team – this can be unpleasant for both dog and human!
- Do not speak to the dog and do not lure them.
- Do not feed the dog.
Make it easy for an assistance dog team to continue their day undisturbed and safely:
- Make sure you give them as much space as possible.
- Keep your distance with your dog when an assistance dog is working and/or on a leash.
- Please also keep your dog on a leash.
- It’s fine to talk to the person, but avoid personal questions like “Why do you have an assistance dog”?
Here are some of the common types of assistance dogs:
Visual impairment
guide around obstacles
Alert to both dangers and destinations
Hearing impairment
Display sounds
Warn of dangers
Retrieve lost items
Limited mobility
Retrieve objects
Operate doors/switches
Assist with undressing
Support balance
Epilepsy, narcolepsy, etc.
Alert to crises, get help
Retrieve medication
Protect and soothe
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Interrupt crises
Awaken from nightmares
Relieve sensory overload
Autism/FASD
Relieve sensory overload
Support routines
Diabetes, allergies
Detect allergens
Alert to crises at an early stage
A young concept, rapidly expanding
