Assistance Dogs Policy

We welcome properly trained Assistance Dogs that aid or support an individual with a disability.

The definition of an Assistance Dog is one which has been specifically trained to assist a person with a specific disability, and which has been qualified by one of the organisations registered as a member of Assistance Dogs (UK).

Assistance Dogs carry formal ADUK identification booklets and are permitted to accompany their owners at all times under UK law. They include:

• Guide dogs for the blind
• Hearing dogs for the deaf
• Seizure alert dogs
• Medical Detection Dogs

We do not permit unregistered or Emotional Support Animals ((ESAs) dogs or other) into the building or in clinical rooms and offer a space where they can wait outside. While it is noted they can offer support, even registered/certified ESAs do not have the same legal rights as Assistance Dogs and their handlers.

Please note all patients will be asked to provide evidence of their pet’s formal ID so this can be added to their notes. Failure to do so when requested, or if the accreditation does not meet the above criteria, will result in a dog/ESA being denied access to the Practice.  

Should you wish for your pet or ESA to accompany you on your journey to and from the Practice, we have a covered bicycle store in our onsite carpark under which you can wait outside if you would like to remain in the company of your pet. Pets can be left secured in the store while patients check in and attend appointments, and a receptionist will visit the store to notify patients when their appointment is ready to begin.

We have a duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our patients and staff. Animals are a widespread cause of allergic reactions, carrying microbes and parasites which can be transmitted to humans, particularly people who are immunosuppressed or have other health issues.

Unregistered dogs/ESAs may also pose a risk to patients or staff due to their behaviour, and some patients or staff may have a fear of animals, becoming extremely distressed should they be placed in closed proximity to them.