At Best Bark, we’re proud to share that we’ve teamed up with Guide Dogs NI to support their Open Doors campaign, which shines a light on the rights of assistance dog owners and calls for businesses across Northern Ireland to step up.
For many people, their guide or assistance dog is more than a companion, they are an essential, legally protected lifeline. Yet new findings from the Paws for Access report (Assistance Dogs International & International Guide Dog Federation) reveal that the UK is one of the worst offenders when it comes to access refusals. A staggering 79% of assistance dog handlers here reported being turned away in the last year.
The most common places where refusals happen?
- Restaurants and cafés (56%)
- Hotels and accommodation (28%)
- Medical facilities (28%)
- Grocery stores (19%)
And transport remains a huge barrier, with 63% of guide dog users globally reporting refusals from taxis or rideshares.
These findings echo what Guide Dogs have been hearing for years. Their own Open Doors research found that 81% of UK guide dog owners had experienced a refusal, and almost three quarters said it happened in just the last 12 months.
Why This Matters in Northern Ireland
Here in NI, taxi-related refusals are already on the rise in 2025 compared to last year. And while the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 makes it crystal clear that refusals are unlawful, many businesses and drivers still don’t know their responsibilities.
As Hannah, Policy & Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs NI, explains:
“Despite legal provisions aimed at facilitating access, many still face undue challenges and discrimination, which not only hinders their daily activities but also impacts their emotional well-being.”
We couldn’t agree more. At Best Bark, we’re all about making Northern Ireland welcoming for dogs and their humans but this issue reminds us that not all dogs are the same. Assistance dogs deserve recognition and respect for the vital role they play.
As our founder Amée Spence put it:
“Our message to businesses is simple: make your policy clear, train your team, and welcome assistance dogs without fuss. When you do, you make your space more inclusive for everyone.”
What Businesses Can Do Right Now
- Train front-of-house staff on assistance dog access rights under the DDA 1995
- Update policies to clearly state “Assistance dogs welcome” (even if you have a “no pets” rule)
- Display visible signage
- Ensure taxi and private hire drivers understand refusals are unlawful
How the Public Can Help
- Share the Open Doors campaign to raise awareness
- Encourage local venues to adopt inclusive policies and training
- Report refusals through the free Guide Dogs app (iOS/Android)
Together, Guide Dogs NI and Best Bark are calling for a culture shift, one where no door is wrongly closed.
Learn more about the campaign here: Guide Dogs Open Doors
If you are a business and would like an official “Assistance Dogs Welcome” sticker to display, please contact Guide Dogs NI for resources and support.
Featured in the Belfast News Letter
We’re grateful to the Belfast News Letter for featuring our partnership with Guide Dogs NI. You can read it here ➡️ Belfast News Letter
