Assistance animals can support people with disabilities or long-term health conditions to live more safely and independently.
An assistance animal is usually a dog that has been specially trained to help someone with everyday tasks at home and in the community. Assistance dogs are working animals, not pets.
You may benefit from an assistance dog if you have:
- visual or hearing impairments
- physical disabilities
- long-term health conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes
- some neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism
What assistance dogs do
Assistance dogs have specialist training to carry out specific tasks. Depending on your needs, they may:
- open and close doors
- pick up dropped items
- operate light switches and buttons
- alert someone to medical events, such as seizures or changes in blood sugar levels
- provide support with mobility and navigation
- seek help in an emergency
Under equal opportunity law assistance dogs are generally allowed to go with their owners into public places, including shops, restaurants, schools and public transport.
Emotional support animals
Emotional support animals can provide comfort, companionship and reassurance. They may help some people feel calmer and more confident. Unlike assistance dogs, emotional support animals do not have specialist task-based training or the same legal access rights. Access will depend on the setting and its policies.
Things to consider
Owning an animal is a long-term commitment. You should consider the responsibilities and costs involved, including:
- feeding and daily care
- veterinary treatment
- insurance
- meeting the animal's welfare needs throughout its life
Getting an assistance dog
Local authorities and the NHS do not usually provide assistance dogs. If you want to get an assistance dog, you will usually need to apply through a specialist assistance dog organisation or charity. Each organisation has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
You will usually be responsible for the ongoing costs of caring for the dog. For more information, visit Assistance Dogs UK.
Last updated: 17 September 2026