Did you know that under the Dog Act 1976 – SECT 8, 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:
How To Identify Guide Dogs & Autism Assistance Dogs
Guide and Assistance Dogs and those in training are easy to recognise as they wear different harnesses/jackets:
White Leather Harness – Qualified Guide Dog
A white leather harness, with a rigid handle and reflective front panel indicates that this is a qualified Guide Dog, who is working with their owner.
*The colour of harness for dogs trained by Guide Dogs WA is white. The colour of harness may vary for other Guide Dog training schools and in other states and territories.
Brown Leather Harness – Guide Dog in training
A brown leather harness, with a rigid handle and reflective front panel indicates that this is a Guide Dog in training, who is learning all the skills a Guide Dog needs to safely guide a Western Australian living with low vision.
Orange Jacket – Autism Assistance Dog
An orange canvas jacket with a black foam handle attached by soft straps indicates an Autism Assistance Dog.
They may be in training with a Guide Dogs WA trainer or they may be working with a child and their family.
An Autism Assistance Dog has the same public access rights as a Guide Dog.
Orange Jacket – Dog or Puppy in training
An orange fabric jacket indicates a dog or puppy in training. Like a qualified Guide or Autism Assistance Dog, a puppy in training has access rights and can accompany their handler everywhere.
Which legislation ensures Access Rights for Guide and Autism Assistance Dogs and those in training?
- Western Australia Dog Act 1976 (Part 1, Section 8)
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Section 8, Commonwealth)
- Western Australia Disability Services Act 1993
- Western Australia Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911
- National Disability Services Standards (2014)
- Disability Services Act 1986 (Commonwealth)
- Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)
