Assistance Dogs and Other Animals Policy

 

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Assistance dogs are welcome at this organisation as we are committed to providing services that are equally accessible and responsive to all sections of the community. This includes assistance dogs in training along with their walker or sponsor.

This policy predominantly supports those patients and employees who may have the need for an assistance dog but also refers to therapy animals, pets and other animals that may visit Yalding Surgery. Under the Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs, guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs and their owners have the same rights to access this organisation as everyone else.

The Equality Act 2010 defines an assistance dog as:

  • A dog that has been trained to guide a blind person
  • A dog that has been trained to assist a deaf person
  • A dog that has been trained by a prescribed charity to assist a disabled person who has a disability that consists of epilepsy or otherwise affects the person’s mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects

A dog of a prescribed category that has been trained to assist a disabled person who has a disability (other than those described above)

Assistance dogs are working dogs that have been rigorously trained by the following associations:

  • Guide Dogs for the Blind
  • Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
  • Support Dogs
  • Dogs for the Disabled
  • Canine Partners
  • Dog A.I.D
  • Medical Detection Dogs
  • Dogs for Good
  • Service Dogs UK
  • The Seeing Dogs Alliance
  • Veterans with Dogs

Registered assistance dogs are working animals, not pets, and are relied on by their owners for independence.

Assistance dogs are able to enter most areas of this organisation. A risk assessment has been conducted and it has been deemed that, for infection control purposes, the treatment room area is not permissible for any assistance dog to enter. In these circumstances, the owner will be requested to ensure that alternative arrangements are made for the short period while they are receiving treatmen