What does the law say about Assistance Dogs?

The Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 protects the rights of people with disabilities to be accompanied by their Assistance Dogs. (It is the person who has rights, not the dog). This Act prevails over any conflicting state or local laws that provide less protection against discrimination for the person with the disability.

A public accommodation must modify its policies to permit the use of a trained Assistance Dog by an individual with a disability, unless doing so would result in a fundamental alteration or jeopardise the safe operation of the public accommodation. While Assistance Dogs might not be found riding roller coasters or being admitted into a sterile surgical area, Assistance Dogs may accompany their owners in taxi cabs, trains and buses, to their doctors’ offices, to work, in hotels and motels, stores, health clubs, schools, and practically every other place the general public is welcome.