Paws for Access" Report Reveals Global Barriers for Service Dog Handlers—And Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

At Medical Mutts Service Dogs, we believe in creating partnerships between people and dogs that transform lives. But according to a powerful new report, Paws for Access: A Global Survey on Assistance Dog Rights, many people who depend on service dogs still face daily struggles—especially when it comes to accessing public spaces like restaurants, hotels, and even public transportation.

The report, released by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI), surveyed over 1,000 assistance dog handlers in 20 countries, shedding light on the real-life barriers people face—despite the laws that are supposed to protect them.

Getting Turned Away for Having a Service Dog

Imagine needing help from your dog to navigate life—and then being told you can’t come in. That’s a reality for 43% of survey respondents, who were denied access to public spaces in just the last year.

Some of the most common places where people were turned away include:

• Restaurants and cafes (56%)

• Hotels or accommodations (28%)

• Medical offices or hospitals (28%)

• Grocery stores (19%)

  
  

Even getting a ride is a problem. More than half (56%) of all respondents had been denied transportation, especially from ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. For guide dog users, that number was even higher—63% reported being refused a ride.

Where It’s Especially Difficult

Some countries stood out as especially challenging for service dog handlers:

• United Kingdom and Netherlands: A staggering 79% of respondents experienced multiple access refusals in the past year.

• Russia: 71% faced repeated access issues.

• Ireland: 60% had access denials.

• Australia: 58% reported being turned away from public places.

Even in countries like the United States, where service dog rights are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), problems persist—especially when it comes to airlines and ride-share companies, where enforcement can be inconsistent.

Emotional Toll: “I Just Stay Home Now”

These access denials aren’t just frustrating—they’re emotionally exhausting.

Many handlers report feeling anxious, angry, or even ashamed when they're questioned or refused entry. According to the report, 40% of people have considered avoiding public places entirely because of the constant stress and conflict. That number rises to 59% in Australia and 48% among guide dog users worldwide.

People with invisible disabilities, such as PTSD or diabetes, are often asked to prove or justify their need for a service dog, which adds another layer of emotional burden.

Fake and Poorly Trained Service Dogs: A Growing Problem

One of the biggest challenges cited in the report is the rise of fake or undertrained service dogs. These are often pets that wear a vest purchased online but have no formal training—and sometimes no training at all.

Here's why that’s a big deal:

• 65% of legitimate handlers said people doubted their dog was real, largely because of past run-ins with fake service dogs.

• 58% have had their dog’s work disrupted by fake or untrained dogs that lunged, barked, or even bit them.

• These encounters not only endanger real service dogs, but they also damage the public’s trust in legitimate teams.

  
  

At Medical Mutts, we see the serious consequences of this every day. A well-trained service dog is calm, focused, and reliable—even in the busiest, most unpredictable environments. Fake or poorly trained dogs, on the other hand, can act out, cause distractions, and even put people and real service dogs in danger.

Why Professional Training Matters

This is why it’s so important to work with a reputable, accredited service dog organization, not a pet dog trainer or DIY with YouTube videos. At Medical Mutts, we use science-based methods and follow ADI standards to train dogs who can:

• Detect changes in medical conditions (like blood sugar or seizures)

• Support people with psychiatric conditions

• Alert to sounds (for those who are deaf or hard of hearing)

Our dogs are rescued from shelters and undergo months of rigorous training to ensure they’re safe and reliable in any public setting. We also coach our clients through private or group classes, so they know how to handle access refusals and advocate for their rights with confidence and professionalism.

What Needs to Change? The Push for Stricter Laws

The Paws for Access report outlines five major steps the global community should take to protect service dog teams:

1. Public Education – Teaching the public and businesses what real service dogs do and how to recognize them.

2. Standardized Definitions – Clear global definitions of service dogs, separate from emotional support animals (ESAs).

3. Better Identification Tools – Improved vests and ID cards to make it easier to verify legitimate service dogs.

4. Training for Small Businesses – Teaching employees how to comply with service dog laws and treat handlers with respect.

5. Stronger Laws and Penalties – Holding people accountable for using fake certifications or bringing untrained dogs into public spaces.

   
   

As fake service dogs become more common, we’re likely to see stricter enforcement and tougher laws. That’s a good thing—but it also means handlers need to be ready. Working with a reputable training organization helps ensure your dog meets the highest standards, so you’re protected legally and practically.

A Final Word from Medical Mutts

The Paws for Access report is a wake-up call. Service dog handlers deserve the same access, respect, and dignity as anyone else. Yet across the globe, they’re being excluded, doubted, and put at risk—often because of ignorance and misinformation.

At Medical Mutts, we’re proud to be part of the solution. By rescuing dogs and training them to the highest standards, we help build partnerships that are not only lifesaving but also legally protected.

Let’s keep pushing for a world where everyone is welcome, including the dogs who make independence possible.