Guide Dogs
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) says that anyone who provides services, goods or facilities to the public cannot refuse to provide their service to a disabled person for a reason relating to that person's disability. This protection applies to people who are dependent on guide dogs. It is therefore unacceptable under the DDA for an accommodation provider to refuse to provide their service to a person due to the fact that they have a guide dog.
Challenges
A number of arguments against this have been raised by hotel and B&B owners but as yet none have been significant enough to satisfy the exceptional circumstances required for a defence by the DDA.
No Pets Policies
The claim that accepting guide dogs contravenes 'no pets' policies is not a defence to refusal as guide dogs are classed as 'working dogs' and not pets. Even a 'no dogs' policy is not acceptable as working dogs must be excluded from such a policy.
Disruption
Many accommodation providers worry that dogs will cause a disruption or mess in their B&B or hotel. This should not be a concern with guide dogs. These dogs are very well trained. They will sit quietly next to their owners, they only go to the toilet on command so shouldn't foul in a public place and they will not jump up on to furniture.
Allergies
Another complaint is that other guests may have allergies to animals that may be provoked by being in close proximity to a guide dog. Whilst this is an obvious possibility it is unfortunately the case that allergy sufferers are not offered any protection under the DDA, or any other legislation whilst disabled people, reliant on a guide dog, are.
Religious or Cultural Grounds
Religious and cultural beliefs have also been cited as reasons that people might not want to accept guide dogs on their premises. Once again this is not a defence against non-compliance with the DDA.