UK Businesses Face Difficulty Distinguishing Assistance Dogs From Pets

Pet owners in Britain are bringing dogs into pubs, restaurants, cafés and supermarkets by claiming the animals are emotional support dogs, according to GB News. The practice allows entry to venues that would otherwise exclude pets. Charities including Assistance Dogs UK and Guide Dogs for the Blind state that the trend has increased since a rise in dog ownership during the COVID-19 period.

They report that some owners now expect pets to be admitted everywhere.

Current law makes it illegal to refuse entry to a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog. Emotional support animals have no legal status in Britain, and there is no national register of assistance dogs. Owners are not required to show documentation when asked about a dog's status. Counterfeit harnesses and identification tags are available online for as little as £10.

Businesses have contacted charity helplines for guidance after dogs described as emotional support animals caused disruptions inside venues. GB News reported cases of staff being bitten by animals presented as trained assistance dogs. JD Wetherspoon restricted dog access in May 2025 to official guide dogs and accredited assistance animals after increased incidents involving bites and fraudulent identification.

Vicky Worthington of Assistance Dogs UK said the misrepresentation affects legitimate users. She stated that when a venue has a negative experience with an untrained dog, the next trained assistance dog team is often denied entry. A government spokesman said it is wrong for people to pretend their dog is an emotional support animal to gain access to premises.

The spokesman noted that such access is intended for disabled people with assistance dogs, with limited exceptions.