Travelling with an assistance dog
Your legal rights to travel with a registered assistance dog on public transport, in taxis and at airports, and what to do if you are refused.
Applies to: UK-wide. Last reviewed 1 August 2026. This is information, not legal advice; rules can differ by council and operator.
What counts as an assistance dog
An assistance dog is trained to help a disabled person, for example a guide dog, hearing dog, or a dog trained to alert to a medical condition or support someone with a mental health condition or autism. Under the Equality Act 2010 (and equivalent Northern Ireland law), refusing service to someone because of their assistance dog is disability discrimination.
Your rights on transport
- Taxi and private hire drivers must carry assistance dogs at no extra charge and let the dog travel in the passenger area, unless the driver holds a medical exemption certificate that must be displayed in the vehicle.
- Buses, coaches, trains and trams must allow assistance dogs to travel free, usually in the space by your seat or in the wheelchair space if it is not otherwise needed.
- Airlines must carry assistance dogs in the cabin at no extra charge if you give enough notice, though rules and required paperwork vary between airlines, especially for international flights.
- Shops, restaurants, hotels and other public buildings must also allow assistance dogs in, including into areas usually closed to pets.
Before you travel
- Tell the operator you are travelling with an assistance dog when you book, especially for flights, ferries and coaches, so they can plan space and, for pet travel schemes, documentation.
- Carry your assistance dog's identification, for example an Assistance Dogs UK member charity ID card, though staff cannot lawfully insist on paperwork before providing a service.
- For international travel, check pet travel and rabies vaccination rules well in advance, as assistance dogs are not automatically exempt from every requirement.
If you are refused
Ask for the refusal in writing and note the date, time, and who refused you. Report it to the operator's customer service team and, for licensed taxis, to the council that issued the driver's licence, which can investigate and take action. You can also complain to the relevant transport regulator (Rail Ombudsman, Bus Users UK, or the Civil Aviation Authority for air travel), or seek advice from Citizens Advice or Equality Advisory and Support Service about discrimination law.
Official sources and where to apply
Find providers
Search the accessible transport directory for buses and coaches and other services in your area.
Other transport guides
Rail Passenger Assist
Free assistance at stations and on trains across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including help boarding, ramps, and someone to meet you.
Accessible buses and coaches
Your rights on local buses and long-distance coaches, wheelchair spaces, priority seating, audio-visual announcements and free travel passes.
Airport and airline assistance
Free special assistance at UK airports, how to book it, and how wheelchairs and mobility equipment are handled.
Ferries and water transport
Assistance on ferries to the islands, Northern Ireland and Europe, including notice periods and what to check about the vessel and terminal.