Alongside the campaign, the charity has launched a new research report that highlights that over 80% of guide dog owners had experienced an access refusal because they had their dog with them.
In launching the report, the charity said: “Guide dog owners continue to face access refusals from businesses and services including cafés, shops, and taxis because they are accompanied by their guide dog – despite this almost always being illegal.
“Three-quarters of guide dog owners say they have experienced an access refusal in the past.
“Access refusals can have a negative impact on people’s confidence and their lives. That's why we’re working to open doors for guide dogs.
It adds: “We’re educating businesses on the law and campaigning for government to strengthen it. Get involved and help us open doors by signing our petition.
“The first step is knowing that access refusals are happening. If you’re a guide dog owner, please download our new app which helps you report access refusals or get support.”
You can sign the Open Doors petition to support legislative reform here: Businesses should have Open Doors for guide dogs (e-activist.com).
Guide dogs has also produced information it hopes businesses and service providers will find helpful:
The Let's Open Doors research report is available from guidedogs.org.uk.
