Assistance dogs on campus

Whilst dogs are not normally allowed on campus, the university recognises that a dog kept and used by a disabled person (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) wholly or mainly for assisting that person to carry out day to day activities (an “Assistance Dog”), will require access to the University’s estate, relevant buildings and student accommodation.

If you would like to bring an assistance dog onto campus, either temporarily or for the duration of your studies, there are a number of considerations which need to be made by university departments and also a number of responsibilities which fall to the owner. We would advise you to contact us as early as possible, whether you are an applicant with an existing dog or in the process of applying for one during your studies. We will be able to advise on the process for each individual case.

Definition of an Assistance Dog:

Assistance dogs are trained by Assistance Dogs [UK] or by an equivalent organisation in another country applying the same criteria.
Assistance dogs are required to have the following:
 A formal identification in the form of branded jackets or lead slips.
 A yellow ID booklet from the Assistance Dogs (UK) member organisation. This ID book contains information about the Assistance Dog and its owner, and details of the training organisation who trained the Assistance Dog.
Assistance dogs that have been trained by members of Assistance Dogs (UK) or by an equivalent organisation in another country are permitted to accompany their owners at all times and in all places within the United Kingdom (unless there is a genuine health and safety risk).

Types of Assistance Dogs:

 Guide Dogs assist people who are blind or are visually impaired.
 Hearing Dogs assist people who are deaf or are hearing impaired.
 Support Dogs/Dogs for the Disabled.

Please note, the university will not admit dogs used in therapeutic interventions or 'wellbeing dogs'.

The following are registered members of Assistance Dogs (UK):
 Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA)
 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People·
 Support Dogs
 Dogs for the Disabled
 Canine Partners

If you would like to discuss your situation and what steps you should take to apply to have a dog on campus, please email us.