Assistance Dog Identification & Eligibility Documentation.

This document certifies that the handler and dog named on the identification tag/card have successfully completed all requirements at a public access assessment for assistance dogs and the handler has demonstrated full eligibility for using an assistance dog in public to support their needs.

This TDT UK identification document is ONLY available to a dog and handler when they have passed all requirements of the public access assessment.

Notes

Standards for Public Access Rights

The standard any dog must achieve to qualify for public access rights is set by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a coalition of dog training organisations worldwide.
 

Assistance Dog UK is a member of ADI and set the standards for the UK. ADUK recommend that an assistance dog can perform the following when out and about with their owner:
 

• Staying with the owner at all times.

• Getting out of a vehicle in a controlled manner.

• Entering through a doorway in a controlled manner.

• Staying within six feet of the owner.

• Dealing confidently with distractions.

• Dining with the owner in a restaurant.

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Eligibility for a Public Access Test with TDT UK

TDT UK adhere fully with the standards set by ADI and ADUK. To pass a public access test with TDT UK in addition to the above requirements a dog will have evidenced:

1. Obedience Training to a high level (Silver Standard)

2. Access Rights:

o Handler must be eligible for public access rights with their dog.
o This eligibility is dependent on providing up to date evidence of a legitimate diagnosis from a certified healthcare professional, such as
a GP or medical consultant, and/or evidence of a benefit entitlement such as PIP or DLA (UK Benefits).

3. Dog's Age, Health and Temperament:

o Dog must be a minimum of 18 months old, fit and healthy
o Dog should not be more than 5 years old when taking the initial public access test.
o We recommend dogs are fully retired from the demands of Assistance Dog work at the age of 8 years.
o TDT UK assess the dog's temperament to ensure suitability for being in public places, checking that the dog is not stressed or unhappy in
public environments or when in contact with other people or dogs.

4. Task Performance:

o Dog will have demonstrated the ability to perform three tasks in addition to the required training behaviours (see point 1). The dog must
not show any signs of stress when presenting the behaviours and tasks and should undertake them willingly without any force or undue
persuasion from their handler.
o In addition, TDT UK will also check that the dog is able to:
 

• Politely greet other dogs and humans when instructed to do so.

• Toilet in appropriate places or when instructed to do so.

• Be left with another person if necessary for a short time.

• Be left alone without feeling stressed or unhappy for short periods in the car.​

• Walk in a controlled way on a loose lead and be aware of his/her surroundings in public places.​

• Be called back successfully when called, on and off lead. 

• Ignore food & wait to eat.

• Stop in an emergency.

5. Ethical and Force-Free Training Methods:

o TDT UK will ensure that the handler’s training methods are ethical and force-free and that no aversive training methods or equipment is ever
used.  We only recommend handlers use a flat collar and flat lead, a body or a guide harness for their dog.

Other Considerations:

TDT UK will check that the dog is fully up to date with vaccinations & general health & wellbeing protocols. We will ensure the dog is meeting the legal requirements for general identity and travel safety in the handler’s car. We will also ensure that the dog is not fearful or reactive to people other dogs and unusual objects such as prams, bicycles & mobility aids. We will have advised the handler on gaining the
necessary public liability insurance as well as recommending annual public access assessments for their dog.  

A certificate is issued to the handler upon successful completion of the Family Dog Foundation Training for Assistance Dogs. Additionally, documentary proof of eligibility for public access is provided only if the handler and dog have passed a
public access assessment with TDT UK.

This TDT UK identification document is ONLY available to a dog and handler when they have passed all requirements of the public access assessment and the document is valid for one year.

Please email: info@tdtuk.co.uk if you have any queries regarding public access testing, assistance dog training or public access eligibility.