Keeping pets in student accommodation

Definition of an assistance dog

An assistance dog has been trained and qualified by an organisation registered as a member of Assistance Dogs (UK) or an equivalent organisation in another country. 

Registered members of Assistance Dogs (UK) include: 

• Canine Partners 
• Dogs for the Disabled 
• Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) 
• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People 
• Support Dogs. 

Assistance dogs have formal identification and can always accompany their owners everywhere in the UK, unless there is a health and safety risk. 

Due to health and safety, the University can refuse access to a dog that is: 

• not qualified by one of the five members of Assistance Dogs (UK) 
• from another nation that does not meet the full membership criteria of the established international assistance dog organisations (Assistance Dogs International, Assistance Dogs Europe, International Guide Dog Federation) or other recognised international bodies. 

Before bringing an assistance dog into the UK, you must ensure that the organisation you are registered with is accredited by Assistance Dogs (UK).  

Assistance dogs are not pets. They: 

• are highly trained 
• will not wander freely around
• will sit or lie quietly on the floor next to their owner 
• are trained to go to the toilet on command  
• are instantly recognisable by the harness or identifying coat they wear. 

Types of assistance dog

• Guide dogs that assist people who are blind or visually impaired 
• Hearing dogs that assist people who are deaf or hearing impaired 
• Support dogs or dogs for the disabled. A support dog can be trained to do many tasks that their owner may find difficult or impossible. There are also seizure-alert dogs for people with epilepsy. 

Responsibilities of assistance dog owners

• The dog should always be kept on its lead while on University property. 
• No fouling of University grounds or residences. If the dog does foul, the mess must be cleaned up immediately. 
• The dog should be exercised off University property. 
• The dog should not cause a nuisance to neighbours by barking unnecessarily while in accommodation. 
• The dog should be in good health and regularly groomed. You should register it with a vet to ensure it has regular health checks. 
• Any damage caused by the dog will be charged to its owner.