Policy: Assistance Dogs
Harbourside Family Practice is committed to providing services that are equally accessible and responsive to all sections of the community. To that effect, assistance dogs are welcome.
An assistance dog is defined by the Equality Act 2010 as
- a dog which has been trained to guide a blind person;
- a dog which has been trained to assist a deaf person;
- a dog which has been trained by a prescribed charity to assist a disabled person who has a disability that consists of epilepsy or otherwise affects the person's mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects;
- a dog of a prescribed category which has been trained to assist a disabled person who has a disability (other than one falling within paragraph (c)) of a prescribed kind
Whilst any assistance dog is on the premises, the organisation will pay particular attention to the maintenance of infection control.
The owner has a responsibility to ensure that their assistance dog is well behaved and supervised throughout the visit.
For further information, or to arrange a familiarisation visit please contact the practice.