Access Rights

Guide Dogs provide Queenslanders who are vision impaired with a safe means of independent travel. Guide Dogs and Guide Dog Users’ right to enter public places – including shops, hotels, motels, restaurants, as well as taxis, buses and trains, are protected by law.

The following legislation covers rights of a Guide Dog and its user:

• The Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 provides legal access for persons who require the aid of a Guide Dog to enter public places and public passenger vehicles.
•  The Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 also sets out the rights and responsibilities of Guide Dog training institutions, trainers, and person in charge of public places and public passenger vehicles. More information on this act can be found here.
• The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 applies to Queensland residents and prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including those who use a Guide Dog. More information is available here. 
• The Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980. Section 12 of this Act allows the owner or occupier of a strata lot to keep a Guide Dog and overrides by-laws that prohibit dogs.
  

The official status of a Guide Dog can be checked by asking to see the official Guide Dog ID cards given to clients by Guide Dogs Queensland or by calling the association and asking for verification.

Penalties do apply to people who are found guilty of refusing access to a Guide Dog.

For more information please contact Guide Dogs Queensland on 07 3261 7555.