'Paws for Access' Survey Report

Thank you to all those who took the time to respond to the joint ADI-IGDF 2025 graduate access survey. We received more than 1,200 responses from 24 countries, making this the most comprehensive survey of its type in the world. The resulting Paws For Access Report on Assistance Dog Rights was published on June 2nd and will serve as a valuable asset in our continuing campaign for better access, treatment and understanding of the challenges that handlers encounter while out in public with their assistance dogs.

The report makes for difficult reading. Assistance dog handlers report discrimination, humiliation, hostility and exclusion. Four out of every ten assistance dog handlers said they sometimes stay at home or avoid public places because of the attitudes and behavior they encounter when out and about. Sadly, this will come as no surprise to our members or the clients they serve.

We are determined to use the survey findings to drive our advocacy goals for improved public education, clearer definitions of assistance dog roles, and stronger enforcement of existing laws.

ADI and IGDF have also drawn up a five-point action plan with recommendations for improving base knowledge levels in businesses and the public at large, as well as simplifying the identification of legitimate assistance dogs to minimize confusion. Details of these recommendations are in the report.

Please download the documents using the links below:

We hope you will join us in July to learn how you can help disseminate this report with your advocacy and outreach efforts. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have questions or need more information.