The London Library Assistance Dog Policy

The London Library is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible environment for all its members and visitors. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, individuals accompanied by trained assistance dogs are welcome in all accessible areas of the Library.

An assistance dog is a dog trained to perform specific tasks to support a person with a disability or medical condition. This includes, but is not limited to, guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs, and mobility support dogs. These animals are not pets, they are essential aids.

This guidance applies specifically to assistance dogs. Other animals, including emotional support, therapeutic, or companion animals, are not permitted on the premises.

Optional Notification

To help us provide the best experience, members or visitors are encouraged (but not required) to let the Library know in advance if they will be visiting regularly with an assistance dog. This can be done by emailing: feedback@londonlibrary.co.uk

Welcoming Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed at the Library without any requirement to provide proof of training. While many assistance dogs wear identifiable jackets or harnesses, this is not mandatory. Members who wish to supply such identification or documentation are welcome to do so, but it is entirely optional. The Library reserve the right to request documentation if the situation occurs.

Library staff are committed to treating all individuals accompanied by assistance dogs with dignity, discretion, and respect at all times.

Responsibilities of Assistance Dog 

Members are expected to keep their assistance dog under control and on a lead at all times while on Library premises. The dog should behave appropriately and not cause disruption to others. Members are responsible for attending to their dog’s welfare needs, including providing regular breaks, food, and water, as well as ensuring the dog is clean, well-groomed, and poses no health risk to others. In the unlikely event of an accident, members must clean up promptly. 

Although public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, members may wish to consider obtaining it as a personal safeguard.

Health, Safety, and Restricted Access

The Library may restrict access for assistance dogs to specific areas only where health or safety risk controls could be significantly compromised. In such cases, a risk assessment will be conducted to explore all reasonable alternatives, and any resulting restrictions will be clearly explained, kept to a minimum, and reviewed regularly.

In cases where another member has a fear of dogs or an allergy, the Library will attempt to make reasonable arrangements to accommodate both parties without compromising the rights of the assistance dog user.

Misbehaviour and Removal

If an assistance dog exhibits ongoing disruptive or unsafe behaviour, Library staff will work closely with the member to address the issue in a sensitive and respectful manner. Temporary adjustments may be considered, but only where they are necessary and proportionate to ensure the safety and comfort of all Library users. The removal or restriction of access for an assistance dog will only be considered as a last resort, and only after all reasonable alternatives have been explored.

Confidentiality and Privacy:
Any personal information shared about members’ disabilities or their assistance dogs will be treated with strict confidentiality and in line with data protection regulations.

Members or visitors who have concerns or feedback regarding assistance dog access or any related issues are encouraged to contact the Library via feedback@londonlibrary.co.uk. The Library will investigate and respond promptly and fairly.

Associated Resources

Assistance Dogs: A Guide for All Businesses – Equality and Human Rights Commission
RNIB Advice on Assistance Dogs and Public Access

Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains current and aligned with any changes in legislation, best practices, and the needs of Library members and visitors. The London Library is committed to maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment, and will update this policy as necessary to reflect ongoing feedback and developments. Members are encouraged to provide feedback at any time to help us improve our approach to supporting assistance dog users