Assistance Dog ID Cards For People With Disabilities In The UK

Assistance Dogs are more than helpful—they're essential. For thousands of disabled people across the UK, these dogs are part of everyday life. They offer support with mobility, safety, mental health, communication, and more. But while their role is clear to the people who rely on them, it’s not always clear to the public.

That’s where our Assistance Dog ID cards come in. Whether your dog is fully trained or just starting out, our cards give you a simple way to explain their role. They're designed to reduce awkward conversations, clarify the dog’s purpose, and help with public access.

Why UK Law Protects Assistance Dogs

The Equality Act 2010 is the UK law that protects disabled people from discrimination. One key part of the law is the duty for service providers and businesses to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This includes allowing a trained Assistance Dog into places like cafés, restaurants, shops, taxis, and public transport.

This legal protection applies even if a venue has a ‘no dogs’ policy. If a dog is trained to assist with a disability, it is not classed as a pet. Staff cannot legally refuse entry just because someone has a dog. Unfortunately, many people still aren’t aware of this. That’s where Assistance Dog ID cards help—by giving staff and the public a clear explanation of the dog’s role without the handler needing to justify it themselves.

Our Range Of Assistance Dog ID Cards

We make a full range of Assistance Dog ID cards here at The Card Project UK. All of our cards are credit card size and printed on biodegradable plastic. They're designed to explain your dog’s role clearly, reduce awkward conversations, and help with public access—whether your dog is fully trained or still learning.

More About Each Card And How It Works

Assistance Dog Identification Card

This is our bestselling and most detailed Assistance Dog card. It’s double sided with space for a photo, your dog’s name, breed, date of birth, and your own name. Both sides reference the Equality Act, and there’s a signature strip on the back. It’s a good choice if you want everything clearly laid out and easy to show.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo, name, breed, date of birth

• Owner’s name

• Equality Act reference on both sides

• Signature strip on the back

Assistance Dog Photo ID Card

This standard single-sided card includes a clear photo along with your dog’s name and your own. The Equality Act reference is printed on the front to support access in public places.

At a glance:

• Single sided

• No photo

• Dog name and owner name

• Equality Act reference

Assistance Dog Mono ID Card

This version is similar in layout to the standard ID Card but has no photo and a mono design. It’s a good choice if you’re after a clean, high-contrast look that stands out.

At a glance:

• Single sided

• Mono design

• Dog name and owner name

• Equality Act reference

Assistance Dog ID Card

Simple and effective. This card keeps it minimal with the dog’s name, your name, and an Equality Act reference. It’s ideal if you prefer a clean, no-photo option.

At a glance:

• Single sided

• Dog photo, name

• Owner’s name

• Equality Act reference on front

Assistance Dog In Training ID Card

Designed for dogs still learning to work in public. This card includes a photo, full details, and Equality Act wording on both sides to support early-stage access.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo, name, breed, date of birth

• Owner’s name

• Equality Act reference on front and back

• Signature strip on rear

Autism Assistance Dog ID Card

This card explains that the dog supports someone with autism—whether through safety, communication, or sensory regulation. It includes a dedicated explanation on the back and references the Equality Act.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Autism dog explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Diabetic Alert Dog ID Card

This card confirms the dog’s role in detecting changes in blood sugar. It includes your dog’s name and photo, a short explanation, and Equality Act support on the reverse.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Diabetic dog explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Emotional Support Dog Identification Card

This double-sided card includes your dog’s photo and name, your own name, and a message asking that the dog not be separated from you. There’s also a signature strip on the back. It’s a good choice if you want to be ready for questions in public.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Clear message about not separating the dog

• Signature strip on rear

Emotional Support Dog Photo ID Card

This single-sided version includes the same message, along with a photo, name, and your name. It’s more compact but still offers clear explanation.

At a glance:

• Single sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Message not to be separated from owner

Guide Dog ID Card

Ideal for people who prefer a backup explanation in situations where talking might not be possible. This card includes a short message about the dog’s guiding role, your details, and Equality Act wording.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Guide dog explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Hearing Dog ID Card

This card explains that the dog is trained to alert someone to sounds. It helps prevent distraction or interference from the public.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Hearing dog explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Medical Alert Dog ID Card

This card is used when a dog is trained to detect changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or other symptoms. The rear includes a clear explanation of the dog’s role.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Medical alert dog explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Medical Alert Dog In Training ID Card

Designed for dogs still learning to respond to medical conditions in public. This version includes a full explanation and access wording.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Medical alert dog in training explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Mobility Assistance Dog ID Card

Used when a dog helps with physical tasks like balance or carrying items. The card explains this and includes legal access information.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Mobility assistance explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Neurological Assistance Dog ID Card

Designed for people living with conditions like epilepsy, FND, or Parkinson’s. The card gives a clear explanation of what the dog does and why they need to stay close.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Neurological support explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Psychiatric Assistance Dog ID Card

Useful for support with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. The rear includes a calm, professional explanation.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Psychiatric assistance explanation

• Equality Act reference on rear

• Signature strip on rear

Seizure Alert Dog ID Card

This card explains that the dog is trained to support someone who experiences seizures. It helps make sure the dog is not separated from their handler, especially in public situations where urgency or safety could be misunderstood.

• Double sided
• Dog photo and name
• Owner’s name
• Seizure alert dog explanation
• Equality Act reference on rear
• Signature strip on rear

Therapy Dog Identification Card

Used for visits to care homes, schools, or hospitals, this card explains the dog’s support role and includes a signature strip. It’s helpful for structured visits where the dog is present to provide calm and reassurance.

At a glance:

• Double sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Message not to be separated

• Signature strip on rear

Therapy Dog Photo ID Card

This is a single-sided version of our Therapy Dog card. It includes the same message and identification details but in a more compact layout.

At a glance:

• Single sided

• Dog photo and name

• Owner’s name

• Message not to be separated

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my Assistance Dog in the UK?

No. There is no legal requirement or official government register for Assistance Dogs in the UK. Some charities offer training and certification schemes, but these are optional. What matters is that the dog is trained to assist with a disability. Our ID cards are not part of any formal registry—they are designed to help explain the dog’s role clearly in everyday situations.

Are Assistance Dogs allowed in places where pets are banned?

Yes. Under the Equality Act 2010, disabled people have the right to bring a trained Assistance Dog into most public places, even if the venue normally bans pets. This includes supermarkets, restaurants, public transport, hotels, and healthcare settings. If the dog is trained to perform tasks related to a disability, it is not considered a pet under the law.

Is an ID card required by law?

No. There is no legal obligation to carry or show an Assistance Dog ID card. But many people choose to use one because it gives a quick, respectful explanation of the dog’s role—especially in stressful or busy environments. A card can help avoid arguments and reduce the need to explain private medical details to strangers.

Can I get a card if my dog is still in training?

Yes. We offer “In Training” cards to help support dogs who are still learning their role in public. While some businesses may not be legally required to allow access during training, having a clear ID card can make conversations easier and help explain the situation to staff or members of the public.

Are Emotional Support Dogs covered by the Equality Act?

No. Emotional Support Dogs do not have the same legal status as Assistance Dogs in the UK. That means they do not have guaranteed access to public places. However, many people still rely on these dogs daily, and our cards help explain their role clearly, even if public access isn’t a legal right.

What if my condition isn’t visible?

Many disabilities aren’t obvious, and that can lead to questions or challenges. That’s one reason so many people choose to carry an Assistance Dog ID card. It gives a calm, clear explanation of why the dog is present, without the need to talk about medical conditions.

Can I order more than one card?

Yes. You can order multiple cards if needed—for example, one to keep in your wallet and another to clip to a lead or harness. All of our cards are made from biodegradable plastic and are credit card size.

Can I train my own Assistance Dog?

Yes. There is no legal requirement for your dog to be trained by a charity or organisation. You can train your own Assistance Dog, as long as the dog is capable of performing tasks that help with your disability. It’s important that the dog behaves safely and reliably in public. Many people choose to train their own dog with the support of a behaviourist or trainer, especially if their needs are specific or change over time.

Show The Role Your Assistance Dog Plays – Order The Right ID Card Today From The Card Project UK

Your dog supports you every day. Our cards are made to support both of you—by explaining the dog’s role, reducing confusion, and helping things go more smoothly in public.

So if you're ready to make things easier when you’re out and about: Choose the card that matches your dog’s role and order from us today—so you’re always prepared with a clear explanation when you need it with the help of The Card Project UK.