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Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/Department of Health and Welfare for Persons with Disabilities Relief Division

Policy Planning Division Independence Promotion Office

The Act on Assistance Dogs for

Physically Disabled Persons (English Version)

1

In Japan, there is a law called “The Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons”.

This law attempts to facilitate growth of the quality of the “assistance dogs for physically disabled persons” and use of public facilities for people with physical disabilities, to contribute to the independence and social participation of individuals with physical disabilities.

According to this law, the term “Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons” refers to “guide dogs”, “service dogs” and “hearing dogs” that have been certified by groups designated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

(*) “Assistance animals (other than dogs)” and “assistance dogs” that were trained at overseas training facilities are not recognized as “Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons” under this law, and will receive the same treatment as pets. This also holds true for

“Assistance Dogs” that are used by persons with disabilities other than physical disabilities. For this reason, please be aware that this law states that these animals are not permitted to

accompany individuals at places that have an obligation to accept “Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons” such as public facilities, public transportation, restaurants and hotels.

Please refer to the following leaflet for details.

About “Assistance Dogs” in Japan

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than 50

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or near the entrance

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ts by staying by their

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ying by their users’ fe

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Summary of “The Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons”

● The purpose of “The Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons” is to contribute to the promotion of independence and social participation of persons with physical disabilities (Article 1 of the Act).

● “Assistance dogs for physically disabled persons” is the generic term for certified guide dogs, service dogs and hearing dogs (Article 2 of the Act).

● Assistance dogs under “The Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons” wear a sign stating information such as their breed, certification number and date. Additionally, users should carry documents stating information such as the assistance dog’s health care record and proof of being an assistance dog such as the dog’s Assistance Dog Certificate when using or visiting facilities. These documents should be displayed at the request of related parties (Article 12 of the Act).

● The following facilities may not refuse assistance dogs and their users, except under unavoidable circumstances that may lead to substantial harm to the facilities, related areas, and to the users of the facilities (Article 7, 8, 9, 10 of the Act):

- Public facilities that are managed by the country or local public organizations and public transportation (such as trains, buses and taxis)

- Public facilities such as commercial facilities, restaurants, and hospitals which are used by the general public

- Private businesses with 50 or more employees (work places)

* The “Act” within the parenthesis indicates “The Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons”