Top Tails Foundation
Strengthening Communities Through
the Power of Dogs
Top Tails Foundation is a Scottish charity led by Brian A. Irwin — Animal-Assisted Psychotherapist, Therapeutic Counsellor, and Dog Behaviour Specialist. We improve lives through professional therapy, service dog training, and community programmes that bring people and dogs together. From Service & Assistance Dog Training and Certification to therapy sessions, community dog visits, and volunteer programmes, we believe dogs have the power to reduce loneliness, support independence, and build stronger, kinder communities
Our Vision
The Top Tails Foundation advances public benefit by delivering dog-assisted programmes that reduce social isolation, improve mental health, and support vulnerable groups across Dunblane and wider Scotland. Through structured initiatives such as Packmates (Volunteers), and accredited service and therapy go training, the Foundation provides accessible services that strengthen wellbeing and community inclusion. Evidence-based practice, research, and partnerships with local organisations ensure that activities are delivered to a high standard, with measurable impact on individuals and the wider community. Across Scotland and throughout the UK.
Service & Assistance Dog Rights
Service and assistance dogs are highly trained working animals that provide life-changing support to their handlers. In the UK, their rights are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which means:
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They are welcome in all public places, including shops, restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and on all forms of public transport.
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No extra fees can be charged for their presence.
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Landlords and businesses must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate them.
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Refusing entry or treating a handler unfairly because of their service dog is considered disability discrimination.
​At Top Tails Foundation, we champion these rights and work to educate communities, businesses, and organisations so that every service dog and handler can live, work, and travel free from barriers.
The Law: Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses, landlords, and transport providers to make reasonable adjustments so disabled people are not put at a disadvantage. Refusing entry or charging extra for an assistance dog is unlawful discrimination.
Key Legal Duties:
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Services & Public Places (Section 20):
Service providers must make reasonable adjustments so disabled people are not excluded. Refusing entry to a person because of their assistance dog is discrimination.
Housing (Section 35):
Landlords must not refuse a tenancy, offer worse terms, or treat a tenant unfavourably because they have an assistance dog.
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Transport (Sections 167 & 170):
Taxi and private hire drivers must carry assistance dogs at no extra cost. Refusing a booking because of an assistance dog is a criminal offence.
Direct Extracts from the Equality Act 2010
Section 20(3):
“Where a provision, criterion or practice of a service provider puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage… the provider must take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage.”
Section 35(1):
“A landlord must not discriminate against a disabled person— (a) by refusing to let premises to the person; (b) by offering to let the premises to the person on less favourable terms; (c) by treating the person unfavourably in relation to the letting.”
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Section 167(4):
“The driver of a designated taxi must carry the passenger’s assistance dog and allow it to remain with the passenger… and must not make any additional charge for doing so.”
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Section 170(1):
“The operator of a private hire vehicle commits an offence by refusing to accept a booking because the passenger will be accompanied by an assistance dog.”
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What To Do If You’re Refused Entry with a Service Dog
Being refused access is upsetting, but you are legally protected. Here are the steps you can take:
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1. Stay Calm & Inform
Politely explain that under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to deny access to a disabled person with an assistance dog.
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2. Request a Manager
If staff are unsure, ask to speak with the manager or person in charge.
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3. Keep Records
Note the date, time, place, names of staff involved, and what was said. Keep receipts or take photos if possible.
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4. Make a Complaint
Shops, restaurants, hotels, and services: Write to the company’s head office.
Taxis and private hire vehicles: Report to your local council’s licensing team.
Housing issues: Contact the letting agent’s complaints team first, then escalate to the Housing Ombudsman if unresolved.
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5. Seek Support
Contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) on 0808 800 0082 for free advice.
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6. Legal Action
Serious or repeated cases can be taken to court under the Equality Act as disability discrimination.
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👉 Top Tails Foundation stands with every service dog handler. If you face discrimination, we are here to provide advice, advocacy, and community support.
Brian A. Irwin
Founder & Director, Top Tails Dogs
Animal Psychology Expert | Animal-Assisted Therapist
Autism Support Psychotherapist
Professional Dog Trainer & Behaviourist
Recognised Canine Communication Specialist