How to Register Your Dog as an Emotional Support Animal in the UK?

To register an emotional support dog in the UK, follow these steps: 1. **Check Your Eligibility** – ESA registration is typically for individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety or PTSD. 2. **Choose a Reputable ESA Registry** – ESA Registry UK provides official recognition, ID cards, and support letters. 3. **Receive Your ESA Registration Pack** – This includes an ESA ID card, certificate, and letters to support housing and travel accommodations.

What is an Emotional Support Dog?

An emotional support dog (ESD) is a companion animal that provides comfort, emotional stability, and therapeutic benefits to individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress. Unlike assistance dogs, emotional support dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks but offer comfort and companionship through their presence.

What is the difference between an emotional support dog and an assistance dog?

An emotional support dog provides comfort but has no legal public access rights and requires no formal training. An assistance dog is professionally trained to help individuals with disabilities and is legally protected under the Equality Act 2010, allowing access to public places like shops and transport.

Do emotional support dogs have legal rights in the UK?

Emotional support dogs in the UK do not have automatic legal protections, but individuals with mental health conditions may be entitled to reasonable adjustments that allow their ESA in housing and workplaces. Some businesses, hotels, and transport providers may voluntarily accommodate ESAs with supporting documentation.

Do emotional support dogs require special training in the UK?

No, emotional support dogs do not require special training in the UK. However, it is recommended that they be well-behaved, socialised, and trained in basic obedience to increase their acceptance in housing, travel, and workplaces.

Is emotional support dog registration legally required?

No, registration is not legally required for emotional support dogs in the UK. There is no government-backed ESA registration, and an emotional support dog does not need to be registered to provide comfort and support.

How do I register my dog as an emotional support animal?

To register your emotional support dog: 1. Ensure you have a mental health condition that benefits from an ESA. 2. Choose a private ESA registry that provides certificates, ID cards, and supporting documents. 3. Complete registration and receive an ESA registration pack.

Are there government-approved ESA registries in the UK?

No, the UK government does not operate or approve any official ESA registries. However, private registries provide ESA documentation that can help support requests for reasonable accommodations.

Can landlords refuse emotional support dogs in the UK?

Yes, landlords can refuse emotional support dogs unless the tenant’s mental health condition qualifies as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Tenants may request a reasonable adjustment with a doctor’s letter, but landlords are not obligated to accept ESAs.

Are emotional support dogs allowed in shops in the UK?

No, emotional support dogs do not have automatic public access rights. Unlike assistance dogs, ESAs are only allowed at the discretion of the business.

Are emotional support dogs allowed in hotels in the UK?

Hotels are not required to accept emotional support dogs. However, many pet-friendly hotels welcome ESAs, and some make exceptions for guests with supporting documentation.

Can I take my emotional support dog into hospitals or care homes in the UK?

Hospitals and care homes are not legally required to allow ESAs. However, some hospitals may consider special requests for ESAs, especially for long-term patients, and some care homes may allow them on a case-by-case basis.

Can emotional support dogs fly on planes in the UK?

Most UK airlines do not recognise ESAs as service animals, meaning ESAs must travel as pets under airline policies. Some airlines allow small dogs in the cabin, while larger dogs may need to fly in the cargo hold.

Can emotional support dogs fly for free?

Emotional support dogs do not automatically fly for free in the UK. Many airlines require them to fly as pets with an additional fee. Some may allow ESAs in the cabin on a case-by-case basis with supporting documentation.

Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal Into Stores in the UK?

Q: Can you register an emotional support dog in the UK?

There is no official government-recognised ESA registry in the UK. However, private ESA registries exist to provide documentation, ID cards, and certificates, which can help when requesting housing or travel accommodations.

Amy Roberts, Founder @ ESA Registry UK | 24th March 2025 | hello@esaregistry.co.uk

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are an important part of life for many people, offering comfort and companionship. If you live in the UK, you might be unsure whether you can bring your ESA into shops or other public places. While service animals, such as guide dogs, are protected by UK law and generally allowed in most public spaces, the rules for ESAs are different. This article will help you understand what you need to know about taking your ESA into stores.

Understanding ESAs and UK Law

In the UK, emotional support animals (ESAs) don’t have the same legal protections as assistance dogs. While ESAs offer comfort and help reduce anxiety or stress, they aren’t officially recognised under UK law as assistance animals under the Equality Act 2010.

ESAs vs Assistance Dogs: Unlike assistance dogs, ESAs do not undergo training to perform specific tasks. Instead, they provide emotional support to their owners. Because they are not considered assistance animals, ESAs don’t have guaranteed legal access to public spaces including stores.
The Legal Rights: In the UK, emotional support animals (ESAs) are not covered by the Equality Act 2010. Unlike assistance dogs, they don’t have the legal right to go into public places like shops or restaurants. Store owners decide if they allow ESAs.

Can I Take My ESA Into Shops?

Because emotional support animals (ESAs) don’t have the same legal rights as assistance dogs in the UK, each store owner or manager decides if they allow them. Some stores might say yes as a kindness, but others might have a no-pets rule. This means your ESA won’t automatically be allowed inside, even if they are calm and helpful to you.

Before bringing your ESA into a store, it’s best to ask first. You can call ahead, check the store’s website, or ask an employee when you arrive. By doing this, you’ll know what to expect and avoid any confusion. Some shops might agree to let your ESA in, especially if you have documents explaining their role, but it’s always smart to check first.

Things That Can Affect Store Access

Some stores have good reasons for not allowing emotional support animals (ESAs). These include

Hygiene and Health Rules: Shops selling food or following strict safety guidelines may prefer to keep all animals out.
Allergies and Customer Comfort: Some customers might have allergies or be uncomfortable around animals, which can lead stores to say no.
Concerns About Disruption: Stores may worry that even well-behaved animals could cause noise or distractions.

Tips for Visiting Stores With Your ESA

If you’re hoping to bring your ESA into a shop, here are a few tips to improve your chances of gaining access:

Ask in Advance: Calling ahead or asking at the entrance shows that you’re considerate of store policies.
Keep Your ESA Calm and Well-Behaved: A calm, quiet ESA is more likely to be welcomed. Make sure your animal is comfortable in busy environments before attempting to bring them into public places.
Respect the Store’s Decision: If the shop declines entry, try to understand their perspective and consider leaving your ESA at home or making other arrangements.
Provide Supporting Evidence: If you have an ESA ID card or letter from a mental health professional, politely show it to staff to explain your situation.

Exploring Alternative Options

If a store doesn’t allow emotional support animals (ESAs), it can feel disappointing, but there are other ways to approach the situation. One option is to look for shops that are known to be pet-friendly or have more flexible policies. Many smaller, locally-owned businesses may be more understanding and willing to make exceptions.

Try asking about curbside pickup or home delivery, as these options let you get what you need without going inside. Some businesses might also consider accommodations if you explain your ESA’s role and provide supporting documents.

Keep in mind that stores aren’t legally required to allow emotional support animals, but some may still be willing to make an exception.

Can You Register an Emotional Support Dog in the UK?

In the UK, there is no official certification for emotional support animals (ESAs). Some owners choose to register their ESA with private companies such as ESA Registry UK.

ESA registries offer items like ID cards or certificates that show your emotional support animal’s role. While these documents aren’t required by law and don’t guarantee access to stores, they can be helpful. Presenting them may make it easier to explain your needs and could encourage store staff to consider making an exception.

How ESA Registry UK Can Help You

At ESA Registry UK, we are more than just a registry — we are a community of passionate advocates dedicated to supporting emotional support animal (ESA) owners across the UK. We believe that emotional support dogs change lives, and our mission is to help owners gain the recognition and support they deserve.

We have helped thousands of people across the UK and Europe register their ESAs and navigate important aspects of life, including housing, travel, and workplace discussions.

Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible while raising awareness about the importance of emotional support animals in mental health and well-being.

What You Get When You Register with ESA Registry UK

By registering your emotional support animal with ESA Registry UK, you become part of a supportive, close-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a deep passion for emotional support animals.

ESA Registration: When you register with us, you’ll have documentation that may help clarify your ESA’s role when discussing your needs with others.
Personalised ESA ID Cards & Certificates: We’ll provide you with a unique ESA ID card and a membership certificate and a membership letter.
ESA Training Course: We’ve worked closely with expert dog handlers to develop a specialised training programme tailored for emotional support animals. Our training program provides practical insights into ESA care, and upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate to help explain your ESA’s role.

In Summary

Although stores in the UK aren’t required to allow emotional support animals, some businesses may be open to making exceptions. Being polite, understanding the store’s rules, and offering helpful information can make a big difference.

You may also want to explore alternative options, like shopping at pet-friendly stores or using delivery services, if a store’s policy is firm. As more people learn about ESAs and their importance, more businesses may consider making accommodations. In the meantime, being respectful and prepared will help you handle these situations more easily and confidently.

Registering your emotional support animal with ESA Registry UK can also provide helpful documentation to explain your situation.

Join us today, all from comfort of your home — fast, simple, and worry-free.

hello@esaregistry.co.uk

Quick Links

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

Get the support you need for your emotional support animal in the UK with ease — simple, reliable, and here to support your journey to better peace of mind.

Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal Into Stores in the UK?