A few more ideas:
a.. Brief staff and volunteers about whereabouts of water, toilet area, whether staff can offer to look after dogs, and etiquette like talking to the person not the dog, and not interrupting dogs when they're working.
b.. Seating for workshops, seminars, lectures etc - allow for a bit of extra space, especially if several people are coming with dogs.
c.. Most people know about guide dogs for blind people, but not about support dog schemes such as 'Dogs for the Disabled' or 'Dogs for the Deaf' - it might be a good idea to include support dogs in briefings.
d.. Noises and smells - let owners know if there are particular areas with very loud or sudden noises or strong /interesting smells - usually ok, but much easier if the owner knows in advance.
e.. Escalators - often very difficult or impossible - warn people and offer a choice of routes.
f.. Legal aspects - reviewing policies for admission of and facilities for guide dogs was given as a specific example under the Disability Discrimination Act. A very clear case could be brought against anywhere that refused admission without an exceptionally good reason.
g.. Support dogs not part of recognised schemes - controversial, but used and needed - personally I think it is right and reasonable to believe people and admit them with the dogs, and also reasonable for the venue to set behaviour criteria, or warn owners they could be asked to leave the dog outside if it causes actual problems. Potential DDA or Human Rights Act case in the future?
Joan Cook
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