Changing Lives One Dog At A Time
This satirical public service announcement (PSA) highlights access denials to guide dog and Assistance dog handlers by restaurants, rideshares, and hotels. The PSA aims to raise awareness about the global problem of people with service dogs being denied access by businesses, despite such denials being against the law in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. The spot is called “Nonsense,” with the tagline, “Let them in. Let them work,” that underscores the difference between working service dogs and pets.
Advocacy is at the heart of everything we do at Smart Service Dog. We are committed to raising awareness about the daily barriers faced by people who rely on guide and assistance dogs, while educating businesses, service providers, and the public about their legal rights and the importance of equal access.
Far too many assistance dog teams in South Africa continue to face access refusals, discrimination, and unnecessary challenges when entering businesses, using public transport, or accessing essential services. These experiences create unnecessary stress, limit independence, and prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in their communities.
At Smart Service Dog, we believe that lasting change begins with education. By increasing public awareness and working alongside businesses to better understand the role of guide and assistance dogs, we can create a more inclusive South Africa where every assistance dog team is welcomed with dignity and respect.
Our goal is not only to advocate for the rights of assistance dog handlers but also to inspire positive change through education, collaboration, and community engagement. Every person deserves the freedom to live independently, and every trained guide or assistance dog deserves to be recognised as the essential working partner it is.