How taxi and PHV drivers can apply for medical exemptions from carrying assistance dogs
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 26
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 27
The law has been clear for some time now that taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers must carry assistance dogs with their owners. Refusing to do so is a criminal offence under the Equality Act 2010 and can result in fines, costs and potential licensing consequences.
However, there are limited circumstances where a driver may be exempt from this requirement. These exemptions are strictly medical and must be formally approved by the local licensing authority.
A medical exemption certificate can only be issued when a driver provides evidence from a qualified medical professional showing that they are unable to carry dogs for genuine health reasons. The most common grounds for exemption are severe dog allergies or other serious medical conditions where contact with a dog could cause harm to the driver.
The process usually begins with the driver submitting a written request to their licensing authority, supported by medical documentation. The authority will then consider whether the medical evidence is sufficient and, if so, issue an exemption notice. This exemption must be carried in the vehicle at all times and shown to enforcement officers on request.
Importantly, without such a certificate, drivers cannot refuse to carry assistance dogs under any circumstances. Exemptions are not given for convenience, cultural preferences or personal dislike of dogs.
Licensing bodies stress that these certificates are rarely issued and must be renewed if the driver’s health condition continues. Any driver found refusing an assistance dog without an exemption is breaking the law.
