Israel has taken a major step forward in expanding and protecting the rights of Israelis with disabilities who rely on trained dogs for daily independence, safety, and quality of life. On July 2, 2025, new regulations went into effect under the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law (Amendment No. 22 and Temporary Law) of 2022.

For years, Israeli law primarily recognized Guide Dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. While Guide Dogs remain essential, many other individuals also rely on highly trained dogs to support medical, emotional, and functional needs. This amendment recognizes this reality and creates a legal framework for what are now officially called Assistance Dogs.

We welcome these changes and are grateful to Erez Barkai, our Director of Community relations, for working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Welfare throughout the drafting process. His voice, and the voices of many in the community we service, helped shape regulations that are more inclusive, protective, and forward-looking.

Expanded Definition: Who Qualifies for an Assistance Dog?

The heart of the reform is the expanded legal definition of what an Assistance Dog is and who can benefit from one. Until now, laws largely focused on Guide Dogs for the Blind. That narrow approach excluded many individuals who depend on dogs for different needs.

Under the new regulations, Assistance Dogs now include:

  • Mobility dogs for people with physical disabilities that affect movement
  • Medical alert dogs, for conditions like diabetes or epilepsy, trained to detect and respond to dangerous changes in health
  • Dogs for developmental and cognitive disabilities, including support for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, or communication disorders
  • Neurophysiological and emotional support dogs, such as those trained to help veterans and civilians living with PTSD
  • Hearing dogs for people who are deaf or hearing-impaired

This expanded list recognizes the real, diverse ways dogs can be trained to perform life-changing tasks. It also sends a clear message that independence and equal access are rights for everyone, not just for some.

Stronger Protections Against Discrimination

The new law also strengthens protection against discrimination. People with assistance dogs — and those who are training or fostering them — are entitled to equal access in public spaces, workplaces, and services.

This means that businesses, restaurants, transportation providers, and public institutions cannot deny entry to a person accompanied by an assistance dog. Importantly, this protection also extends to trainers and foster families who are preparing puppies and young dogs for their future assistance roles.

By ensuring wide public access, the law removes barriers that too often kept individuals with disabilities isolated or excluded.

Regulating Training and Recognition

A major innovation of the 2025 regulations is the creation of a national framework for recognizing, regulating, and standardizing assistance dog training.

Israel’s Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs now has the authority to recognize umbrella organizations responsible for overseeing the entire field. These umbrella organizations will:

  • Set standards for assistance dog training and certification
  • Oversee the certification of trainers and the development of dog training programs
  • Monitor and regulate the puppy foster system, ensuring puppies are raised in the best possible environments
  • Issue official certificates confirming that a dog has completed training and qualifies as an assistance dog
  • This centralized oversight ensures consistency and quality across Israel, protecting both the public and individuals who depend on these dogs.

Accessibility in Public and Private Services

Israel’s Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law requires public facilities to accommodate individuals with disabilities. With the new amendments, this specifically includes people accompanied by assistance dogs.

This applies to places such as:

  • Educational institutions (from schools to universities)
  • Public transportation (with some limitations still being worked out)
  • Healthcare facilities (including hospitals and clinics)
  • Public pools and recreational facilities

By writing accessibility into law, Israel is ensuring that assistance dogs are recognized not just in theory but in everyday practice.

Distinguishing Assistance Dogs from Emotional Support Animals

Another important clarification is the distinction between assistance dogs and emotional support animals:

  • Assistance dogs are highly trained to perform specific tasks that directly support a disability or medical condition. They have legal protections and guaranteed public access rights.
  • Emotional support animals, while they may provide comfort, do not undergo the same rigorous training. They do not have the same legal status or public access rights.

This distinction mirrors global trends. For example, many airlines are now applying stricter rules for bringing pets on board. Israel’s new regulations bring the country in line with this international standard.

Licensing and Identification

Finally, the law establishes a clear licensing system for assistance dogs:

  • All licensed dogs will undergo annual testing to ensure they continue to meet the high standards of Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
  • Once licensed, a dog will receive a blue vest as official identification
  • Dogs still in training will wear a black vest, distinguishing them from fully licensed assistance dogs

This simple but effective system promotes clarity for the public and ensures only properly trained dogs carry legal protection.

Looking ahead

We are proud of how the Israel Guide Dog Center contributed to this process, but our work doesn’t end here. Implementation will take time, and our ongoing relationships with Israel’s government, umbrella organizations, and other organizations are crucial.

These changes are not just about laws — they are about people, families, and communities whose lives have been and will be transformed by our dogs’ training and support. We are excited to continue playing a leading role in shaping the future of assistance dogs in Israel.