Assistance Dogs International welcomes US government lawsuit against Uber
September 22 2025 — Assistance Dogs International (ADI) has welcomed a US Department of Justice lawsuit against ride share company Uber over alleged discrimination against passengers with assistance dogs.
The Department’s complaint alleges that Uber drivers routinely refuse passengers with disabilities, including those with assistance dogs. It cites cases of a Gulf War veteran with a service dog who missed his flight after being denied a ride to the airport, and a blind person with a guide dog said to have been refused by four different Uber drivers.
‘These egregious examples simply underline what we have been saying for years — that assistance dog users frequently experience discrimination and hostility by taxi drivers,’ says ADI Executive Director David Locklin. ‘Now the US Federal Government has filed a complaint, perhaps Uber and others will finally treat assistance dog users with the same consideration as other passengers.’
The lawsuit comes just weeks after ADI revealed its latest global survey showing the shocking challenges faced by assistance dogs and their handlers when using public transport. The Paws For Access Report on Assistance Dog Rights, published jointly with the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), revealed that 56% of all assistance dog users surveyed, and 63% of guide dog handlers, reported refusals by taxis or ride share vehicles.
‘Despite laws designed to facilitate equal access to public transport, many assistance dog users still face significant challenges and discrimination,’ adds Locklin. ‘The repercussions go way beyond immediate inconvenience — on top of their physical or mental disability, many assistance dog users feel humiliated and frustrated. Some even stay at home rather than face a refusal.’
The lawsuit, which was filed in the San Francisco federal court, alleges Uber has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, and demands an injunction barring further violations, improvements to Uber's practices and training, and seeks monetary damages and a civil fine.
ENDS
About Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
ADI is the world’s leading standards-setter and accreditation body for training assistance dogs. As a worldwide coalition of more than 200 non-profit member organizations spread across five continents, ADI is the world’s most diverse and inclusive assistance dog certification and standard-setting body. For more information visit https://assistancedogsinternational.org, or to request an interview please email Executive Director David Locklin.