The 30-year-old was shocked on Saturday when he walked into a petrol station with his black Labrador Joy to use the ATM and was told to get out by two workers. 

“They yelled ‘get your dog out of here’,” he said. 

“It was traumatic, it’s really stressing me out.” 

Assistance dogs like Joy have the same rights as guide dogs. 

Mr Willinski said he had gone to police over the incident, and that an officer had called and warned the service station that they risked a fine by refusing access to an assistance dog. 

He said it should be common knowledge that dogs like his had the right to come with him into businesses and venues. 

“She’s got the same rights as a guide dog,” he said. 

“I’m sick and tired of being refused (access to) places.” 

Mr Willinski, who has Asperger’s, has now had Joy for about 18 months.  

Ignorance of her access rights has been an ongoing problem, including being asked to leave Joy outside a doctor’s office in 2015. 

As well as being questioned on Joy’s presence inside, he said the ignorance has another side: people are too friendly. 

When an assistance or service dog has its coat on it is working, and should not be approached like a pet. 

“People still come up and like patting my service dog,” he said. 

Mr Willinski understands – because Joy is cute and wearing a cute – but would like people to ask him first so he can tell them why not. 

For when he is challenged about being somewhere, he carries a document that outlines Joy’s rights. 

It is well used. 

“Under the law, assistance dogs can access all public areas, including, but not limited to, hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship...in cinemas, hotels, motels, theatres, sports and entertainment venues, and can travel in taxis, buses, ferries and planes,” the document reads. 

“A person with a disability who relies on a guide, hearing or assistance dog must have the same access rights as other members of the public.” 

After the Centre for Service and Therapy Dogs provided Joy for Mr Willinski in December 2014, his mother April Lee said she had really seen a difference in him. 

“Joy helps with his independence and he can now be on his own...He’s more social and meeting more people now,” she said. 

For more information you can go to www.assistancedogs.org.au or www.cstda.com.au.