Disability assist dog organisations
Discover organisations that train and certify disability assist dogs.
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Overview
There are several organisations in New Zealand that train and certify disability assist dogs. Some are very specific in the type of assist dogs they train, while others train dogs for people with various disabilities.
These organisations are approved by the government to train and certify disability assist dogs. This certification gives a dog legal rights to access public spaces, private businesses, and public transport.
Each organisation has its own application criteria.
Most organisations provide dogs, while some will train a dog that you provide – check out each organisation’s website for more information about this.
You can usually spot a certified disability assist dog in public by its special jacket or vest. The jacket will have the name and colours of the organisation that certified the dog.
Be aware that the demand for disability assist dogs is usually higher than the number of dogs that are available. This means that you could wait a few years before you get matched with a dog. Disability assist dog organisations may stop taking applications during times when they cannot provide more dogs. Keep an eye on these organisations’ websites for information about applications closing and opening.
Training a disability assist dog can cost over $70,000, and many of these organisations rely heavily on grants, donations, and people sponsoring puppies. If you’re in position to help one of these organisations financially, check out their websites for info.
Blind Low Vision NZ
Blind Low Vision NZ is New Zealand’s sole provider of professionally trained guide dogs.
You can identify a guide dog by its black Blind Low Vision NZ jacket.
NZ Epilepsy Assist Dogs Trust
NZ Epilepsy Assist Dogs Trust trains seizure alert dogs to aid people living with epilepsy.
You’ll see these dogs wearing purple jackets
K9 Medical Detection New Zealand
K9 Medical Detection New Zealand trains dogs to support people with epilepsy, diabetes, allergies that cause anaphylaxis, narcolepsy, and cardiac conditions. They will consider other medical conditions on a case-by-case basis.
These dogs wear black jackets.
Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust
As the name suggests, this organisation trains mobility dogs that assist disabled people with everyday tasks.
You can spot one of their Mobility Dogs by their green jackets.
Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust (ADNZT)
ADNZT trains dogs to support people with a wide range of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, Down syndrome, and other neurological or physical disabilities.
ADNZT dogs wear blue coats.
Pawsible Service Dogs
Pawsible Service Dogs trains dogs to support people with range of physical and neurological disabilities. Their dogs help with everyday tasks and are trained based on their handler’s specific needs.
You’ll spot a Pawsible Service Dog in a blue jacket.
Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust (PPADT)
PPADT trains dogs to assist people with a variety of different disabilities. They don’t have an extensive list of disabilities or types of support they train dogs for. Instead, they tailor the training to suit the handler’s needs.
PPADT dogs wear blue jackets.
