Disability assist dogs
Learn about disability assist dogs, including their rights, where they can go and how they support people to live more independently.
A disability assist dog is trained to help people with disabilities and enable them to be as independent as possible. They may enter and remain in places where other dogs are prohibited to go.
Disability assist dogs have the right to access any public place and private business – including supermarkets, health facilities, shops and malls, food outlets, motels or hotels, movie theatres and restaurants.
Disability assist dogs are entitled to travel on all forms of public transport, including in taxis. Permission may be needed to enter a marae or church.
Disability assist dogs are trained and certified by organisations authorised under Schedule 5 of the Dog Control Act 1996.
Other service dogs, including emotional support and therapy dogs, do not have the same rights as certified disability assist dogs.
Identifying disability assist dogs
Each organisation issues a coat for the dog to wear with the organisation’s name on it, and some form of identification for the handler.
It is ok to ask what organisation the disability assist dog is certified under. It is not ok to ask questions about the person’s disability.
Guidance for health practitioners
This factsheet provides information for health practitioners’ reference when discussing a disability assist dog with their patients.
Factsheet for Health Practitioners (PDF, 153KB)
Disability assist dog providers
Disability assist dogs must be certified by one of the following organisations:
- Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand
- Mobility Dogs
- New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dogs Trust
- Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust
- Blind Low Vision NZ
- Pawsible Service Dogs
- K9 Medical Detection.
Note: K9 Search Medical Detection (K9SMD) was removed from the list of authorised organisations, effective 20 December 2024. Any dogs certified by K9SMD before 20 December 2024 retain their public access rights. From 20 December 2024, no dogs can be certified for public access by K9SMD.
After conferring with the Minister for Disability Issues, the Minister of Local Government can recommend new organisations to be authorised under the Act.
Organisations who want to be authorised under Schedule 5 must apply via the Department of Internal Affairs.
Schedule 5 of the Dog Control Act 1996 (Legislation website)
Guidelines for authorisation to certify disability assist dogs
Guidelines for authorisation to certify disability assist dogs
Note: In March 2026, the Government announced a review of the Dog Control Act 1996. From 18 May 2026, the Minister of Local Government has imposed a moratorium on applications for new organisations to be authorised to certify disability assist dogs under Schedule 5.
Contact us
If you need to get in contact with us, you can email us.