Disability assist dogs

Disability assist dogs help disabled people access services, participate in their communities and go about their daily lives.

Disability assist dogs are highly trained working dogs that support disabled people. They are not pets. Also known as certified service dogs, they have access rights under New Zealand law. This means they can enter public places, businesses and use public transport with their handlers.

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) provides information about:

• disability assist dog access rights
• how to recognise a disability assist dog
• certifying organisations
• information for businesses, service providers, public transport operators and frontline staff
• the National Service Dog ID Card
• what to do if access is refused.

Find out more about disability assist dogs on the MCERT website: Disability assist dogs external URL