We know that some disability assist dog handlers continue to be questioned or refused access to public transport, businesses and services, despite having access rights under New Zealand law.
Recognising these ongoing barriers, the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha has partnered with disability assist dog organisations, Service Dog Advisory New Zealand, and the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport to develop the National Service Dog ID Card.
The card provides a nationally consistent way to identify trained and certified disability assist dogs and their handlers. It is issued and managed by the organisations responsible for training and certifying disability assist dogs.
The National Service Dog ID Card does not create new rights. Instead, it provides a simple way for businesses, service providers, transport operators and frontline staff to recognise trained and certified disability assist dogs and understand the rights they already have.
