FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I help to support ADNZ?
You can support Assistance Dogs New Zealand by welcoming our dogs into your place of business. Assistance Dogs are quiet, wellbehaved and clean at all times.
If you are in the Hamilton or surrounding districts you can apply to support ADNZ by rearing a young puppy in your home. For further information about this please contact Julie.
You can support ADNZ assisting with fundraising activities, bequests, or by personal donation.
If you are a business, please consider contacting us to discuss the benefits of sponsoring one of our puppies
If you are in the Hamilton or surrounding districts you can apply to support ADNZ by rearing a young puppy in your home. For further information about this please contact Julie.
You can support ADNZ assisting with fundraising activities, bequests, or by personal donation.
If you are a business, please consider contacting us to discuss the benefits of sponsoring one of our puppies
Who can apply for an Assistance Dog?
Assistance Dogs New Zealand facilitates the provision of specially trained service dogs for assistance and companionship for individuals with a disability not yet catered for by currently existing organisations. If you think that a dog would assist you with your disability then you are eligible to apply for an assistance dog.
Examples of these may be:
Examples of these may be:
- Autism/Aspergers
- Brain injury
- Cerebal Palsy
- Type 1 Diabetes
How do I go about applying for an Assistance Dog?
Part 1: Receiving the Application
The first step in applying for an Assistance Dog is for the applicant to contact the Trust by phone or email. An application package will be mailed or emailed to the applicant, who must complete all of the information required and return it.
Part 2: Initial Waiting List
Once an application is completed and sent back, Assistance Dogs New Zealand will review the material to determine whether the applicant is qualified to progress to the second stage of the application process. If the applicant is suitable notification of such will be received and an interview scheduled.
Part 3: The Interview
This interview and assessment will help the applicant and Assistance Dogs New Zealand to decided if receiving an Assistance Dog would be beneficial and appropriate for the applicant and / or family. An opportunity for a personal meeting also allows for further discussion, greater understanding parties and more effective communication.
(Please note that an interview does not guarantee acceptance)
The first step in applying for an Assistance Dog is for the applicant to contact the Trust by phone or email. An application package will be mailed or emailed to the applicant, who must complete all of the information required and return it.
Part 2: Initial Waiting List
Once an application is completed and sent back, Assistance Dogs New Zealand will review the material to determine whether the applicant is qualified to progress to the second stage of the application process. If the applicant is suitable notification of such will be received and an interview scheduled.
Part 3: The Interview
This interview and assessment will help the applicant and Assistance Dogs New Zealand to decided if receiving an Assistance Dog would be beneficial and appropriate for the applicant and / or family. An opportunity for a personal meeting also allows for further discussion, greater understanding parties and more effective communication.
(Please note that an interview does not guarantee acceptance)
How much does an Assistance Dog cost?
We estimate that in 2011 it will cost Assistance Dogs New Zealand $50,000.00 to raise and train an Assistance Dog. Because we are low on funds and sponsors we must ask for family's or individuals applying for a dog to help us by raising a portion of this which can then be used to cover the expenses of sourcing/breeding and rearing our puppies or may also be put towards activities such as annual follow ups and further training and support for those dogs already placed within New Zealand.
Once Assistance Dogs New Zealand has become established and is gaining greater financial support from the community, it is hoped that Assistance Dogs New Zealand are able to reduce the money required to be raised by individuals and families.
Once Assistance Dogs New Zealand has become established and is gaining greater financial support from the community, it is hoped that Assistance Dogs New Zealand are able to reduce the money required to be raised by individuals and families.
Does Assistance Dogs New Zealand receive Government Funding?
Assistance Dogs New Zealand does not receive any Government funding. We rely on your donation, bequests and support. Donations can be made to Assistance Dog New Zealand Charity Trust to any BNZ Bank Account No. 020 528 0138534 00 or posted to
193 Te Tahi Road
RD 6
Te Awamutu 3876
Registered Charity Trust Number CC32920 | Trust Incorporation Registration Number 2144292
193 Te Tahi Road
RD 6
Te Awamutu 3876
Registered Charity Trust Number CC32920 | Trust Incorporation Registration Number 2144292
How long does it take to train an Assistance Dog?
Assistance Dogs New Zealand has now begun placing puppies on their program. This means that the puppies can be socialised and raised under the guidance of Assistance Dogs New Zealand for the first year of life, to meet specific criteria according to the disability that it may later be trained to assist with.
Assistance Dogs have approximately 6-8 months of intensive training commencing at around 12 months of age before being placed with the applicant.
Assistance Dogs have approximately 6-8 months of intensive training commencing at around 12 months of age before being placed with the applicant.
Where does ADNZ source their puppies?
ADNZ now has five puppies on the program. From 11th May, two of these will have arrived from Australia (Guide Dogs Queensland). We hope that these puppies will be eligible to become Assistance Dogs New Zealand's foundation breeding stock for future generations.
What happens if an Assistance Dog doesn't work out?
Due to the variety of environments and situations Assistance Dogs are asked to work in, there are times when a dog may be withdrawn from the program and is then available for adoption.
Dogs may be withdrawn for such reasons as:
Dogs may be withdrawn for such reasons as:
- Noise sensitivity and reactivity – sounds of machinery or cars back firing can disrupt some dogs ability to work effectively and happily in busier environments.
- Visual suspicions – Working dogs have to deal with a variety of objects that may be unfamiliar – statues of animals and mannequins can often be viewed as threatening and cause extreme reactions in an unsuspecting dog that encounters such objects. A dog that displays a high level of ‘fear’ and fails to ‘recover’ within a short time span is likely to be withdrawn from the programme.
- Willingness and motivation – the desire to work both for the pleasure of the job and for the handler are essential elements of Assistance Dog work. Dogs that do not find the job entertaining and enjoyable are less likely to be willing to promptly respond to commands and situations.
- Temperament – dogs that are too submissive may also have trouble working as a service dog as the level of their anxiety is too high for them to comfortably take on the role. Dogs that are too dominant or assertive may also be withdrawn as gaining respect and obedience from these dogs is often more difficult for the average person who requires a dog for assistance.
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