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:

• Autism/Aspergers
• Brain injury
• Cerebal Palsy

Multiple disabilities that on their own may not be sufficient to obtain a service dog from an existing organisation.

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)

It costs Assistance Dogs New Zealand $20.000.00 - $26,000-00 to raise and train an Assistance Dog. However as a family or individual applying for a dog we ask that only $10,000.00 of this is raised by the applicant.  Once Assistance Dogs New Zealand has become established and is gaining greater financial support from the public, it is hoped that Assistance Dogs New Zealand are able to reduce the money required to be raised by individuals and families even further.

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
Registered Charity Trust Number CC32920 | Trust Incorporation Registration Number 2144292

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 to meet specific criteria according to the disability that it will later be trained to assist with.

Assistance Dogs New Zealand has also obtained permission to apply for dogs reared by other services such as Guide Dog Services (RNZFB), in addition to this, if required, dogs aged between 9 -10 months may also be considered from the general population. 

Assistance Dogs have approximately 6-8 months of intensive training commencing at around 12 months of age before being placed with the applicant. 

ADNZ has only two puppies on our program at present. We look forward to reputable breeders donating puppies for our program soon.

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:

• 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.

If you are interested in applying for a dog withdrawn from our program please contact us for an adoption application form.

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 by assisting with fundraising activities, bequests, or by personal donation.