How do I Apply?

 

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Thank you for your interest in applying for an Assistance Dog. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has impacted our dog placement programmes, and these latest lockdowns have delayed our wait times for a dog even further. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily pause taking new applications. This is a drastic measure to allow us some much-needed time to place our trained dogs and get our new puppies ready, whilst ensuring the current clients on our waitlist receive their dog as quickly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment. In the meantime, please make sure to follow our Facebook Page and sign up to our newsletter to receive updates, and check back in later this year to submit your application of interest.

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Process when applications open:

 

Receiving the Application

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The first step in applying for an Assistance Dog is to complete the Online Enquiry Form on the right of this page. An application package will then be sent to the applicant, who must complete all of the additional information required and return it to ADNZT. Once the initial application is accepted, a medical clearance form will then need to be completed. This must be completed before the application can proceed. Please note that you can fill in the online enquiry form even if you just want to get some more information about getting an Assistance Dog, there is no obligation to follow through with the application.

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Provisional Waiting List

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Once the application package is complete and returned to ADNZT, we will then review the material to determine if the application is suitable to proceed. If suitable the applicant is then placed on a Provisional Waiting List.

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Interview

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An ADNZT staff member will make contact and arrange a convenient time to meet with the applicant and their family. The interview allows time to discuss the Assistance Dog service in more detail and to help both the applicant and ADNZT decide if receiving an Assistance Dog would be beneficial and appropriate for the applicant and their family.

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It is important for us to gain a good appreciation of the environment in which the dog will live and work. This will help us to get a better understanding of the type of dog best suited to the applicant. Matching the right dog to the right client is critical.

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Further Assessment

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Often it is beneficial to arrange for an additional meeting to answer questions that have arisen since the first interview and to allow ADNZT staff an opportunity to gain further information about the clients specific needs and their disability.

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Official Waiting List

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Once the interview and assessment is complete and all medical forms have been received, the applicant is then placed on the ADNZT official waiting list to receive a dog.