A new national ID card is set to make it easier for disabled people with certified service dogs to access public places, businesses and public transport.
Disability Issues Minister, Louise Upston says the new National Service Dog ID cards will be issued to disability assist dogs and their handlers who are certified by recognised Schedule 5 organisations under the Dog Control Act 1996.
The card has been developed with the help of sector experts, including Service Dog Advisory New Zealand (SDANZ), the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, and the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.
“Service dogs –‘disability assist’ dogs in legislation – are trained working dogs which support disabled people to live independently and participate in everyday life,” Minister Upston said.
“Despite having legal access rights, some disability assistance dog handlers continue to be challenged or turned away because these rights are not always well understood, or the dogs are interpreted as pets. That’s unacceptable and unfair.
“Most people know of guide dogs for blind and low vision people, but disability assistance dogs also support people with a range of other disabilities, such as hearing loss, epilepsy and mobility impairments. This can lead to misunderstandings and assumptions that are distressing and unnecessary.
“A single, nationally consistent, and standardised ID card helps avoid those misunderstandings. It improves clarity for businesses and the wider public, reducing challenges to disabled peoples’ access to spaces they have every right to be in.”
Other dogs, including pets, companion animals and emotional support dogs, will not have the same access rights.
“The card does not change existing rights – refusing access to a disability assistance dog and its handler remains against the law, and the card is not a condition of entry,” said the Minister.
“Everyone should be able to access public places, businesses and public transport without unnecessary barriers.
“For many disabled people, a service dog is essential to their independence.
“This small change will make a big difference to helping disabled New Zealanders’ ability to go about their lives without barriers.”
The card’s initial rollout is expected to take around three months.
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is funding the initial production of the National Service Dog ID Cards to support the rollout of the scheme to all certified dogs and dogs in training.
More information is available on the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport website: https://www.mcert.govt.nz/disability-assist-dogs.
