​Thank you for your interest in applying for an Assistance Dog. We have reached our capacity and regretfully are unable to accept more applications at this time. Please stay tuned for updates on when applications will reopen in the future.​

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Update March 2025: ​

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Due to overwhelming demand, we have reached capacity and are unable to accept further applications at this time. We know how long many families have been waiting for this opportunity, highlighting the urgent need for more support to Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust.

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As a not-for-profit organisation that receives no government funding, we rely entirely on the generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters to continue this life-changing work. Each Assistance Dog costs $75,000 to raise, train, and support throughout its working life. While our resources are limited, our commitment to helping New Zealanders living with disabilities remains unwavering.

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If you missed out this time, we encourage you to keep an eye on our Facebook page, website, and newsletter for future reopening announcements. We have undertaken a review of our staffing and strategy with the goal of reopening applications more frequently in the future.

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If you did manage to apply, we are carefully assessing applications to determine eligibility and suitability. This process may take up to 6 week,s and we will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience.

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If you have any questions regarding applications, please contact us at apply@assistancedogstrust.org.nz

 

Eligibility Criteria​​

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Applicants Must: 

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☑️ Apply on or before their 18th birthday.*
☑️ Have a diagnosis of one of the following primary disabilities:
   • Autism Spectrum Disorder
   • Cerebral Palsy
   • Brain Injury
   • Down syndrome
   • Or another neurological or physical disability

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Additionally, we will consider applications where the applicant has:
☑️ Epilepsy, ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder as a secondary diagnosis, provided they have at least one of the primary disabilities listed above.

Please note, to be accredited as a disability assist dog, each dog must perform at least three tasks that directly benefit their client, as per Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards.

 

If you’re unsure whether you or someone you know is eligible, please get in touch with us at apply@assistancedogstrust.org.nz

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*We will continue to support our clients throughout their working life, even as adults, where a replacement Assistance Dog is required. 

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How to Apply:​

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We will make an announcement on our Facebook page once applications have reopened. Thank you for your patience.

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Please note:

• Applications must be submitted on or before the applicant’s 18th birthday.

• Our application team may request a clinical summary or report from the applicant’s doctor(s) and/or specialist(s) confirming the diagnosis or diagnoses listed in the application. Please ensure this documentation is ready and available if contacted.

• Parents and/or caregivers can apply on behalf of their children.

• Completing an application form does not guarantee that the applicant will be accepted to join our official waiting list to receive an Assistance Dog.

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What to Expect Once Applications Reopen:

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​1. Apply​

• Submit an expression of interest via the digital application form.

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2. Application Received

• Once the application has been submitted, the ADNZT team will review it to determine whether the applicant is eligible. From there, someone will be in touch to discuss the outcome. This process can take up to 6 weeks.

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3. Interview and Assessment

• If the applicant is eligible, someone will be in touch to confirm a convenient time to meet with the applicant and their family.

• This interview provides both parties with the opportunity to discuss the Assistance Dog service in more detail and help decide whether receiving an Assistance Dog would be beneficial and appropriate for the applicant and their family.

• This process also helps ADNZT gain a better understanding of the environment in which the dog will live and work. Matching the right dog to the right applicant is crucial.

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4. Further Assessment (if required)

• If necessary, it may be beneficial to arrange an additional meeting to answer any questions that may have arisen since the first interview. This allows ADNZT to gain further information about the applicant’s specific needs and disability/condition.

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5. Official Waiting List

• Once a formal assessment and interview are completed, the ADNZT Acceptance Panel will discuss the application and assessment summary and will confirm via email if the application has been successful. If the application is successful, the applicant will be placed on our Official Waiting List.

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