Mobility Dogs NZ: Independence, Support, and Companionship

Mobility Dogs NZ is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of New Zealanders living with long-term physical disabilities. Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the charity provides highly trained dogs that offer physical assistance, emotional support, and a new level of independence to their human partners.

There are three categories of dogs provided by Mobility Dogs NZ: accredited public access Mobility Dogs for individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs that work in professional settings such as hospitals, courts, and counselling practices, and companion dogs placed on a case-by-case basis where there is a medical need in the family unit.

A Mobility Dog is also referred to as an assistance dog. These dogs are trained to carry out specific physical tasks such as opening doors, retrieving items, pressing pedestrian buttons, alert barking in emergencies, and even helping to pay for purchases at shops. Beyond daily assistance, they offer life-changing emotional benefits by boosting confidence, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.

Mobility Dogs NZ operates under the Dog Control Act as a schedule 5 organisation approved by the Department of Internal Affairs. The organisation also follows international public access standards set by ADI to ensure all working dogs maintain the highest level of training and behaviour.

Supporters can help by sponsoring a puppy, organising a fundraiser, signing up for payroll giving, or leaving a gift in their will. Every contribution helps change lives by placing more of these remarkable dogs with the people who need them most.

The mission of Mobility Dogs NZ is to create a more inclusive and accessible New Zealand—one dog, one person, one partnership at a time.

For more information on this wonderful organisation please see their website or like their Facebook page.