Deaf Woman’s Struggle to Certify Service Dog Sparks Debate Over Accessibility
“I can’t take him into the galleries, I can’t take him into the library,” Joanne Marshall told RNZ, describing how her toy poodle Kiko’s lack of certification limits her daily life.
Only One Organization Considers Client-Trained Dogs
There are eight organizations in New Zealand that certify disability assist dogs, granting access rights to public spaces. However, only Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust evaluates dogs already in a disabled person’s care. The trust cited concerns about Kiko’s stress levels and lack of formal obedience training.
“They said he needs to complete an independent dog obedience training programme,” Marshall said. “But I couldn’t access the training because there were no NZ sign language interpreters and no government funding.”
Trust Cites Stress and Anxiety as Barriers
Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust reviewed video footage of Kiko and consulted a veterinary behaviourist, who noted “avoidance and anxiety-related behaviour, particularly outside the home.” The trust’s decision letter stated that repeated exposure to stressful environments could worsen Kiko’s fear, compromising his ability to perform tasks when needed.
“Putting an anxious dog into busy public places isn’t fair on the dog or the person,” said Belinda Simpson, the trust’s programme manager. “We don’t believe the pathway should be opened for anyone to take their own dog into public places without training and oversight.”
Doctors Endorse Kiko as a Required Service Animal
Marshall’s general practitioner and neurologist both endorsed Kiko’s assistance, with the latter stating the dog “is saving the government money” by reducing hospital visits and medical procedures. The GP’s letter confirmed Kiko is “required as a service animal” due to Marshall’s mobility issues and blood pressure fluctuations.
“Having somebody constantly alerting to chemical changes has saved me money and trips to the doctor,” Marshall said. “But now I’m stuck with no options.”
Ministry Reviews Gaps in Disability Dog Framework
The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport is examining the disability assist dog regime, including oversight of certified organisations and barriers to access. A 2025 tally revealed six of the eight certifying bodies had waitlists totaling 78 people, with organisations citing funding and resource limitations.
Richard Ward, the ministry’s general manager, said the review will focus on “how to maintain public confidence in disability assist dogs while addressing inclusion challenges.”
Call for Expanded Certification Options
Marshall argues the current system is too rigid. “No disability dog coat fits my situation,” she said, referencing the narrow focus of organisations like Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand, which certifies dogs for auditory assistance but not for neurological conditions.
“There’s a silo effect,” she added. “Organisations are focused on one type of disability, but many people have complex needs.”
One Organisation Certifies Dogs Trained by Disabled Individuals
Only one of New Zealand’s eight disability assist dog organisations certifies dogs trained by disabled individuals. The Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust currently trains over 40 dogs owned by disabled people, but requires formal obedience training for certification.
Why Can’t Joanne Marshall’s Poodle Be Certified?
Why can’t Joanne Marshall’s poodle be certified by other organisations?
Only Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust considers dogs trained by disabled individuals. Other organisations, like Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand, focus on specific disabilities and require dogs to be trained through their programmes.
What role does the Ministry play in this issue?
The Ministry is reviewing the disability assist dog regime to identify gaps in oversight, accessibility, and inclusion.
How does Kiko’s stress affect his certification?
A veterinary behaviourist noted Kiko exhibits anxiety outside his home, which the Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust says could impair his ability to perform tasks reliably in public. The trust requires dogs to complete obedience training to address such concerns.
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