You and your guide dog
You and your guide dog are legally protected from discrimination by three Acts, so long as your dog is certified by the Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind, and you are blind, partially sighted or are training a guide dog. These are the Human Rights Act 1993, Dog Control Act 1996 and Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.
Where can I take my guide dog?
Any public place
Including: restaurants, doctors, dentists, shops, beaches, cinemas,
hotels, buses, ferries etc.
Any public vehicle
Including: domestic and international flights, ships, trains, taxis,
shuttles etc.
Are there places I can't take my dog?
- Into the animal enclosure areas at zoos (zoo management will look after your dog).
- Some hospital departments, such as the burns unit, oncology and intensive care.
Check first with the hospital. Intensive care units particularly
vary in their rules.
Also contact marae, funeral parlours and national parks in advance. A
few parks have special status. Fines of up to $3,000 or a year's
imprisonment can be imposed on people who discriminate against you for
relying on your guide dog.
Stand up for your rights
Café: Sorry, you can't bring that dog in here.
You: I'm blind and this is my guide dog, (name). Please read this ID
passport - the number is the same as on my dog's medallion and the dog
is properly attired. Both the Human Rights and the Dog Control Acts say
he can come with me into a public place.
Where can I go for support?
Contact the Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind's Guide Dog Services, the Association of Blind Citizens of NZ or the Human Rights Commission. See contact details. If you are asked to leave a public place, contact the police.