Dogs at work, people at our core
Mobility Dogs offers several pathways depending on the type of support you need.
Some people need a highly trained dog for daily life – one that can assist with physical tasks and accompany them anywhere, with full public access rights. Others benefit from a dog placed into a specific setting like a school, court, or healthcare environment, where the dog provides calm, consistent emotional support alongside a trained handler. We also place Companion Dogs, which offer practical support and companionship within the home, without public access rights.
Every match is made carefully, with the right dog for the right person and environment. Understanding the differences between these pathways is the first step to finding the best fit for you.
Mobility Dogs:
Practical, physical task assistance for people with physical disability
Best suited for people who:
- Who are over 18 and have a permanent physical disability
- Require tasked trained assistance to support daily independence
- Need help from a dog in public spaces ie: shops, appointments, transport
What Mobility Dogs do:
- Retrieve dropped items
- Open/close doors and drawers
- Assist with a variety of daily tasks
- Support independence at home and in the community
Important to know up front:
- Mobility Dogs are highly trained assistance dogs
- There is a formal assessment and placement process
Therapy Dogs:
Support within approved workplaces and community settings
Best suited for:
- Organisations, schools, courts, healthcare, or community services
- Professionals working in structured therapeutic environments
What Therapy Dogs do:
- Work alongside a therapist or similar
- Provide emotional support in an organisational setting
- Do not have public access rights outside their approved environment
Important to know up front:
- Therapy dogs are not for personal or at-home support
Companion Dogs:
Well-trained dogs providing a calm, consistent presence in the home
Best suited for people who:
- Need support primarily within the home environment
- Would benefit from routine, connection, and a calm, reliable presence
- Do not need a dog with public access rights or specialist task training
What a Companion Dog offers:
- Practical support with day-to-day home routines
- Genuine companionship and a sense of stability
Important to know:
- Companion Dogs are currently placed in the Auckland and Waikato regions only
- They do not have public access rights
- They are not trained for complex medical alerts, behavioural support, or specialist therapeutic work