Introduction
New Service Dog ID cards are coming soon
From early August, Blind Low Vision NZ, along with all member organisations of Service Dog Advisory New Zealand (SDANZ) will begin introducing new ID cards for certified Guide Dogs, Vision Loss Assistance Dogs (VLADs) and guide dogs in training.
The new cards follow the Service Dog Advisory New Zealand (SDANZ) national standard. They help create a consistent way to identify certified disability assist dogs across New Zealand.
The change aims to reduce confusion about public access rights and support smoother access for handlers when travelling, entering public places, or staying in accommodation.
Your current ID card remains valid until you receive your new card.
What is changing?
Blind Low Vision NZ is moving to a new Service Dog ID card design.
The new card:
- Follows the SDANZ national standard for certified disability assist dogs.
- Uses a consistent design across disability assist dog organisations with public access rights, helping reduce confusion for people providing public transport, accommodation, retail and other services.
- Includes a QR code linking to information about public access rights.
- Will be renewed every two years.
The cards will continue to be issued by Blind Low Vision NZ.
Why are the cards changing?
The new cards help create a more consistent approach for certified disability assist dogs across New Zealand.
They aim to:
- Reduce confusion about which dogs have public access rights.
- Make it easier for handlers to explain their dog’s certification.
- Support better understanding of disability assist dog access rights.
What will I receive?
Guide Dog and VLAD handlers
You will receive three cards:
- Your team ID card
This card includes:
- A photo of you and your dog.
- Your dog’s name and ID number.
- Your name.
- A renewal date.
- Blind Low Vision NZ contact details.
- Your dog’s ID card
This card includes:
- A photo of your dog.
- Your dog’s name and ID number.
This card can be used when your dog is cared for by someone else.
- Access rights information card
This card provides information about the law relating to certified disability assist dogs.
All cards are the same size as the current ID card and include a hole to indicate which way is up.
A lanyard will be available upon request.
Cards for people caring for a dog
If you are caring for a Guide Dog in training, such as a:
- Puppy raiser
- Breeding stock guardian
- Boarder
you will receive:
- An ID card for the dog in your care.
- An access rights information card.
The cards travel with the dog while they are in your care.
Cards for staff
Staff who regularly walk or care for multiple dogs will receive an ID card with their own photo.
This helps identify staff members who may be caring for different dogs across the Guide Dog programme.
When will I receive my new card?
The rollout begins in August 2026.
Cards will be sent out progressively.
Your current card remains valid until your new card arrives.
If you have not received your new card by October 2026, please contact the Guide Dog team by emailing GuideDogs@BlindLowVision.org.nz.
About public access rights
Certified disability assist dogs have legal access rights under the Dog Control Act 1996.
The new card includes a QR code that links to information about these rights.
Visit the National Service Dog ID card information directory page.
Frequently asked questions
About the change
Why are Blind Low Vision NZ ID cards changing?
The new cards follow the Service Dog Advisory New Zealand (SDANZ) national standard. They help create a consistent way to identify certified disability assist dogs across New Zealand and reduce confusion about public access rights.
Who decided to change the cards?
The new card design was developed by Service Dog Advisory New Zealand (SDANZ) in partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs. Blind Low Vision NZ is adopting the standard for our certified disability assist dogs.
Are other disability assist dog organisations using this card?
Yes. The new ID card is a national standard developed through Service Dog Advisory New Zealand (SDANZ). Member organisations that provide certified disability assist dogs are moving towards using this consistent card design.
Does this mean my current card is no longer accepted?
No. Your current card remains valid until you receive your new card.
Will my dog’s certification or access rights change?
No. This change only affects the ID card. Your dog’s certification and legal access rights remain the same.
Receiving your new card
When will I receive my new card?
The rollout begins in August 2026. Cards will be issued progressively.
Do I need to apply for a new card?
No. Blind Low Vision NZ will arrange your new card.
Do I need to provide a new photo?
No, you do not need to provide a new photo. In most cases, we’ll use the photo we already have on file from your guide dog qualification or graduation. If we can’t locate a suitable photo, we’ll get in touch with you directly to arrange a new one.
What if my details have changed?
Please advise the Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog’s team of any changes as soon as possible.
What if I do not receive my new card?
If you have not received your new card by October 2026, please contact the Guide Dog team.
Will everyone receive their card at the same time?
No. Cards will be issued progressively to make sure everyone receives the correct information and cards.
Understanding the different cards
Why am I receiving more than one card?
Each card has a different purpose:
- Your team card identifies you and your dog.
- Your dog’s card travels with your dog if someone else is caring for them.
- The access rights card provides information about the law.
Which card should I show when entering a public place?
Clients should show the team card, which identifies the certified dog and handler team. Volunteers (Puppy Raisers/Boarders) should show the dog card. The card with information about the Act provides additional information about the legal access rights of disability assist dogs if someone questions their entry.
Why does my dog need a separate card?
Your dog’s card allows identification when someone else is caring for your dog, such as during boarding or temporary care.
Does the person caring for my dog need their own card?
No. The card stays with the dog and is provided to the person caring for them.
Can I keep all the cards together?
Yes. However, the dog’s card should travel with the dog when they are cared for by someone else.
Using the new card
What is the QR code for?
The QR code links to information about the legal access rights of certified disability assist dogs.
What happens if someone questions my dog’s access rights?
The information card and QR code provide details about the legal rights of certified disability assist dogs. If you experience an access challenge, report it to the Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog team. They will support you and take appropriate action. You can usually report it to the person you have your main contact with.
Does the new card guarantee access everywhere?
Certified disability assist dogs have legal access rights under the Dog Control Act 1996. The card supports identification of certified dogs and helps people understand their legal access rights.
Can someone else use my card?
No. The card identifies a specific certified disability assist dog or team.
Practical questions
What happens if I lose my card or it’s damaged?
If someone loses their card, they should let their main Blind Low Vision NZ contact know. Their contact can arrange a replacement card through Auckland. Alternatively, they can contact the Guide Dog Centre directly to organise a replacement.
Can I request a lanyard?
Yes. Lanyards will be available on request.
For puppy raisers, breeding stock guardians and boarders
Why do I receive a card if I am not the dog’s handler?
The card helps identify the dog while they are in your care and supports smooth access during training, care or travel.
Do I need to carry the card every time I have the dog?
Yes. You need to carry your card whenever you have the dog with you.
What happens when the dog returns to Blind Low Vision NZ?
If the dog returns to Blind Low Vision NZ or retires, a staff member will collect the card.
For staff and volunteers
Why does my staff card have my photo instead of the dog’s photo?
Staff may care for multiple dogs, so their card helps identify them as an authorised Blind Low Vision NZ staff member.
Can volunteers use a staff card?
No. Cards are issued based on the person’s role and responsibilities.
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