About Us
Clear information about therapy dogs in Aotearoa New Zealand.
DogTherapy.co.nz is an independent, informational website dedicated to helping people better understand therapy dogs and animal-assisted activities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our purpose is simple:
To provide clear, accurate, and accessible information about therapy dogs — what they are, how they are involved in communities, what standards and responsibilities exist, and how to navigate common confusion around training, access, and ethics.
This site is designed for anyone seeking understanding, including:
- Families and individuals
- Educators and schools
- Healthcare and community organisations
- Dog owners considering therapy work
- Members of the public seeking reliability
What this site is — and what it is not
DogTherapy.co.nz is an education-only resource. We are not:
- • A therapy dog organisation
- • A training provider
- • A certification or registration body
- • A governing or regulatory authority
- • A provider of medical, veterinary, or legal advice
We do not assess dogs, endorse programmes, issue credentials, or determine legal access rights. All content is a guide — not a substitute for professional judgement.
Why DogTherapy.co.nz exists
Therapy dogs are often misunderstood. In New Zealand, people regularly encounter confusion around:
- → Therapy dogs vs assistance dogs
- → Public access rights and legal limitations
- → Expectations for training and assessment
- → Ethical use of identification (vests, badges, patches)
- → Misleading claims by unofficial registries
Misinformation can harm vulnerable people, legitimate assistance dog users, and the dogs themselves. We exist to reduce this confusion and promote responsible, welfare-first decision-making.
A New Zealand–focused approach
This website is built specifically for the New Zealand context, focusing on:
- NZ Terminology: Using language that reflects our local legal frameworks and community environments.
- Local Realities: Distinguishing between international concepts and New Zealand-specific practices.
Animal welfare comes first
The wellbeing of the dog matters as much as the wellbeing of the people involved.
Not every dog is suited to therapy work — and that is completely okay. We promote the understanding that:
Respect, inclusion, and responsibility
DogTherapy.co.nz is committed to respectful language, accurate representation, and cultural sensitivity.
Any cultural references are made in good faith for educational purposes. We do not claim authority over cultural knowledge, nor do we represent any iwi, hapū, or professional body unless explicitly stated.
Our Commitment
"Our goal is not to tell people what to do — but to help them understand what responsible choices look like."
Corrections & Feedback
If you believe information on this site is incorrect, outdated, or culturally inappropriate, please reach out.
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Understanding comes first.
Compassion follows.