“Service dogs –‘disability assist’ dogs in legislation – are trained working dogs which support disabled people to live independently and participate in everyday life,” Louise Upston says. “Everyone should be able to access public places, businesses and public transport without unnecessary barriers. Notes to editor:The national ID card is only issued to disability assist dog teams (the dog and its handler) certified by recognised Schedule 5 organisations under the Dog Control Act 1996. The National Service Dog ID card was developed by sector experts, including those with lived experience. It included Service Dog Advisory New Zealand (SDANZ), the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, and the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.