How do I know if I’m eligible for an assistance animal?
We welcome applications from individuals with both physical and mental health disabilities. Our mission is to support all members of the community in accessing the benefits of certified assistance animals, regardless of the nature of their challenges. Whether you live with a physical impairment, mental health condition, or a combination of both, we are here to help you on your journey to greater independence and well-being. Eligibility for an assistance animal is based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Our caring staff will work closely with you to evaluate your requirements and determine the most suitable type of assistance animal to support your daily activities and improve your wellbeing. We understand this can be a personal decision, so we approach each case with empathy and discretion to ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
How do I apply for my animal to become an official Assistance Dog?
Step1: Fill in the contact form. We will reply with an application pack for you to fill out.
Step 2: Once you have filled out the application pack and sent back the forms, we will go through them. We are Required to have proof of your dogs
Registration with local council
Dog is microchipped
Dog is Vaccinated
Dog is desexed
One photo of the Handler and one photo of the dog
Step 3: One of our Vets and Qualified Medical staff will contact you to discuss further about your application.
Step 4: We will send you an invoice for the Registration fee. Once fee has been paid and your dog has been approved, you will receive an official ID card from Assistance Animals Australia. Your dog will first go under a Learner Probationary stage for a minimum of 6 months. You will also receive an Official Dog Jacket for your dog to wear to let the public know your dog is an official Assistance Animal. You will also receive an official Certificate Stating your Dog is now an official Assistance Animal
What services do you provide?
We provide a comprehensive range of services designed to support individuals with disabilities by facilitating the use of assistance animals. Our services include a thorough certification and registration process to ensure assistance animals meet the standards required under Australian federal law, with official documentation provided upon successful certification. We also focus on public education, offering guidance to individuals on how to care for and manage their assistance animals, while educating businesses and the public on the rights of those with assistance animals. Advocacy is a key part of our work, as we push for policies that protect the rights of individuals with assistance animals and provide ongoing support to help clients navigate any related challenges. Additionally, we offer consultation services to businesses and organisations, helping them understand their legal obligations and develop inclusive policies.
What’s the definition of a disability under the Australian Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992
disability, in relation to a person, means:
(a) total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; or
(b) total or partial loss of a part of the body; or
(c) the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness; or
(d) the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness; or
(e) the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; or
(f) a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; or
(g) a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour;
and includes a disability that:
(h) presently exists; or
(i) previously existed but no longer exists; or
(j) may exist in the future (including because of a genetic predisposition to that disability); or
(k) is imputed to a person.
To avoid doubt, a disability that is otherwise covered by this definition includes behaviour that is a symptom or manifestation of the disability.
What dogs can’t be an assistance dog?
Commonwealth customs legislation bans the importation of certain breeds into Australia, including pure or cross-bred Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff), Dogo Argentino, Perro de Presa Canario, and American Pit Bull Terriers.
Do you train Assistance Dogs
No, we don’t do the training. Getting the training done of your individual animal is up to you. We can help locate a trainer for you.