What is a Service Dog?

A Service Dog is trained over a two year period to assist people with physical disabilities in and outside of the home.

The main purpose of a Service Dog is to provide independence and freedom that would not be achievable otherwise. A Service Dog can not replace a carer but could reduce caring needs significantly.

                   Assistance Dogs Australia provides Service Dogs Australia wide

A Service Dog has full public access rights meaning they are allowed in any public place* and on all public transport. It is illegal to refuse entry to a Service Dog*. All recipients of a Service Dog receive an Identity badge with a picture of them and their dog as proof of Service Dog status.

* The only exceptions are zoos, aquariums, sterile environments, food preparation areas and quarantine areas

What can Service Dogs provide?

Inside the house the dogs can accomplish multiple tasks including, but not limited to:

  • Retrieving dropped items
  • Opening and closing doors, wardrobes, drawers etc
  • Opening and retrieving items from the fridge
  • Pulling washing out of the machine (front loaders only)
  • Removing items of clothing like socks and jumpers
  • Retrieving the phone
  • Help get themselves dressed in their working equipment
  • Alert bark if you fall out of your chair/ are in danger

Outside of the home they can

  • Press the buttons at the traffic lights and lifts
  • Accompany you on public transport (the dogs are also trained to take up minimum room by the way they lay under the chair)
  • Brace when need to support you if you become unstable in your chair
  • Emergency bark
  • Deliver items to a counter, retrieve items from a counter
  • Help carry or pick up shopping items

“I never realised how important my independence was until I lost it after my accident. Assistance Dogs Australia has given it back through a beautiful Labrador named Roxy,” singer and Assistance Dogs Australia ambassador, Tim McCallum said.

 “Roxy is a complete wonder dog. 50% of what she does is the physical tasks she’s been trained to help me with. The other 50% is the companionship. Roxy is my best friend and I know that I could not achieve the things I want to in life without her help and companionship. Assistance Dogs brought hope and happiness into my life once again”.         Read the Tim and Roxy story.

Eligibility:

  • Assistance Dogs Australia only provides Service Dogs to adults with physical disabilities.
  • Assistance Dogs Australia does not provide dogs for the sole purpose of emotional therapy.
  • If your disability is from a recent accident we strongly advise that you adapt to your new home environment for a few months before applying for an Assistance Dog
  • All Service Dog applications must be accompanied by a recommendation from a medical professional
  • All applications require photographic or video evidence of a suitable home environment for a dog

To apply for a Service Dog please complete this application form: SD Application form

Returning the form:

Email: Info@assistancedogs.org.au with the subject line: 'Application for a Service Dog'

Fax: 02 9548 3376 for the Attention of The K9 Team, or

Post to: The K9 Team, Assistance DogsAustralia, POBOX 455,Engadine, NSW, 2233

 

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