PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE DOG PROGRAM
Assistance Dogs for People with Physical Disabilities
For over two decades, our Physical Assistance Dog Program has transformed lives by pairing expertly trained Assistance Dogs with Australians with physical disabilities. From retrieving dropped items to opening doors and offering vital emotional support, these remarkable dogs give their partners greater freedom, confidence, and connection.
Applications temporarily closed
Due to overwhelming demand, we have temporarily closed the application process for this program. We are working hard to reopen the process and provide the best service we can to those who could benefit from one of our extraordinary dogs.
This page will be updated when applications reopen for this program.
We will announce applications reopening via our social media pages and website. Check your eligibility below.
Helping people with physical disabilities live freely and confidently
For over 20 years, we have been training and placing very special dogs with Australians with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and those injured in serious accidents.
The benefits are immediate and impactful — reducing stress and isolation for individuals and families, while improving relationships and allowing people with disabilities to save much-needed money on paid care.
Additionally, recipients of dogs are more likely to venture out of the house with their buddy, increasing their physical activity and improving mental wellbeing.
And the bigger picture? Physical Assistance Dogs lower taxpayer costs to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and help people with disabilities participate more actively in their community, stimulating the economy and helping to educate the public about their very special companion.
For people with physical disabilities, dogs are trained to do tasks including, but not limited to:
- Retrieving dropped items
- Opening and closing doors, wardrobes and drawers
- Opening and retrieving items from the fridge
- Pulling washing out of the machine (front loaders only)
- Removing items of clothing such as socks and jumpers
- Retrieving the phone
- Alert bark if their owner falls out of their wheelchair or is in danger
- Press the buttons at the traffic lights and lifts
- Accompany their owner on public transport
- Deliver and retrieve items at the shop counter
- Help carry or pick up shopping items
A Physical Assistance 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 an Assistance Dog.
People who receive an Assistance Dog are provided with a photographic identity badge as proof of Assistance Dog status, which they must take with them in public, and a Service Dog jacket for the dog.
Criteria
- The applicant must have an accepted diagnosis of a permanent physical disability.
- The applicant must be 12 years of age or older.
All Applicants and/or primary dog handlers must meet the following general criteria:
- Be aged 18 years or older. If under 18, the applicant must have a legal guardian aged 18 years or older who will become the nominated ‘primary handler’ of the dog, is living with the applicant, and will be responsible for the dog at all times.
- Complete our Health Professional form.
- Be deemed suitable by ADA after completing the assessment process.
- Accept the financial responsibility and provide the resources to care for the dog (ie. meet vet bills, premium food and equipment) throughout the dog’s life.
- Provide the dog with a secure home, with a commitment to maintain the quality of the dog’s training, health, wellbeing, exercise and mental stimulation.
- Have current stable living arrangements to house an Assistance Dog.
- Have a consistent safe outdoor area for toileting and exercise.
- Nominate at least two suitable adults who will, if required, provide immediate care of the dog in an emergency or unforeseen circumstances (eg. hospital stays).
- All people living in the household must support the application.
- No members of the household have a history of, or current behaviours relating to, abuse, neglect or non-sanctioned violence towards humans or animals
- If any member of the household has an allergy to dogs, it must be manageable.
- All existing pets in the home must be appropriately vaccinated, on correct preventative medications (heartworm, flea, tick and intestinal worms) and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for temperament. Pet dogs must be desexed and over the age of one year.
Please note that Assistance Dogs Australia will consider all applications regardless of race, gender, religion, and/or sexual orientation.
Journey Flow
Submission of initial interest for an Assistant Dog
1
Information
Session
2
Application
Form
3
Suitability Assessment
4
Accepted onto Waiting List for dog matching
5
Retirement support and possible application for a Successor Dog
9
Long Term ADA Support & Follow ups
8
Placement Training Class
7
Pre-Class Preparation
6