Damon Mcknight
Companion dogs, also known as assistance dogs, are pets that offer emotional benefits and companionship and help people with disabilities or chronic conditions to support their daily lives. In Western Australia, there is a formal system of accreditation and registration of these dogs. To register a companion dog in Western Australia, one must first complete an application process and be placed on a waitlist until a suitable match is identified. The applicant must also demonstrate an ability to care for the dog, including financial costs and responsibility for food, medical care, bedding, and toys. After registration, companion dogs must wear a jacket with branding from the organisation that qualified them and are allowed in all public spaces except specific clinical settings, surgically sterile areas, industrial food preparation areas, and quarantined areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration body | Australasian Animal Registry (AAR) |
| Registration criteria | The dog owner must be an adult or child with a disability or illness living in Western Australia who has been assessed by Guide Dogs WA and identified as benefiting from a Companion Dog. They must also demonstrate the ability to care for a dog, including financial costs and responsibilities associated with food, medical care, bedding, and toys. |
| Trial period | All Companion Dog applications will be subject to a two-week trial placement. If the trial placement is successful, Guide Dogs WA will complete the relevant documentation and transfer ownership. |
| Accreditation | Assistance Dogs Australia provides assistance dogs with public access rights in accordance with Assistance Dogs International rules and regulations. |
| Public Access Test (PAT) | After training, the dog owner and the dog must pass the PAT to confirm the dog's ability to assist and behave in public. |
| Documentation | Certified Pedigree for the puppy, Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, photo identification, ID tag on the collar. |
| Rights | The rights of a person with an Assistance Dog are protected under Federal Law through the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA 1992), which allows qualified assistance dogs to accompany their handlers into all public spaces, excluding specific clinical settings, surgically sterile areas, industrial food preparation areas, and quarantined areas. |
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What You'll Learn
Registration requirements for companion dogs
Companion dogs, also known as assistance dogs, emotional support dogs, or therapy dogs, provide emotional benefits and companionship to their owners. In Western Australia, there are specific requirements that must be met to register a companion dog.
Firstly, it is important to note that companion dogs are different from assistance dogs. Assistance dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks that aid individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions, enhancing their independence and quality of life. These dogs are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA 1992), which recognises their role in facilitating the functioning of individuals with disabilities.
Registration and accreditation of companion dogs in Western Australia are managed by Guide Dogs WA. To register a companion dog, applicants must meet specific criteria. Firstly, the applicant, whether an adult or child, must have a disability or illness and be assessed by Guide Dogs WA to determine the potential benefits of having a Companion Dog. Additionally, the applicant should demonstrate the ability to care for the dog, including financial responsibilities for food, medical care, bedding, and toys.
The applicant should also provide a safe and loving home environment for the dog, ensuring that it lives inside the house. Meeting the Guide Dogs WA home assessment and handling requirements is crucial for registration. All applications are subject to a two-week trial placement, after which Guide Dogs WA will complete the necessary documentation and transfer ownership if the placement is deemed suitable.
It is worth noting that there is no national register of Assistance Dogs in Australia at present. However, states like Western Australia have programs for accreditation and registration. The registration process ensures that companion dogs meet the required standards for public access and assists in their recovery if they go missing. Registered owners can update their details online for the speedy recovery of their registered animals.
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How to qualify for a companion dog
To qualify for a companion dog in Western Australia, you must meet specific criteria as a handler and ensure your dog undergoes specialised training and certification. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to qualify for a companion dog:
Identify Your Need for a Companion Dog
Firstly, it is essential to understand that companion dogs, also known as assistance dogs or service dogs, are intended for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. These dogs are not pets but are specially trained to help their handlers with specific tasks and to provide emotional support. Common conditions that may qualify for a companion dog include physical disabilities, psychological conditions like PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or other chronic illnesses.
Assess Your Ability to Care for a Dog
Before applying for a companion dog, you must demonstrate the ability to care for the dog financially and responsibly. This includes covering the costs associated with food, medical care, bedding, and toys. Additionally, you should be willing to provide a safe, loving, and suitable home environment for the dog, including allowing the dog to live inside the home.
Find an Accredited Organisation for Training
Companion dogs must undergo specialised training to assist their handlers and meet strict behaviour and hygiene standards. You can contact organisations like Guide Dogs WA or Assistance Dogs Australia to assess your eligibility and enrol your dog in an accredited training program. These organisations will ensure your dog receives the necessary training to help with your specific needs and meets the required standards for certification.
Pass the Public Access Test (PAT)
After completing the training, you and your dog must pass the Public Access Test (PAT) to confirm the dog's ability to assist and behave appropriately in public spaces. This test ensures that your dog can accompany you in most public areas while maintaining high standards of hygiene and behaviour.
Obtain Necessary Documentation and Accreditation
Once your dog has successfully passed the PAT, you will need to obtain the necessary documentation and accreditation. This typically includes certification from the training organisation, which may be in the form of a jacket with the organisation's branding. You may also need to apply for an Assistance Animal Permit, which allows your dog to accompany you on various transport services.
Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities
As a handler of an assistance dog, it is important to know your rights and legal protections under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA 1992). This legislation recognises the vital role of assistance animals in facilitating the functioning of individuals with disabilities. However, you should also be aware that businesses and individuals may ask for documentation proving your dog's qualification and accreditation with sensitivity and respect.
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The role of Guide Dogs WA
Guide Dogs WA is a Western Australia-based organisation that provides Guide Dog training services to the community. The organisation was founded by Dr Arnold Cook over 70 years ago in Perth, Western Australia, and was the first Guide Dog training facility in the country.
The organisation provides Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs to Western Australians with low vision, disability, or illness, helping them to retain their freedom and independence. The dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help their handlers, such as opening and closing doors, drawers, cupboards, and fridges. Guide Dogs WA also offers a Companion Dog program for adults or children with disabilities or illnesses who would benefit from the support of a dog.
The training process for Guide Dogs is extensive and includes a Public Access Test (PAT) to receive accreditation. The dogs are trained to meet the requirements and standards set by Guide Dogs WA, which includes navigating the world for their handlers, who are often vision-impaired or living with autism, trauma, or illness. The dogs also provide emotional support, companionship, and joy, not only to their handlers but also to their families.
Guide Dogs WA relies on a team of volunteers, including Puppy Raisers and Formal and Temporary Boarders, who provide homes for puppies and young adult dogs in training. The organisation provides all necessary food, toys, bedding, leads, collars, and veterinary costs for the dogs in training. Guide Dogs WA also offers various ways for the public to get involved and support their training programs, such as raising a puppy, becoming a dog boarder, or holding fundraising events.
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Funding for companion dogs
Additionally, individuals with disabilities or illnesses who are seeking funding for a companion dog can apply for assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS provides funding to help cover the costs of owning an assistance dog, including the financial responsibilities associated with food, medical care, bedding, and toys.
Another way to fund companion dogs is through donations to organisations like Assistance Dogs Australia. Donations help cover the costs of training, vaccinations, and equipment for assistance dogs, which are then provided to clients free of charge. Private donations and fundraising initiatives play a crucial role in supporting the training and placement of companion dogs with individuals who can benefit from their assistance.
Furthermore, Guide Dogs WA, an organisation in Western Australia, offers a limited number of companion dogs to individuals with disabilities or illnesses who meet their criteria. After a successful application and a two-week trial placement, Guide Dogs WA completes the necessary documentation and transfers ownership of the companion dog to the individual. This process ensures that the companion dog is a suitable match and provides financial relief to the recipient by covering the initial costs associated with acquiring the dog.
It is important to note that funding for companion dogs may also be available through other channels, such as community organisations, charities, or private grants. Individuals seeking financial assistance for a companion dog can explore these options by researching local community resources and reaching out to organisations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or promoting animal welfare.
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Public Access Tests (PAT)
Although a Public Access Test (PAT) is not mandatory, it is necessary for assistance dogs to enter public spaces such as restaurants and shops. The purpose of the PAT is to confirm that a dog can safely accompany its handler in public environments. PAT-accredited dogs must demonstrate appropriate behaviour and responsiveness to commands in distracting environments.
The test is an annual assessment of a dog's suitability as an assistance dog in public spaces. Dogs that pass the PAT test are trained to support people with a wide range of physical, mental, and intellectual challenges. While they commonly assist those with mobility or visual impairments, they can also support people with conditions such as autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or epilepsy/seizure disorders.
To pass the PAT, dogs must be de-sexed, vaccinated, and not a restricted or dangerous breed. The test is conducted by an approved trainer or organisation, depending on the location and whether formal accreditation is sought. In Queensland, for example, the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs (GHAD) test is valid for three years, while ADI PAT tests must be renewed annually.
Assistance Dogs Australia, an accredited organisation, provides assistance dogs to people who have completed their application process. Their accredited dog and handler teams must complete the PAT to receive accreditation. This includes a navy blue jacket with the relevant logos, a handler's licence with photo identification, and an ID tag on the collar.
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Frequently asked questions
A companion dog is a pet that offers emotional benefits and companionship. They are not required to undertake a Public Access Test (PAT) and are different from assistance dogs, which are specifically trained to help people with disabilities or chronic conditions.
There is no national register of companion dogs in Australia. However, Western Australia has a program for the accreditation and registration of assistance dogs. To register a companion dog in Western Australia, you can contact Guide Dogs WA, the state's guide dog organization. They will assess your application and determine if you would benefit from a companion dog. If approved, you will be placed on a waitlist until a suitable match is found.
To own a companion dog in Western Australia, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by Guide Dogs WA. This includes having a disability or illness, demonstrating the ability to care for a dog financially and responsibly, and providing a safe and loving home for the dog. All applicants must undergo a two-week trial placement, after which Guide Dogs WA will complete the necessary documentation and transfer ownership if the placement is deemed successful.
