How To Apply.htm

How Do I Apply For An Assistance Dog

The process is indeed complex, but it is our job here at Disability Aid Dogs to make it as easy as possible to get you through this process. To make it through the process you need to be committed, as it can take upwards of six months to actually have you and your Assistance Dog working. The time it takes can depend on several issues, the most important of these is commitment and dedication.

These are the steps required to apply:

Make contact first, via email Here to arrange an interview, all the requisites will then be explained to you. An application can be downloaded and PRINTED ONLY - please complete and send to us. We will supply the address after you have "The Interview" - with an application fee of $50.00. See The Application below (PDF Format)
For The Disabled and their carers
For an organisation - Trainers
A full medical certificate from your doctor and specialist is also a Compulsory Requisite.
Please Note: - We also have a waiting list that operates on a Queue basis, but also takes urgency and special conditions into account.
You must have a deep desire to take on this program, as it is indeed similar to applying for a Guide Dog, although an Assistance Dog - (Disability Aid Dog) - is quite different to a Guide Dog, along with the training, but the same principals apply - it takes time. We do NOT sell 'Ready To Go' dogs, as we train you and your dog as a team.
Be prepared for some costs, the application fee is $50.00, then the cost of a dog can vary from $300.00 to $1,500.00, dependent on your choices. If you have an existing dog, we need to asses the dog, this process will normally involve you and your dog in an exhaustive 'Public Access' testing - A fee of $50.00 applies, pensioner concessions may apply in special circumstances after financial hardship can be established. If your dog is between 6 weeks and 2 years old - (some exemptions exist), you may qualify for an "existing Dog Application" - (ALL bull terriers, Staffies, Mastiffs and crosses of them are not suited), nor are the 'Giant Breeds', excepting the Saint Bernard and Burmese Mountain Dogs (under strict conditions).
Any Vet Fees are also your responsibility, as ALL dogs in the Disability Aid Dogs programs MUST be desexed and vaccinated, wormed and thoroughly vet checked - (Blood Test Compulsory). These fees can add up to over $500.00 - and are absolutely non negotiable. Other fees do apply - (variable with different needs, disability and applications).

Daneli and Sarina - a Disability Aid DogsTeam.
Pictured on left is one of our 'Graduates', Sarina and Daneli, pictured here on their "Graduation Day" - Sarina had been in training from 6 weeks old to 14 months old, Daneli went through months of assessments and courses. A highly committed team who now have the rare and coveted title of being "Casa Accredited" and also for International Long Haul Flights. In the next 12 months they will first go to Germany, then later to South Africa. At times the dog will need to stay laid beside Daneli for up to 14 hours - no toilet, food or ability to walk around. She is however allowed a drink whilst in the aircraft. These two, with Daneli's husband and carer, have already travelled across Australia many times, recently in Darwin and Cairns, all by air, fully accredited by Casa, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority - they passed their recent assessments at 99%.

Whilst few will require such lofty accreditation, the full accreditation to high level public access into shopping towns, food areas and accommodation access (Motel, Clubs etc), is a long process, so as already stated, Commitment is highly needed, also an ability to be patient as this all unfolds and you are trained with your dog. Please Note - We have a STRICT one dog policy - rare exceptions do apply where more than one Assistance Dog is required, but NO other 'pets' are allowed with your Disability Aid Dog, that includes expressly - NO CATS - NO Caged Birds Inside The House - the dog MUST be an inside dog, sleeping with you, but NOT on your bed, some exemptions may apply.

Welcome to Companion and Therapy Dogs.

These dogs are NOT allowed in high level food and shopping town areas, but are trained to be 'Home Companions', also Hospital Visitation Dogs. There are many levels of training here, but the same application criteria applies, but the 'team training' is not as strict and demanding.

Pictured is Karen and Rosco, a simple home companion partnership, yet the "One Pet" rule still applies here - (Exemptions may apply).

Henri and Shogun

These two are a 'Therapy team', the essence of "The Dog and His Master". Henri is a qualified Disability Aid Dogs Assessment Officer and Qualified Dog Trainer and Handler.