The power of an assistance dog cannot be measured, the impact they make on the lives of their owner and their family and friends is huge. Your support can help more children like Charlotte access life-changing assistance dogs and the hope they bring.
Want to help train more dogs like Letty?
From 8 weeks old, each puppy begins training with expert trainers in Assistance Dogs Australia's puppy kindergarten and with volunteers, building the skills, confidence, and socialisation needed to change a life.
By 14 months, dogs like Letty go into Advanced Training, mastering cues tailored to the type of support they'll be giving.
At graduation, each dog is carefully matched with someone on the waitlist, like Charlotte, empowering them to live a more independent, confident and connected life. 

Together, we can give more people with disability the safety, confidence and independence an Assistance Dog brings. 

Under Australia's Disability Discrimination Act 1992, it's unlawful for airlines to deny boarding to passengers travelling with an Assistance Dog. This ensures people with disabilities can fly with their vital companions - both domestically and internationally.

Major Australian carriers like Virgin Australia and Qantas welcome service dogs from approved organisations. These dogs travel free of charge in the cabin, right by their owner's side, as their assistance may be needed mid-flight.

To board without issues, owners must meet these standards:

• Proof of Status: Present a current Public Access Card at check-in or boarding.
• Onboard Rules: Keep the dog tethered throughout the flight and use an absorbent mat to manage any messes.
• Advance Notification: Inform the airline in advance of your booking and submit all required paperwork ahead of time.

Allowing Assistance Dogs to accompany their owners everywhere promotes an active lifestyle and ensures a safe, supportive experience for both. Airlines carefully consider factors like:

• Flight duration
• Stress from cabin noise and new environments
• Quarantine rules for international returns to Australia

Decisions always prioritise the health and wellbeing of the owner and dog.

Hear from Sheree and her Assistance Dog, Jade, on their travel adventures;

'My assistance dog, Jade, is a perfect candidate for airline travel: she has frequent exposure to busy places and public transport, remains calm in every situation and settles readily in any location. We have shared 12 domestic flights together and, typically, Jade has afforded herself the opportunity of sleeping through them all! She has breezed through all airport procedures and apparently only once looked suspicious. Fortunately the security guard who ‘pat down’ her orange jacket found no concealments!
Taking up temporary residence in a hotel room without our usual ‘doggie door’ has only the added challenge of providing Jade with late night and early morning toilet breaks. Fortunately she is no stranger to elevators!  Whether at home or away, Jade’s daily exercise and free play needs must be met, so locating suitable parks is always a priority.

Though our experiences have all been overwhelmingly positive, and airport and flight staff accommodating without exception, I would only ever have Jade accompany me on flights of up to two hours duration. Being a wheelchair user I am required to board the plane first and disembark last, a procedure which potentially doubles the time Jade is not permitted to drink, toilet or freely move about. When I am occasionally required to take a long flight Jade enjoys a well deserved holiday of her own with my parents.'

This information and so much more available from ASDOG Australia website here!

Be sure to not miss any of our other Therapy Dog Thursday blogs here! 

We all know the amazing, hard work that organisations and charities do to help support those in need of an Assistance Dog - but how is that a pup goes from a little bundle of energy to a life changing new family member?
It's the hard work of people like Georgia who help get them there! 

Placing Assistance Dogs with clients holds a special place in Georgia’s heart. After years spent guiding puppies, volunteers, and clients through the life-changing journey of Assistance Dog training, she’s seen just how powerful these partnerships become. “It’s not just about providing support – it’s about fostering confidence, independence, and emotional connection,” she shares. “The bond that forms between a person and their Assistance Dog is powerful; it can create new possibilities, increase community connection, and bring a sense of companionship that can’t be replicated. Being part of that journey – watching lives transform through trust, teamwork, and love – is a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”  

Georgia has been part of the Assistance Dog world since 2020 and has spent almost four years in ADA’s operations team, working across puppy development, training, and instructing. Based in Queensland, she works closely with a dedicated network of volunteers who open their homes – and their hearts – to the puppies and dogs in training. 
“My role is really about supporting dogs and humans through every stage of development,” Georgia explains. That includes everything from educating volunteers, conducting training sessions, and running assessments, to supporting clients across Australia with their working Assistance Dogs.
A “typical week” for Georgia simply doesn’t exist – and that’s part of what she loves. Her days are filled with managing dogs of all ages and developmental levels, checking in with volunteers and clients, scheduling follow-ups and assessments, providing training sessions, distributing supplies, documenting progress, onboarding volunteers, and sometimes racing around in her work van, fondly known as “the party bus”, collecting dogs for group outings and socialisation. It’s busy, hands-on, and constantly evolving. “Every week requires flexibility,” she says, “but it also brings a new opportunity to support growth – whether it’s a puppy nailing a new skill or a client building confidence with their matched dog.” 

One of Georgia’s favourite parts of the job is witnessing the full training journey, from Puppy Education through Advanced Training and into placement. Many of the dogs she works with, she’s known since the day they left the nest. “Watching them grow from playful pups into confident, reliable partners is one of the most beautiful transformations,” she says. Early development focuses on foundational skills, exposures, and building curiosity. Advanced Training introduces specialised tasks, tailored to support individuals with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD. Each dog moves at their own pace, and instructors like Georgia constantly assess their strengths and potential roles. 
The matching process is incredibly thoughtful. Instructors look beyond task capability, considering personality, lifestyle, home environment, handling style, and energy levels. “When we finally place a dog with their new teammate, everything comes together,” Georgia says. “We support them through the early days of bonding, connection, and learning how to work together. It’s a moment of immense pride and I never get tired of it.” ​

Georgia works as a part of a huge, dedicated team, who help to improve and change the lives of the people who gain one of their dogs into their family.

To find out more or to help support the incredible work of what Assistance Dogs Australia do, visit their website here.

Assistance Dogs Australia. Information regarding accredited trainers and assistance dog training programs in Australia was sourced from the official website of Assistance Dogs Australia, available at:  ​https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/instructor-georgia-connecting-to-people-through-dogs/ 

Assistance dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but their job is always the same: to support and assist their person. They often stay by their handler’s side almost all day. There are laws in Australia that protect assistance dogs and it’s important we all understand these laws, so we can respectfully and safely welcome anyone who has an assistance dog with them.

In Australia, trained assistance dogs and their handlers are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA). This means that, in general, a qualified assistance dog must be allowed access to public services and public places, including public transport, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, medical clinics, hospitals, and more. 

Refusing someone access to a public place simply because they are with a trained assistance dog is unlawful, unless there is a legitimate exemption.
​
There are a few limited circumstances when access can be restricted: for instance, in areas that require sterility or pose safety risks, such as industrial kitchens or some clinical environments.

Typically, working assistance dogs will wear a harness or vest that identifies them as an assistance dog. The harness may also include the name or logo of the organisation that trained or provided the dog.
​
If needed, you are permitted to ask for identification. Many certified assistance dogs carry an ID card showing they are properly trained. Under the DDA, a trained and suitably behaved animal qualifies as an “assistance animal” and its handler may be asked to provide evidence of that training if required.

When out in public, the handler (owner) of the assistance dog is responsible for the dog’s behaviour and any messes it causes. However, if the dog has an accident or leaves a mess, it may be helpful to offer assistance with clean-up, if the handler is comfortable with this. Always ask first and get clear confirmation before helping.

When an assistance dog is working, it should not be approached or petted. These dogs are concentrating on staying alert and focused to support their handler and to ensure safety. Engaging with the dog (talking to it, making eye contact, attempting to pet it) can distract it or interfere with its work, which may endanger the handler.

It's best to treat the dog as you would a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair. If you would not touch or distract a person’s wheelchair, you should not touch or distract their assistance dog.
​
You are welcome to speak with the handler directly, many people appreciate the interest and enjoy talking about their dogs, but some may prefer discretion or decline a conversation.

To qualify as an assistance dog, a dog must be trained to help a person with a disability, and must meet high standards of hygiene and public behaviour. 

In parts of Australia a formal training and certification process exists. This includes a formal assessment known as a Public Access Test (PAT). The PAT confirms the dog is safe, behaves well, and that the handler can maintain control, even in public environments with distractions.

As part of that process, many accredited organisations require the dog to:

• Be fully trained in basic obedience;
• Be able to perform at least three defined tasks or disability-related functions that help mitigate the handler’s disability;
• Meet hygiene and behaviour standards appropriate for public settings;
• Demonstrate reliable and controlled behaviour in public under the PAT. 
  
  

Once a dog and its handler pass all requirements, they are typically issued a handler ID card (or other official recognition) that confirms their legal status as an assistance dog.

It’s worth noting that while some Australian states and territories have formal registration or accreditation schemes (for instance under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009), this is not universal. In some states, assistance dog accreditation or registration is voluntary or absent.
​
Nevertheless, under federal law (the DDA), a properly trained assistance dog still has public access rights, whether or not the handler has gone through a formal registration process

For more information public access rights and laws surrounding Assistance Dogs, specific to your state - read here!

As we now know, assistance dogs provide support beyond just helping those who are hearing or vision impaired. One remarkable area where assistance dogs make a difference is in Diabetic Alert.

But how exactly does a dog assist someone with diabetes?

We will let Owen and Airlie answer that for you! 

Airlie is Owen's Diabetic Alert Dog who Owen received from Lions Assistance Dogs in 2024.
​Airlie marked a significant milestone for the Diabetic Alert Dog program, as she was the first dog delivered interstate and their sixth dog overall delivered to a type 1 diabetic.

So let's find out what a difference Airlie makes to the life of Owen and his family! 


'Airlie quickly blended in very nicely with Owen’s family and is the perfect fit as Owen’s Assistance Dog. Airlie also made friends with the family cats and loves to snuggle with them on cold winter nights. Now that Owen has Airlie, he is going on more walks which helps keep his blood glucose levels lower and also helps keep them both fit.

Airlie provides an extra level of comfort, especially when Owen is home alone. Knowing that Airlie can perform the ‘Emergency Button’ task and alert his Mum is a huge sense of relief for Owen and makes him feel safe.

Since receiving Airlie, there was one situation where Owen’s Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) was ‘out’ and he was hesitant to give himself extra insulin as he didn’t have his Blood Glucose Level Meter with him. Knowing that his Blood Glucose Levels were high from Airlie's alert, he was able to make necessary adjustments via his sugar sources.
​
Airlie is very funny, entertaining as well as high energy which is great for Owen's lifestyle. Her intelligence has given Owen and his family a great sense of security as well as a perfect addition to their family.'

​Want to find out more about the amazing work Lions Assistance Dogs do? Click here!

To see how you can support the work that the Lions Assistance Dogs team does, click here! 

If you have your own Assistance Dog story that you want to share with us, be sure to reach out to us on our socials! 

Guide Dogs Australia feels like a household name now and we all know and love the incredible work and support that comes from this group. But did you know they offer support and assistance dogs to more than just the blind community?! 

Zena belongs to Oisin and he shares their story; 

'Life for eight-year-old Oisin has changed dramatically since he was matched with Autism Assistance Dog, Zena!

At just three years old, Oisin was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is sensitive to noise and has a low sense of danger which can be challenging for his family as he often tries to run away.

Early intervention is important for the wellbeing and development of children like Oisin. An Autism Assistance Dog can promote positive social interaction and help children develop the skills they need to engage with their peers and participate in the community.
​
A world of possibility is now open to Oisin thanks to his new companion!'
​

​What is an Autism Assistance Dog? 

Autism Assistance Dogs are specially trained dogs who are brought into the lives of a child with autism to create a sense of assurance and calmness. They help assist their little person to feel independent, safe and comfortable when they are going about their daily tasks. 

​Want to know more about Autism Assistance Dogs, Guide Dogs Australia or how you can support the amazing work they dog, visit their website here!

Berry Street School in Ballarat, Victoria is a very special place. It’s where children who have experienced severe trauma in their young lives can go to heal. At the school, they are shown what they can achieve. They are made to feel loved and valued. Phoebe is now a vital member of this little school community.
She brings so much fun, laughter and happiness to the kids. She’s also teaching them responsibility and empathy. They adore her, and the feeling is mutual. Students who are normally aggressive or introverted open up to Phoebe. She can often be seen rolling around on the floor with them as they allow themselves to just be silly. They talk to her like a person – the person they wish they had to talk to at home. Phoebe curls up in a corner and listens intently while they tell her all their problems. She also has a knack of wandering to the student who is the most troubled and offering her paw, or ‘visiting’ them. She gives a lot of hugs every day.
The students adore Phoebe. They have bought her gifts; which considering how little most of them have for themselves is quite remarkable.
Phoebe is always there when students have to talk to DHS or the police, and patting her has certainly helped to soothe them during these difficult times. Phoebe has a lot of personality and can be quite cheeky, but this is something the students adore. A ‘teacher’s pet’ would never fit in at Berry Street School. They love to watch her zoom around the yard during breaks, and they laugh over her attempts to get them to feed her by using the world’s saddest dog face.
Staff and students at Berry Street School tell us Phoebe is a gift to every single day.

It's no secret - Assistance Dogs are amazing and bring positive support to so many lives. 
If you want to keep up to date on Phoebe's amazing adventures  - be sure to follow her HERE! 👈📸
To learn more about Assistance Dogs Australia, the amazing work they do or to see how you can support them, visit here! ❤️🦮

• ASDOG puppies and accredited assistance dogs enjoy pats and attention, but please ask permission before touching a dog. Your attention may be a distraction and prevent the dog from listening and/or tending to its handler.​
• Please do not use commands, call, whistle, or otherwise try to distract a working dog. Puppy raisers and recipients have been trained in the most effective ways to control their dog’s behaviour, and additional commands are confusing for the dog. Please only provide assistance if requested.
• Please do not feed the dog. All dogs are on a feeding schedule and may even be on a special diet. Food is the ultimate distraction to a working dog and can jeopardise the working assistance dog team.
• Speak to the person, not the assistance dog! Most handlers do not mind talking about their puppy or assistance dog if they have the time. 
  
  

Please don’t be offended if the assistance dog partner or puppy raiser does not have time to stop and chat to you. Whilst we welcome enquiries and comments from the public, we do all lead busy lives, and we guarantee you are not the first person today who wants to ask questions or compliment the dog!
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• Don’t be afraid of the dog. Assistance dogs from organisations like Australian Support Dogs, Inc., and other members of Assistance Dogs International, are carefully tested for sound temperament and have been professionally trained to a high standard.

Over recent months, we've shared many heart warming stories about Therapy and Assistance Dogs in Australia and the enormous, positive impact they have on the lives of the families they support. One amazing organisation we've featured is Australian Lions Hearing Dogs.

As of this month, they are proud to announce a new name: Lions Assistance Dogs,  and it’s for a very exciting reason!

Over the past five years, the scope of their services has expanded significantly. As a result, they now provide a variety of Assistance Dogs to individuals with different needs — not just Hearing Assistance Dogs.
How amazing is that?!
In addition to training and placing Hearing Assistance Dogs, Lions Assistance Dogs now provide Medical Assistance Dogs and Psychiatric Assistance Dogs — further extending the life-changing support they offer.

What Is a Medical Assistance Dog?

Medical Assistance Dogs are specially trained to alert their human to changes in health or to signal an impending medical episode before it happens. They can also retrieve essential medical equipment in an emergency.
One example is their Diabetic Alert Dogs. These incredible companions can detect changes in their human’s blood glucose levels simply through scent. Thanks to their highly sensitive noses, they can smell fluctuations and alert their human early — potentially preventing dangerous situations.
They’re also trained to:

• Retrieve another family member within the household during emergencies
• Fetch a pre-packed medical kit
• Press an emergency alert button in the home if their human falls or becomes unresponsive

What Is a Psychiatric Assistance Dog?

Developed by Lions Assistance Dogs in 2024, the Psychiatric Assistance Dog program is designed to support Veterans living with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
These dogs are trained to interrupt anxious or anti-social behaviours and help Veterans return to a calmer state. Their tasks may include:

• Placing a paw (or two!) on their human when they notice specific tics or signs of distress
• Retrieving dropped items
• Pressing an emergency button when outside assistance is needed
• Offering continuous companionship and emotional support

​What an incredible difference one of these dogs can make!

​For those new to this space, Frankie is a very specially trained assistance dog that our business and amazing Doggy Doaters and Customers helped to bring into Abi’s life, to help her live her best life, almost 3 years ago.
Abi has a very rare condition called Auts2 and life can be a bit tricky for her.  Recently she has had to visit with a number of new doctors for the different medical challenges she faces.
We are excited to share with you how amazing these doctors have been to allow Frankie to attend these appointments.  One of the key roles for Frankie is to provide Abi with a calm and reassuring touch point when things in her life are different or difficult.
As you can imagine seeing new doctors, in unfamiliar surroundings, can be difficult for many, but especially for Abi.  With Frankie by her side Abi was able to attend these appointments and by all reports (thanks Sarah – Abi’s mum) was able to work with the doctors to get them what they needed.
For many years guide dogs have really been the only service dogs allowed in medical rooms.  It’s great that now the support these amazingly well trained dogs provide is being accepted by the wider medical community.