 We get it. If you would love to open your home to an Assistance Dog in training but cannot commit on a full-time basis, volunteering can feel out of reach. That is exactly why Assistance Dogs Australia offers its Weekend Care Program, giving volunteers the chance to support a dog in training while fitting the responsiblity around their lifestyle. The program allows volunteers to welcome a dog into their home from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, giving the dog valuable time in a loving home environment while they continue their Advanced Training Program during the week. For volunteers, it is a wonderful way to experience the joy of having an Assistance Dog in training at home, while playing an important role in their development, socialisation and wellbeing. Samantha, one of Assistance Dogs Australia’s Weekend Care Volunteers, knows this feeling well. She loves the opportunity to spend her weekends with a beautiful assistance dog, while helping support the incredible work these dogs go on to do for Australians living with disability. Hear from her below;  With a household shaped by shift work, school schedules, and regular travel, Samantha’s family knew full-time pet ownership wasn’t practical. But weekend care fits seamlessly into their lifestyle. “You can gain the goodness of having a dog without that lifetime commitment,” she explains. The impact has been immediate – especially for her teenage kids. “They’ve really enjoyed it… having a dog that wants to sit at your feet while you play games or study is perfect.” Beyond companionship, the dogs have brought subtle but meaningful changes to daily life. Morning walks are now part of the routine, and weekends feel more active and connected. “They just sizzle down the temperature of the week and start the weekend in a really nice way,” Samantha says. Even reluctant family members are won over. Despite not being a natural dog lover, Samantha’s husband has become a quiet favourite among their four-legged visitors. “The dogs must know,” she laughs. “They gravitate to him… and they’re wearing him down.” Importantly, the experience is designed to be easy. The dogs are well-trained, house-ready, and supported by the organisation. All food and toys are supplied. Volunteers simply provide a safe, caring environment – and plenty of cuddles. “It’s actually just a little bit of goodness in your life,” Samantha reflects. For anyone on the fence, her advice is simple: “Just try it, it’s definitely worth it.” With flexibility, minimal commitment, and maximum reward, weekend volunteering is proving that you don’t need to own a dog to experience the very best parts of having one.  To learn more about Assistance Dogs Australia, their volunteer options and other ways you can support the amazing work they dog, visit their website here!
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It brings us great pride to share our Therapy Dog Thursday blogs with you, highlighting the incredible impact Assistance Dogs have on people across the country every single day. There are many different organisations and charities that provide varying levels of support and training for people needing a loyal canine companion to help them navigate daily life with greater confidence and independence. One of the most common questions people ask is how to get an Assistance Dog and where to begin the process for themselves or a loved one. The First Step 🩺If you are researching how to get an Assistance Dog, the first step is ensuring the person seeking support has the correct paperwork confirming their diagnosis and receives a referral from their healthcare provider. Through advice from your healthcare provider or organisations such as the NDIS and DVA, you can begin researching which organisation may train a dog best suited to your specific needs.
The Matching and Training Process 🎓 Another important part of understanding how to get an Assistance Dog is learning about the approval and matching process. Once you are approved through the organisation that can provide a dog best suited to your needs, you will either be paired with a suitable dog or complete a training program before being placed with one. To be able to freely access public places together, both you and your new Assistance Dog need to be recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This requires you to pass a formal Public Access Test, which will be organised through the organisation providing your dog. This assessment ensures that your dog is safe, calm, and well behaved in public spaces while supporting you. Seeking Further Advice 💙 If you would like more information on how to get an Assistance Dog, speak with your healthcare provider or reach out to one of the organisations that train and provide dogs in the specific area of support you are seeking. Learning how to get an Assistance Dog can feel overwhelming at first, but the right organisation and support network can help guide you through every step of the journey. The right Assistance Dog can truly change lives, providing greater independence, confidence, companionship, and daily support for those who need it most. Don’t forget, if you love the work of Assistance Dogs, every group survives on support and donations, so be sure to check out their websites above to see how your time could make a huge difference in supporting the amazing work these groups do!  Along with the amazing work that the Lions Assistance Dogs team does, did you know that they train and provide Psychiatric Assistance Dogs?  What is the Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program?Started in 2024, pups that go through the PADP (Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program) have specific training to learn certain tasks that will help their future owners to deal with their responses to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). These tasks range from placing a paw, or two, on their owner to calm them when they begin to display a certain tic to being able to press an emergency button for assistance in a dire situation. They can also jump into the lap of their owners to calm and relax them and retrieve items that their owners may need. The primary goal of a Psychiatric Assistance Dog’s presence in their owners life is to assist in interrupting anti-social or anxious behaviours to help them to recognise this and regroup. As with all Assistance Dogs, they also go through the Public Access Test to ensure they can be with their owners at all times, both within and outside of their homes. Who Do Psychiatric Assistance Dogs help?These dogs, once fully trained are placed with Veterans who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychiatric condition that affects people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. As of 2024 it is estimated that the rate of PTSD affecting current ADF (Australian Defence Force) personal is 8%, with that number rising to 17.6% for ex-serving members. PTSD symptoms often start many years after the event and cause symptoms such as:
How to learn more about Assistance Dogs with Lions Assistance Dogs.Along with Psychiatric Assistance Dogs, Lions Assistance Dogs also provide
  To learn how you can volunteer with and help support Lions Assistance Dogs - click here! To donate and help support the amazing work that Lions Assistance Dogs do - click here! Assistance Dogs Australia has a vision - a world where every person with a disability has the opportunity to experience connection, inclusion and independence through the human-canine bond. Their role is to empower that connection with integrity, respect, care and accountability. To truly understand what a profound impact the power of an assistance dog can provide, we share with your the story of Charlotte and Letty.  Charlotte & her beautiful Assistance Dog, Letty. Charlotte is a bright 10-year-old with autism, ADHD, Phelan-McDermid syndrome and a severe intellectual disability. Once non-verbal and still unable to read or write, she needs constant care. Everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, leaving the house, or grocery shopping, were overwhelming for her and exhausting for her family. After years of trying everything, Charlotte’s family found hope in Letty, a highly trained Assistance Dog. Letty helps keep Charlotte calm and focused in public, making simple outings like shopping possible again. She’s also supporting Charlotte’s communication and independence, and even improving bedtime routines from hours of struggle to just 30 minutes. With Letty by her side, Charlotte is making meaningful progress. For the first time, her family can imagine a future where she can build independence and experience more of the world. Did you know it costs $60,000 and 2 years to train an Assistance Dog?!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.  To find out more about you can support Assistance Dogs Australia, visit their website here! To help support a pup's training journey - visit here! Your support is truly life changing! Stories and information, proudly gathered from Assistance Dogs Australia.
All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible. 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.  Key Airline PoliciesMajor 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. Requirements for Smooth TravelTo board without issues, owners must meet these standards:
Why It MattersAllowing Assistance Dogs to accompany their owners everywhere promotes an active lifestyle and ensures a safe, supportive experience for both. Airlines carefully consider factors like:
Real-Life InsightHear 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!  Meet Instructor Georgia: Connecting to people – through dogs with Assistance Dogs Australia.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. Public Access Rights for Assistance DogsIn 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. How to Recognise Assistance DogsTypically, 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. Who Is Responsible for an Assistance Dog?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. How to Behave Around Assistance DogsWhen 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. How a Dog Qualifies to Be an Assistance Dog in AustraliaTo 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:
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! Meet Owen & his dog Airlie! 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?!
Meet Zena 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!  Meet beautiful Phoebe, an Education Support Dog from Assistance Dogs Australia. ❤️  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! ❤️🦮 |
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