While PTSD Dogs Australia concentrates on training and supplying PTSD Service Dogs, sometimes the dogs do not meet the high standards required by the program but it is not the end for the dogs. Because we have been very selective in choosing suitable dogs for our program, we end up with very well trained dogs that can meet needs other than as a fully qualified Service Dog.
There are basically 3 categories that our dogs can fall into;
We do dot charge our Veterans and First Responders for Assistance dogs however we do welcome any help an applicant may be able to give to help raise funding. Therapy and Companion dog applications are assessed on an individual basis and may have fees associated with their supply.
Assistance Dogs
A fully qualified Assistance or Service Dog has the same public access rights as a Guide Dog for the blind, they undergo the same Public Access Testing (PAT) and can accompany their handler on aeroplanes and other public transport, it is illegal for any business to refuse entry to a certified Service Dog.
Assistance Dogs have been trained to perform specific tasks for their handler and it is for this reason they are permitted to accompany their handler at all times.
If you have a dog already, we may be able to assist you to train that dog and obtain certification as an assistance dog.
Therapy Dogs
Companion Dogs
Companion Dogs, also known as Emotional Support Dogs provide therapeutic and emotional support to their owner through companionship.
Companion Dogs are not generally task trained however they are well-behaved by normal pet standards. This means they are fully house trained and do not display bad habits that would disturb neighbors such as frequent or lengthy episodes of barking. They do not pose a danger to others or show any aggression.
While a Companion Dog is not certified for Public Access they can easily be controlled in public areas where pets are usually allowed such as cafes.
