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'Paws For Support'
Your home for Therapy and Service Dog training and Certification


THERAPY DOGS

IMPORTANT DATES
Free Information session :
Black Rock Civic Hall
7pm Tuesday 13th May

Start Dates Group Therapy Dog Certification :
9th/16th June
7th/14th July


Call Alan 0411 705 686 to book

Labrador Retriever Companion Dog laying beside a person working on a laptop.

Therapy Dogs, Certification and Training. 

At Paws for Support, we believe in the power of the emotional support that assistance and therapy dogs can give.

Our mission is to provide sensible, friendly but comprehensive training and certification

Types of Facilities for Therapy Dogs

Qualified* therapy dogs can be used in many different facilities and situations including :
- schools at all levels
- Occupational Therapists
- In the Work Place
- Hospitals/ Age Care facilities
- Councelors
- First Responders (inc Police, paramedics, SES
- Personal therapy
* We are state government approved dog training organisation
Support Dog resting beside a man interacting with another person in health care setting.

Helping Hundreds of Dog Owners Train Therapy to provide support for others

We have helped hundreds of happy dog owners achieve their dreams of having a well trained and qualified therapy and service dog
Therapy Dog training and certification from Aust. Assoc of Prof. Dog Trainers – state government approved dog training organization
Companion and assistance Dog Training and certification to undertake Public Access Test
Puppy and older dog training classes available through Secret Dogs Business.
Behavioural and obedience modification. Member Government approved Dog Training Organisation - Australian Assoc. of Professional Dog Trainers.


Please call or message with any queries about the suitability of your dog and perhaps discuss our free info and pre-assessment sessions
Ph. 0411 705 686 or 1300 223 364
Not in Melbourne? - no problem Virtual meetings and certification option available
Black Poodle Support Dog providing emotional comfort to an elderly person

Where do I start to ge my dog assessed and certified?

We offer regular group sessions designed to teach, guide, and assess you and your dog to become a certified therapy dog team. Our structured training ensures you both meet the necessary qualifications to provide comfort and support in various settings.

What is Therapy Dog Certification?

As members of  the Australian Assoc. of Professional Dog Trainers we are government approved to undertake therapy Dog assessments. Certification is simple and required the following:
  • Partaking in theory sessions
  • Temperament assessment
  • Handler knowledge assessment (general or school)
  • Facility assessment
  • Passing a basic obedience (5F dog obedience test)
Certified Support Dog providing comfort to woman in a Hospital Bed

Program session costs and options

We offer two convenient ways to complete your therapy dog training and certification. Whether you prefer in-person group sessions at our Cheltenham facility or an online workshop with video assessments, we provide the guidance and support needed to become a certified therapy dog team.
Costs :
Volunteer based General Facility Therapy Dogs $495
Personal and Corporate Dogs $795
Schools Therapy Dogs $795
(Costs are the same Group or Virtual)

In-Person Group Program at Paws For Support Cheltenham Facility

If you think you and your dog have got what it takes, our in-person sessions are held over two Monday evenings, each lasting 1.5 hours, plus a facility assessment. Delivered in small groups, these sessions provide a supportive learning environment with qualified trainers guiding you every step of the way, ensuring you and your dog are fully prepared for certification.
  • In Person, Small Groups
  • 2x 1.5 hour Sessions
  • 1x Facility Assessment
For School and private practice facilities we provide further training notes on an animal implementation plan and additional assessments  - refer to above school link

Online Instructional Workshops & Video Assessments

Our online instructional workshops are conducted live via phone or Zoom video call, providing a personalised training experience. Each session runs for 1 to 1.5 hours, with assessments completed by submitting required videos for review.
To make the process even easier, Paws For Support offers YouTube instructional videos, guiding you step by step for a smooth and stress-free certification journey.
  • Via Zoom/Video Call
  • Upload assessment Video for review
  • Extra Instructional Videos 

FREE Pre-Assessments – Bayside, Melbourne

We offer regular FREE pre-assessments to help determine your dog’s suitability for therapy or service dog certification. Locations and times vary, so check below for the next available session.

Why Attend a Pre-Assessment?

  • Understand the certification process
  • Get a professional evaluation of your dog’s suitability
  • Receive guidance on next training steps

How to Book

For a detailed breakdown of the assessments or further information, contact us today!
Call or text Alan 0411 705 686 admin@pawsforsupport.com.au

Next Paws For Support Free Pre-Assessment Session

  •  Tuesday,13th May
  • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Black Rock Civic Hall
    Corner of College Grove & Balcombe Rd, Melbourne
  • Bookings Essential
Close up of Winnie, a Paws For Support Certified Support Dog
Thank you again for all your advice in the lead up to Winnie starting to join me at work. She has been a great addition to the school in just her first few weeks at Aquinas College. It has been wonderful to have her in my counselling sessions to support the students. 
Kate and Winnie

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At Paws for Support, our mission is to provide friendly and comprehensive training and certification for Therapy, Well Being and Companion Dogs

Contact Us

For a comprehensive breakdown of the assessments or more details please contact Alan
Ph 0411 705 686 admin@pawsforsupport.com.au
Location Cheltenham
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