Emotional Support Animals
Why Choose Paws For Support
A Simple Way to gain Comfort and Confidence
Not every dog needs to be a facility specific therapy or personal assistance dog to make a difference. For many people, the calm presence of a well-behaved, emotionally intuitive dog brings daily comfort and stability.
If you’re managing anxiety, PTSD, a disability, or need your dog recognised for housing, school, or work purposes ESA Certification can help you formalise the support your dog already provides.
At Paws For Support, we make ESA Certification accessible, affordable, and recognised.
Who This Program Is For
Our ESA and Companion Dog Certification is ideal for:
Individuals with anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions
NDIS participants or carers seeking emotional support recognition
Parents of neurodivergent children needing supportive routines
People needing supporting documents for housing or private settings (schools, workplaces)
Note: ESAs do not have automatic public access rights under Australian law. If you require this, see our Assistance Dog Program.
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An ESA is a dog that provides comfort simply through their presence and bond with their owner. Unlike assistance dogs, they are not trained to perform disability-related tasks and therefore do not qualify for public access rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
However, having your dog recognised as an ESA can help in:
Rental or housing applications
School or workplace flexibility
NDIS or healthcare support plans
- Personal emotion support and self confidence in a having a dog wearing a Emotional Support vest and ID
Cost
The cost for the Emotional Support Program is $495, which is paid after the first group session or before the first virtual session.
Please note we have a small 'trust fund' contributed by the Lions Club to help those that maybe struggling financially. Details of your financial situation are looked on individual basis, please contact Alan at admin@pawsforsupport.com.au, with your details
Certification Process
Whether you're going online or in person, the path is relaxed and easy to follow.
This isn’t about passing or failing, it’s about recognising your dog’s calm presence and guiding you toward success.
Step 1: Attend a pre-assessment or contact us for a written checklist of the required assessments.
Regular face to face pre-assessment/info nights are held in Bayside Melbourne) or request a checklist.
Step 2: If you feel confident your dog has 'what it takes', contact us to either book into a regular group training program evenings (2 x sessions in Cheltenham, Melbounre) or book a time for your virtual program to begin.
Step 3: Outcome & Recognition
If your dog qualifies, you’ll receive the necessary documentation (pictured ID and certificate). If you or your dog are not quite ready, we offer clear, supportive next steps , with the option to reassess (at no further charge)
ESA Registration Isn’t as Complicated as You Think
A school may begin with a pre-assessment, then move into structured training. This step helps ensure the presence of therapy dogs is safe and positive.
The basic cost is $495, however if a one on one meeting is required (perhaps to assess the dogs behaviour prior to commencement or to asses the dog in a public domain) travel costs maybe applied.
Yes. A common barrier to implementing therapy is scheduling time and staff. Another challenge is policy. Schools must follow each policy and advisory library guideline to meet safety standards.
Staff supervise every session to make sure interactions with therapy dogs remain safe. This includes setting up dog-free zones and creating rules for controlled encounters with dogs.
Although we only assess general obedience and temperament, the best therapy/ESA show a calm behaviour and enjoy the enjoy the company of humans.
Bowie my now therapy dog attends psychotherapy sessions along side me... Thank you Alan, your support has been excellent.
Alan, as a gifted trainer, has provided the support and guidance that have enabled me and my dog to learn together.
I just got my 7 year old golden retriever, Archie, accredited as a Therapy Dog, and we are beyond impressed...
Happy Handlers
Paws For Support Story
Make It Official
Register Your Companion Dog
We have helped Hundreds of Australians certify and register thier dogs as therapy animals, service dogs and emotional support animals.
If your dog brings you calm and reassurance,
let us help you formalise that bond.
