Emotional Support Animals
Why Choose Paws For Support
A Simple Way to Gain Comfort and Confidence
Not every dog needs to be a therapy or 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
Is Your Dog Suitable?
It’s less about breed and more about temperament. We’re looking for dogs who are:
Calm and friendly
Responsive to basic commands
Comfortable around people and daily life settings
Book a Free Pre-Assessment (in-person or virtual) to discuss your dog’s fit no pressure, just guidance.
From Companion to ESA
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: Book Your Information Session
Pick a time that suits you (virtual class or in-person). Sign up for our pre-assessment.
Step 2: Meet Your Assessor
We’ll gently review your dog’s behaviour and temperament, explaining everything along the way and help you obtain the necessary referrals and documentation
Step 3: Outcome & Recognition
If your dog qualifies, you’ll receive the necessary documentation. If not quite ready, we offer clear, supportive next steps , with the option to reassess.
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 impact of therapy dogs is clear. They calm classrooms, lower stress, and support better focus. Research links dogs and education to stronger literacy results when students read to dogs.
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.
Yes. Each successful therapy dog works through trained therapy routines. These methods cover obedience, calm behaviour, and safe contact with the therapy dog.
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.
