Service Dog Certification and Training
Owner-Trained Assistance Dogs
Assistance/Service/Companion Dogs are dogs who help their owners with physical or emotional disabilities, they are a working dog. A letter from your specialist is required to commence our training stating a dog would be of benefit to your the owners physical or emotional well being.
BEGINNING
Our help with future participants can begin before they have purchased their dog. We are happy to help with advice and pick a suitable breed and possibly put you in touch with specialised dog breeders that only breed dogs with the correct type of temperament for the future working dogs they will become, these may be puppies or older dogs. Slightly more mature dogs can be a better 'fit' to begin their journey in some family situations. We do not 'sell' ready trained dogs/programs but can help with contact details of other organisations if that is your wish.
TRAINING
Paws For Support helps you train your dog to become a certified assistance animal from any age. We can help with age appropriate training through regular face to face or virtual meetings, and can design a training strategy specifically for your needs.
CERTIFICATION
When we feel the dog is ready we can assess their obedience and temperament in line with government assessments (PAT - Public Access Test) and upon passing people are issued with ID badges, certificates and vest
Although we can help with the certification Australia wide, some face to face training will be required including the final certification (PAT). We are Melbourne based and travel costs can be costly for participants to travel here or us travel to you.
COSTS
Once we have meet and we have feel for your needs, we will prepare a proposal that can be structured one of two ways :
UP FRONT COST TRAINING PROGRAM
This takes the worry out of training and on going costs. The amount covers the set of a training program, ID badges, training and final dog vests, training equipment, classes if suitable, documentation preparation and lodgement, all training, and assessment of the public access test. This may vary from $3,000 to $10,000.
PAY AS YOU GO
Simply means you pay for all of the above as they occur. Some standard costs are :
- Preparation of a training program/strategy $495
- Local (Bayside Melbourne) training meeting or zoom meetings (up to one hour) $140 (usually held weekly)
- Phone meetings $60 (15mins)
- Equipment approx. $300
- Public Access Test Assessment $695
The final price and the time it takes obviously varies depending on the age, and level of obedience and temperament when training begins.
Why Choose Paws For Support
Trusted Experts in Owner-Trained Assistance Dogs
We offer sensible, step-by-step certification and training. Our programme meets all legal standards in each state. Paws For Support is a government-recognised animal training organisation. We help you train your dog to become a confident and capable assistance dog.
Assistance dog training and step-by-step help
Legal clarity around public access, registration, and documentation
Options for NDIS and flexible payment plans
Work with experienced assessors and dog trainers
Members of the Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Read our Assistance Dog Guide. We explain the qualification process from pre-assessment to public access testing (PAT).
What Makes a Good Assistance Dog?
A trained assistance dog must be:
- Calm, focused, and non-reactive in public
- Healthy, fit, and physically capable
- Trained to assist a person with a disability
- They are not on any restricted list.
We help you assess whether your dog or selected breed may qualify during our application process. Popular breeds for people with disabilities in Australia include Labradoodles and Groodles, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Havenese, and Poodles. Well-behaved and responsive dogs with a calm temperament may be eligible regardless of breed.
We help you assess whether your dog or selected breed may qualify during our application process.
What are the legal requirements for an assistance dog in Australia?
Under the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, a certified assistance dog must:
- Be trained to perform tasks that ease the effect of a disability
- Meet high standards of hygiene and behaviour.
- Pass a Public Access Test (PAT) to prove readiness for public settings
- We help you understand:
- Definition of an assistance animal under Australian law
- Rules in each state (e.g. Victoria’s PTV, QLD’s GHADA)
- Required ID and documentation for public access
Our programs ensure that your dog meets legal and ethical standards.
Find Out What's Included
What’s Included in Your Certification program?
A Complete & Transparent Accreditation Journey
We design every assessment journey around the dog and its handler. After a free consultation, we provide a roadmap just for you. Your program will suit your lifestyle and goals, as well as your dog's existing skills.
Your program includes:
- A custom training plan with clear timelines and goals
- Step-by-step guidance from a professional dog trainer
- Monthly progress reports and documented skill development
- Use of recommended dog accessories (fees may apply)
- PAT guidance
- Registration certificate
- Assistance in navigating NDIS qualifications and other funding options
- Optional ID badge, vest, and certificate pack upon completion
- Annual reassessments to maintain your proof of registration
Paws for Support - assistance dog training program
A Flexible, Owner-Led Approach to Assistance Dog Training
Training your animal is rewarding and achievable. We provide expert help and structure while empowering you ais the handler.
Here’s how it works
Start with a free consultation
We learn about your needs and assess if your dog qualifies.
Don’t have a dog yet? We can help you choose.
Step 1: Selecting a Suitable Dog
We ensure the dog is calm, healthy, responsive, and appropriate for an animal in a public place.
Step 2: Core Training Areas
Focus on Core Training Areas. We cover:
- Basic Obedience
- PAT Skills
- Task-specific skills to assist a person with a disability
Step 3: Public Access Test and Certification
Your dog is assessed to ensure it meets national standards. Upon passing, you’ll receive your official Service Dog Team certificate.
Step 4: Registration & Ongoing Support
We help you register your dog. Get the necessary ID, and understand your rights as an assistance dog team. Official PAT qualification is required for registration.
Program Schedule & Delivery Options
Start with a free consultation
Schedule one now
No Obligation
Customised Training Proposal & Schedule
Because every dog and handler team is different, your program is built just for you.
Your proposal will outline:
Frequently Asked Questions about here
Maintain Your PAT, Assistance Certification & Registration.
A service dog (also called an 'assistance dog') is specially trained to perform tasks to assist a person with a disability and has legal public access rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
A therapy dog provides emotional comfort in structured settings like schools or aged care homes but does not have the right of full access to public settings unless invited.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are companion dogs; they offer comfort through companionship.
They can lessen the disability's impact, but they aren't trained for specific tasks and don't qualify for PAT accreditation.
Yes. We specialise in helping owners train their pets to become assistance dogs. Available through a structured, owner-led program. Our owner-led program provides expert guidance and a government-recognised path. If you dog is suitable, we can help you and your dog meet all the required standards for PATs and registrations.
Book a free consultation to get guidence on you dog’s suitability.
Assistance dogs can support a wide range of conditions. Autism, PTSD, mobility impairments, and physical disabilities can all be supported. Canine companions are task-trained to alert, guide, and alleviate the effect of a disability, whether physical, sensory, or psychosocial.
Once accredited through a recognised training program, an animal is an assistance dog that may accompany its handler in public, including on public transport, provided they meet standards of hygiene under the DDA.
Organisations like Guide Dogs and Paws For Support train and place dogs across every state or territory, tailoring assistance to each person’s needs.
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
Start Your Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Certification Journey Today
Paws for Support can help you get your dog certified for PAT.
Book your free consultation now, or call Alan on 0411 705 686 for personal guidance.
Government-approved training organisation.
Expert certification and training for service dogs with flexible options in Cheltenham, VIC, or via online service Australia-wide.
