According to the human rights commission; assistance animal is a trained support designed to facilitate the participation of people with disability in accessing various aspects of personal and public life. They are sometimes mistaken as a pet but provide an essential function for some people with disability.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA) in Section 9, sets out the legal definition of an assistance animal as a dog or other animal that:

(a) is accredited under a State or Territory law to assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effects of disability; or

(b) is accredited by an animal training organisation prescribed in the regulations; or

(c) is trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability and meets standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place.

Consider factors such as your lifestyle, needs, and ability to care for a dog before deciding if an assistance dog is right for you. Research different breeds to find the best fit. Additionally, consult with professionals, such as dog trainers and your medical team, for guidance.

This public access test is designed to make sure that dogs that are allowed to roam freely are dependable, well-mannered, and not a nuisance to other people. It is to guarantee that the client is in charge of the dog and that the team doesn't pose a risk to the public.

Assistance dogs can perform various tasks to aid their handlers. Such as retrieving items, opening and closing doors, guiding handlers and much more! For those with medical conditions, they can alert to oncoming episodes, remind handlers to take medication, and offer pressure therapy during anxiety attacks. Assistance dogs significantly improve independence and quality of life for people with disabilites.

Any breed of dog can become an assistance dog as long as it has the right temperament, training, and behaviour. However, banned dog breeds cannot be assistance dogs. It's important to choose a dog that is calm, intelligent, and eager to learn, as these traits are crucial for effective assistance work.

Assistance dogs have public access rights and can accompany their handlers almost anywhere the public can go. This includes restaurants, stores, public transportation, workplaces, and more. However, they must meet specific standards and definitions, such as those outlined in the DDA, to qualify for these rights.

No, there is no set certification for all assistance dogs in Australia. Although a Public Access Test (PAT) can make gaining access easier, it is not a legal requirement. As long as your assistance dog meets the DDA definition of an assistance dog and you have proof of this, you have public access rights.

An establishment can refuse access to an assistance dog if the dog is not under control, poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or if the handler cannot provide proof that the dog meets the DDA definition of an assistance dog.