The most common question…

What is the Difference between an Assistance, Therapy and Companion Dogs in Australia?

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs are considered a medical aid. They are specifically trained to perform tasks that help to mitigate a handler’s disability. They have full public access rights and are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act ’92.

Protected under the DDA to accompany the handler to stores, restaurants, cinemas etc.

Must be allowed to live with the handler, even when there is a ‘no pets’ policy.

Must be able to tolerate novel environments, experiences & interactions with strangers.

Is specifically trained to help their handler with tasks.

Is trained to provide comfort to many others at the handler’s request.

Primarily provides companionship.

Visitation Dogs

Visitation dogs are trained to bring comfort, support and joy to those in group settings such as schools, hospitals, retirement villages and other stressful situations. They are usually handled by their owner and have undergone training and assessment for suitability for this role. They are permitted to access these places during organised visits, but do not have full public access rights under the law.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are trained and assessed to work alongside their allied health handlers in therapeutic settings with a wide range of people. Examples of such health professionals include psychologists, speech therapists or occupational therapists. They incorporate the use of a therapy dog to help facilitate the delivery of their programs.

Protected under the DDA to accompany the handler to stores, restaurants, cinemas etc.

Must be allowed to live with the handler, even when there is a ‘no pets’ policy.

Must be able to tolerate novel environments, experiences & interactions with strangers.

Is specifically trained to help their handler with tasks.

Is trained to provide comfort to many others at the handler’s request.

Primarily provides companionship.

Companion Dog

These are what most of us have – Pet Dogs! They provide wonderful support to their families and bring joy to our lives. Their primary role is companionship. They do not have full public access rights under the law and are only permitted in dog-friendly areas throughout our communities.

Protected under the DDA to accompany the handler to stores, restaurants, cinemas etc.

Must be allowed to live with the handler, even when there is a ‘no pets’ policy.

Must be able to tolerate novel environments, experiences & interactions with strangers.

Is specifically trained to help their handler with tasks.

Is trained to provide comfort to many others at the handler’s request.

Primarily provides companionship.

Emotional Support Dog

Emotional Support Dogs are not recognised under Australian law. They are similar to therapy dogs but support the owner instead of other people in the community. They provide comfort and support to a person through depression or anxiety but are not necessarily specifically trained to do so.