Assistance Dogs Vs Therapy Dogs
What's The Difference?
While both assistance dogs and therapy dogs provide valuable support, they serve different purposes. Assistance dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that support an individual with a disability, while therapy dogs provide comfort, companionship and emotional support to people in a variety of settings. Both play important roles in improving wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
Australian Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are specially trained to support people living with disabilities by performing tasks tailored to their individual needs. These highly skilled dogs help increase independence, confidence and safety, empowering their handlers to navigate everyday life with greater freedom. Qualified assistance dogs also have legally recognised public access rights.
All Assistance Dogs must meet legal requirements to be certified under the Guide Heading And Assistance Dog Act 2009 and have successfully completed their Public Access Test.
Click the button below to learn more about Assistance Dog Certification in Australia.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs provide comfort, connection and emotional support through positive interactions with people. Often visiting schools, hospitals, aged care facilities and community organisations, these dogs help reduce stress, encourage social connection and promote emotional wellbeing. Unlike assistance dogs, therapy dogs do not have general public access rights.
