Our Training Acceptance Requirements
How to Apply for an Assistance Dog
How do I apply?
Taking the first step towards greater independence starts here.
Our application and onboarding process helps us understand your individual needs, assess eligibility and determine how an assistance dog may support you.
Explore the steps below to begin your journey.
Our Onboarding Process
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Intake Meeting
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Suitability Test
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Enrolment
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Group Classes
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PAWS Work
(one on one training) -
Public Access Testing (PAT)
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Ongoing Support
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RePAT (Every 3 Years)
Assistance Dog Requirements
To ensure the safety, health and suitability of dogs entering our assistance dog training program, all applicants must meet the following requirements.
Health & Veterinary Requirements
- Dogs must be in good overall physical health and suitable for assistance dog training and public access work.
- Current veterinary health records must be provided, including vaccination history and relevant medical information.
- Dogs must be free from health conditions that may compromise their wellbeing or ability to perform assistance dog duties.
Breed Restrictions
The following breeds and breed types are not eligible for our assistance dog training program:
- Any Shepherd breeds or crosses.
- Any restricted dog breeds or crosses.
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers or their crosses.
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.
- Small dog breeds weighing under 5 kg.
- Breeds specifically developed for guarding, protection or defending their owners.
DNA breed testing may be required at the applicant's expense to confirm breed eligibility.
Temperament & Behaviour Requirements
All dogs must demonstrate a stable, confident and non-aggressive temperament suitable for assistance dog work.
We have a zero-tolerance policy for aggression.
Any signs of aggression towards people or other animals will result in immediate disqualification from the assessment or training program.
All dogs are subject to suitability assessments, and meeting the initial requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Training Commitment & Attendance
To be accepted into our assistance dog training program, applicants must be able to commit to and attend regular training sessions held in Morayfield, Queensland.
Consistent attendance, active participation and ongoing commitment to training are essential requirements for acceptance and continued participation in the program.
GHAD Certification & Public Access Approval – Queensland
In Queensland, assistance dogs must meet specific standards to receive certification under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 (Qld).
The GHAD framework ensures assistance dogs are appropriately trained, safe and reliable in public environments, supporting the independence and accessibility of people living with disabilities.
Requirements for GHAD Certification
To be eligible for GHAD certification, applicants and their dogs must meet Queensland Government requirements, including:
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Disability-related assistance: Dogs must be trained to assist a person with a disability.
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Health & Wellbeing: Dogs must meet relevant veterinary, vaccination, desexing and hygiene requirements.
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Temperament & Behaviour: Dogs must demonstrate safe, reliable behaviour without aggression.
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Training Standards: Dogs must demonstrate appropriate obedience, control and disability-related assistance skills.
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Public Access Testing: Dogs and handlers must successfully complete the required Public Access Test (PAT).
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Handler Responsibilities: Handlers must demonstrate appropriate care, control and management of their assistance dog.
GHAD Certification Process
The certification process involves confirming eligibility, completing appropriate assistance dog training, successfully passing a Public Access Test with an approved trainer or training institution, and submitting the required application and supporting documentation.
Completing an assistance dog training program does not automatically guarantee GHAD certification. All applicants must satisfy the relevant Queensland Government requirements.
Official GHAD Information & Requirements
Before applying, please carefully review the following Queensland Government resources:
Applicant Acknowledgement
Before submitting your application, please ensure you have read and understood the GHAD certification requirements and our organisation's Terms & Conditions.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that:
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You have read and understood the Queensland Government's GHAD eligibility and certification requirements.
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You have read and agree to the organisation's Terms & Conditions and training requirements.
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You understand that acceptance into training does not guarantee GHAD certification or successful Public Access Testing.
Apply for Assistance Dog Training
Ready to begin your assistance dog training journey?
Before submitting your application, please ensure you have carefully read and understood our Terms & Conditions and Eligibility Requirements to give yourself the best chance of acceptance into our program.
Complete the enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.
Customer Service Hours: Monday – Saturday,
9:00 am – 6:00 pm.