NDIS Assistance Animals
For Allied Health professionals and participants
Assistance Dogs & NDIS Funding in 2026
Considering an Assistance Dog through the NDIS?
An Assistance Dog can be an important disability support for some people, but NDIS funding is not automatic simply because an allied health professional recommends one.
The NDIS considers whether an Assistance Dog meets its reasonable and necessary criteria, including whether it is effective and beneficial, represents value for money and will assist with the participant's disability related support needs and goals.
Where should you start?
If you are an NDIS participant considering an Assistance Dog, PFA recommends starting with your Occupational Therapist or other relevant allied health professional. Your OT can undertake a functional assessment to identify:
the participant's disability related functional needs
the barriers they experience in everyday life
the specific ways an Assistance Dog may assist with those needs
the goals and outcomes the Assistance Dog is intended to support
whether an Assistance Dog is an appropriate option alongside other available supports.
A cost benefit analysis of having a human support vs an Assistance Dog - weekly / monthly / yearly costs
The NDIS advises that an Assistance Animal Assessment should be completed by an appropriate assistive technology assessor. The assessment provides evidence about how the animal will support the participant's disability related needs.
What happens next?
Once the participant has completed the appropriate functional assessment and has discussed the suitability of an Assistance Dog with their treating professionals, they can explore suitable Assistance Dog providers and training pathways.
The NDIS currently states that, for an Assistance Animal other than a dog guide, evidence is required from:
a registered/accredited Assistance Animal provider
the participant's allied health professional
the participant themselves.
The NDIS also requires the Assistance Animal to meet its definition and pass the relevant Public Access Test.
What about Paws for Assistance?
Paws for Assistance (PFA) specialises in owner-trainer Assistance Dog education and training in Victoria however, PFA is NOT an NDIS-registered Assistance Animal provider however, may provide an initial assessment with the participant and their prospective assistance puppy/dog to underpin the NDIS application process alongside the participant’s Assistive Technology assessor, usually an Occupational Therapist (OT). The assistance dog training process MUST be written into the participants NDIS plan to gain legitimate funding.
If you are considering an Assistance Dog, PFA encourages you to start with your OT and functional assessment first. Once you have established that an Assistance Dog may be an appropriate support for your disability related needs, you are welcome to contact PFA to discuss your circumstances and the different training pathways that may be available.
For current information about Assistance Animal funding requirements, always refer directly to the NDIS.
What are assistance animals – NDIS
