Animals can have an impact on our lives, whether they provide essential daily assistance, provide companionship, or provide therapy, however, there can be a bit of confusion around the topic when it comes to NDIS and companion animals. To make things a little easier for you and your clients, we have taken a deeper look at this matter to assist you in understanding what assistance might be available.  

Assistance animals  

The purpose of an assistance animal goes beyond just providing a cute face. They can help build people's capacity, improve their safety, and help them become more independent.  

It is required that assistance animals be specially trained by a certified assistance animal provider to perform at least three tasks or behaviours that can improve functional outcomes for clients. 

Tasks or behaviours such as:  

• Open and close refrigerators or doors  

• Open and close drawers and cabinets  

• Take care of dropped items  

• Reassure the client when they are experiencing extreme anxiety  

• Press the button at traffic lights  

• Remove the clothes from the washing machine  

• Assist in finding way around, including stopping at curbs and stairwells  

• Find an empty seat on a bus  

• To assist clients in finding doors on cars and trains  

• When necessary, blocking, or obstructing others  

Assistance animals that are eligible for funding under the NDIS include:  

• Dog guides (a.k.a. guide dogs or seeing-eye dogs)  

• Medical alert animals  

• Hearing assistance animals  

• Mobility assistance animals  

• Psychiatric assistance animals  

• Assistance animals for developmental disorders  

To get the approval from NDIS, assistance animals are required to pass a Public Access Test. 

Assistance animals are different from pets or companion animals and are not typically eligible for funding through the NDIS (read on for details).  

Companion animals and pets  

Pets or companion animals are not considered assistance animals in the NDIS, which means they are less likely to be funded. Since companion animals are not typically associated with specific disability needs, they are not considered assistance animals.  

The NDIS does not cover the costs of training pets, having support staff look after them on the client’s behalf, or food and veterinary care for a pet or companion animal. If the NDIS determines that taking care of a pet is reasonable and necessary; one may be eligible to receive disability-related support.  

Animal-Assisted Therapy  

It is essential to understand that animal assisted therapy (AAT), animal assisted intervention (AAI) and animal assisted activity (AAA) are occupational therapy methods that aim to assist people in reaching their goals by involving an animal in a therapy-based setting.  

The following are some effects of AAT, AAI, and AAA:  

• Improved cognitive performance  

• Reduced blood pressure  

• Interpersonal skills development  

• Reduced anxiety, depression, stress, and agitation  

• Mood improvement  

• Providing relief from loneliness or boredom  

• Improving mobility  

• Self-esteem development  

Equestrian assisted therapy (EAT) is a popular type of AAT, which consists of things like grooming, feeding, riding, and other therapy treatments with an occupational therapist or psychologist.  

Animal-based therapies require the NDIS to identify whether they are reasonable, necessary, and worth the money. They must also demonstrate that they will benefit the individual. Animal-based therapies require a connection to individual’s NDIS goals if one wishes to get funding for them.  

Goal setting  

The NDIS is very goal focused. The short and long-term goals help to shape NDIS plan and funding. Aside from goals, individuals will need to include anything they would like to include in their plans, such as an assistance animal or animal therapies.   

Providing evidence  

Having an assistance animal or AAT as part of NDIS plan needs to be consistent with individuals' goals, and goals must also be reasonable and necessary for funds to be allocated.

The NDIS has developed an Assistance Animals Assessment Template that can be used to get a better understanding regarding such support. 

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