Inquiry

PAWSOME ASSISTANCE DOGS INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS

When you lodge an Inquiry via the website Form, (this is only way to make an Inquiry of any form) the first consideration is, do you and / or your dog meet both the Federal legislation, and PAD’s own Policies, Procedures and Standards to have and be in control of an Assistance Dog.

Please also read the Recommended and Accepted Breeds Policy.

There are many additional posts in NEWS and on  Facebook ,which explain the Inquiry/Application process, specifying that it is a process that may take a few months.

There are two reasons for this, firstly we are a Volunteer Association, secondly, this is a careful and considered process. it may take several months. If this is not suited to you, there really is no point in you lodging an Inquiry.

We need Teams who recognize and respect the importance of the Association making decisions that will reflect well on our already registered Teams.

As we have said frequently, and is embedded in our documents –

PAD IS NOT SUITED TO EVERYONE and

EVERYONE IS NOT SUITED TO PAD

We make no apologies for this.

PAD is building a family of Handlers, and not everyone will be suited to that family, even if they are, legally, eligible for an assistance dog.

It is important to note, that not all of those with disabilities, that may make them eligible for an assistance dog, are capable of being responsible for the training, control and maintenance of an assistance dog, whether that is in accordance with the legislation, or in being able to fulfill all compliance requirements with PAD standards.

Because of this, an Inquiry DOES NOT guarantee an Interview, Face to Face to Meeting, or an offer to complete the application process.

If you wish to know more about what the requirements will be, please read the posts in NEWS or on the Facebook page, watch the videos, and go to APPLICATION INFORMATION DOCUMENTS on this website.

It is the Association’s first preference, to be able to assist you in choosing an appropriate breed to meet your medical needs, and to do an Aptitude Test on the litter if possible.

Science proves that working with a young puppy (8-12 weeks) will provide optimum bonding and training foundations.

Once a dog is past the 4-6 months age, we are looking to see basic obedience training and a tangible bond with the Handler. It is recommended you consult with PAD, before attending Obedience Classes above level one, if you are hoping to be registered with PAD.

If the dog has been with the Handler from an early age, we would also be looking for innate responses to the individuals medical needs, even if it has not been taught more complicated tasks.

That does not mean you already need to be at public access standards, but it does mean we are looking at your commitment to training and growing with your dog, and that the two of you have a proven relationship that generates tasking and alerting as a natural response to your bond with each other.

Refer to the videos on this Website or the Facebook page, for more information on the standards you will be training towards.

PAD is a family of Teams. We are not interested in numbers, we are looking for quality Teams to join our family.

The inquiry process involves
1. Lodging an Inquiry Form via the Website
2. Having that Inquiry assessed
3. If applicable, receiving a phone interview
4. If suitable, progressing to a face-to-face interview
5. If applicable, Lodging all the Application documents
6. Being assessed by the Executive
7. If accepted, paying your fees
8. Only then will you receive registration documentation, a jacket and be added to the Closed Handler Group

This process can take 1-3 months depending on when it’s commenced.

If that is not suitable to you, PAD is probably not the organization for your needs.

IF YOUR DOG IS OVER ONE YEAR & has not already been training to be, or is working as an ASSISTANCE DOG, either with another organization or with you as an Independent Handler, it is unlikely to be accepted.

If your dog is not on the Recommended and Accepted Breeds Policy, it is unlikely to be accepted.

Dogs cannot COMMENCE TRAINING to be an AD over one year with PAD unless there are exceptional circumstances

PAD DOES NOT CERTIFY THERAPY OR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT/COMPANION PETS