Applications

Application Forms to be Signed


Policies and Procedures


HANDLER ANNUAL RENEWAL AGREEMENT

PAWSOME ASSISTANCE DOGS INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS

When you lodge an Inquiry with PAD, it is a process. After you submit an Inquiry Form, the Committee will consider if you meet our requirements to be progressed to a phone, and where possible, face to face interview with your dog.

Please read the Recommended and Accepted Breeds Policy before submitting an Inquiry. It is rare for PAD to make an exception to this Policy and you will need to summit a statement as to why you may be eligible for a probationary period, to assess your exemption.

  The Inquiry/Application process, is one 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. 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, go to 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.

PAD is a family of Teams. 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 a Registered Trainer/Assessor
7. If accepted, paying your fees
8. Only then will you receive registration documentation, 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