Written by
Australian Dog Lover
10:35:00
-
0
Comments
A dog can make an extraordinary difference to the life of someone with unique physical or emotional needs.
Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) is now calling for applicants for its inaugural Purposeful Placement (PP) Dog Program - a specialised fee-for-service program that places expertly trained dogs with individuals to support their needs.
Unlike an official Assistance Dog, a PP Dog does not have public access rights under Australian law.
Recipients of PP Dogs are not required to have a medical diagnosis but must have a clear reason for benefiting from one of the dogs and the support it provides.
Jane Kefford, Purposeful Placement Program lead, said the support of a PP dog in a private setting delivered greater wellbeing, positive emotional regulation, increased social inclusion and community contribution.
“These dogs help in a range of ways - they provide consistent companionship, reduce anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation,” she said.
“They increase self-confidence and engagement with others through the calming presence of a dog.”
Ms Kefford said applicants would need to be committed to maintaining the dog’s training, health, and overall wellbeing throughout its life.
Occupational therapist Dr Jess Hill, from The University of Queensland, is leading several independent studies relating to the influence of human-animal bond on the health and wellbeing of humans and animals.
“Increasingly, research is showing that the social-emotional benefits of the bonds between a handler and their assistance dog cannot be replicated by assistive technology,” she said.
“The purposeful placement of dogs that have been trained but have not passed their public access assessment may offer a solution to people with disabilities and their families who seek the social-emotional benefits of a dog. These dogs are well trained and will make great companions, even without the public access factor.”
Applicants who live within 50kms of Melbourne/Brisbane and Sydney are encouraged to apply.
The program costs $4,900, which includes:
✔️ Dog skills training, specific to the recipient’s needs
✔️ Comprehensive assessment and dog matching
✔️ 2 x pre-placement online training sessions
✔️ 3 day in-home placement training
✔️ Training materials and starter kit of equipment
✔️ Scheduled follow-up check-ins for the first 12 months
For detailed information, please visit:
www.assistancedogs.org.au/services/purposeful-placement
MEDIA RELEASE, 17th June 2025
Become a Volunteer Weekend Canine Carer
No comments
Post a Comment