Paws and Thrive

20/05/2026

🐾 We are so proud and feel privileged to support NDIS participants throughout Australia who are seeking funding for an assistance animal. 🦮

We do this by working together with participants and their local supports/ providers to collate information and evidence that demonstrates how the reasonable and necessary funding criteria are met. 🔎📋☑️ 🎯

We have mapped out some of our participants’ locations since we started Paws and Thrive back in 2023. 🇦🇺

Thank you to each and every one of you who have put your trust in us over the years. 🫶🏼

We enjoy learning about new places across Australia with each new participant and will keep updating this map now and again to add others. 🐕‍🦺

18/05/2026

Anyone seeking an assistance animal will know I am a big advocate for engaging in animal-assisted services first. Animal Therapies Ltd are a great place to start to help you find the right provider who works in your area.

Looking for an animal-assisted service provider? ATL proudly hosts Australia’s largest directory of animal-assisted practitioners, helping individuals, families, organisations, schools, allied health professionals, and communities connect with qualified and ethical providers across the country.

Whether you’re searching for support in:
🐴 Equine-assisted services
🐶 Animal-assisted therapy
🧠 Mental health & wellbeing
🌱 Personal development
🎓 Learning support
♿ Disability support
❤️ Trauma-informed services

…our National Directory makes it easy to find a practitioner that suits your needs.

All ATL Professional Members agree to uphold our:
✔ Code of Ethics
✔ Code of Conduct
✔ Professional Membership standards

Search the ATL National Directory today:
https://animaltherapies.org.au/providers/

Together, we are strengthening trust, professionalism, and best practice in animal-assisted services across Australia.

17/04/2026

Assistance animals and their handlers have legal rights to access public places within their community and go about their day without discrimination or unwanted interruptions. Well-meaning questions, inappropriate patting as well as poorly handled interactions and entry refusals can be confronting and distressing to handlers. As members of the community, we need to be informed about the role we play. However, if assistance animals are not demonstrating good behaviours and hygiene requirements for public access, handlers can be questioned or refused entry. If unsure, please familiarise yourself with how to manage this politely and respectfully. Unfortunately there are handlers who say their uncertified dogs are assistance animals and poorly trained animals can discredit those who are certified. Knowing how to handle these interactions is everyone’s responsibility. 😃🐾

Clear, respectful interactions with assistance animals start with understanding what matters most.

It’s not about paperwork or appearance — it’s about behaviour, control, and the working relationship between the animal and their handler.

If you’re ever unsure, ask politely and only when necessary. Keep questions focused on the animal’s role — not the person’s disability.

Small shifts in how we approach these interactions can make a big difference in creating inclusive, respectful spaces for everyone.

21/01/2026

I’m pleased to share that I recently completed a Post- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health towards the end of last year. I thought I’d get an update on the complexities of mental health conditions, trauma informed practices, government initiatives, research progress and current available resources worldwide since it’s been over 20 years since I first covered this at uni. I can tell you a lot has changed and there are a lot of great services and resources out there. If you’re struggling, please reach out. There’s always someone who will listen and support you through your personal recovery or connect you with others who can help.

21/01/2026

For those who are considering owner-training an assistance dog, early, regular and continuous training is critical to long-term success. It doesn’t need to cost a fortune while waiting for funding. There are lots of options for online, group and individual training to meet your needs and budget. Getting started in early socialisation as well as as basic behaviour and obedience can be done generically before you start more complex public access and disability task specific training. Essentially you get out what you put in. It takes time and effort but worth it in the long term. You will be learning along the way. The training is not just for the dog and it’s not just about handler skills but learning more about yourself, your needs and how your ADiT can work with you to help you thrive and be the best version of you. You’ve got this!

Why is early puppy training so important?

The first few months of a puppy’s life are crucial for shaping their future behaviour. In this video, we dive into the science behind early training and how it can influence your dog's development. Whether you're a new pet guardian or an experienced trainer, understanding this critical stage can make all the difference.

Watch now to learn more! 🎥🐶

https://youtu.be/ohXxyvK7dzg

21/01/2026

Well done Therapy Dogs Australia. There are so many things to consider when introducing animals into therapeutic roles including puppies selected for assistance animal training.

21/01/2026

Some great resources developed by Blue Knot Foundation for anyone interested in learning more or wanting to help others understand trauma.

Blue Knot has developed fact sheets intended to help you understand more about the different categories of trauma. If you have experiences of complex trauma, childhood trauma, child abuse or intergenerational trauma, or are supporting someone who has, you might find these resources supportive: https://bit.ly/4bHCp2s

08/12/2025

We would like to wish all our participants and their family members, local clinicians, referrers and animal trainers a safe and happy Christmas. It’s been a wonderful year and we’ve enjoyed working together with you and your local providers. We will be taking a few weeks break for some family time and look forward to returning fresh and ready to continue supporting you in 2026. Merry Christmas! 🎄 🧑🏻‍🎄

25/11/2025

A trained Assistance Dog is doing an important job, performing tasks to increase confidence and independence, while helping to improve the quality of life of their handler.🐾

Defence Community Dogs perform specific tasks including interrupting episodes of stress or anxiety, providing physical and mental health support in public places, and even retrieving items.

You can help support Assistance Dogs, including DCD dogs, through understanding and respecting their handlers, and sharing these guidelines with others. 🐾 💜 🦮

For more information, please visit www.dcdogs.com.au
Improving the lives of Veterans. One paw at a time. 🐾

Bravery Trust Defence Bank Defence Families of Australia (DFA) Defence Member and Family Support Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling RSL Australia RSL NSW RSL Queensland Salute For Service Servulink Soldier On Australia Women Veterans Network Australia - WVNA Wounded Heroes Australia

01/11/2025

Hi everyone, please take a moment to complete this assistance animal survey before 9th November. It’s open to people with an assistance animal, those who care for them and providers who work with them. This is our opportunity to advocate for assistance animals as a recognised support.

The site lists consultations that are run by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. On this site you can find, share or take part in consultations.