NDIS Assistance Dog Australia: Funding & Eligibility Guide

A plain-English explainer on how the NDIS funds owner-trained assistance dog programs in Australia. Written for participants, support coordinators, and plan managers. Based on how Walkys works with NDIS clients across Australia.

The short version

The NDIS can fund assistance dog training as a reasonable and necessary support when:

• You have a diagnosed condition that meets NDIS eligibility criteria.
• An assistance dog has been clinically identified (by your treating clinician, occupational therapist, or other qualified professional) as an appropriate support for your specific goals.
• You (or your family/carer) have the capacity to handle and train the dog through the multi-year program.

Walkys is an NDIS-approved provider. We work with NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed participants across all states and territories.

What's typically claimable

The assistance dog development pathway has discrete components that map cleanly to NDIS funding categories:

• Initial Consultation ($239 AUD): the formal assessment of suitability and starting plan.
• Suitability Test ($100 AUD): structured assessment of whether your dog is ready to progress.
• Private Training Sessions ($299 AUD per session): the bulk of skill building.
• Public Training Sessions ($329 AUD per session): real-world public access practice.
• Public Access Test ($150 AUD): the final certification step.
• Annual Reassessment ($150 AUD): yearly maintenance assessment.

What is not typically claimable

• The purchase price of the dog itself.
• Ongoing veterinary, food, and grooming costs (though some elements may be covered under separate categories for in-scope clients).
• Equipment beyond what's directly required for training (some training equipment is claimable).

Check the exact rules with your plan manager or support coordinator. NDIS rules evolve.

Plan management types and what they mean for us

NDIA-managed. NDIA pays providers directly. Walkys is registered with the NDIS Commission, so we can work with NDIA-managed participants. The administrative process is more structured but workable.

Plan-managed. A plan manager pays providers on your behalf. This is the most common arrangement and the most straightforward for working with Walkys.

Self-managed. You pay providers and claim reimbursement from the NDIA. The most flexible option and works well with us.

What you'll need to start

• An active NDIS plan with funding allocated to assistance dog training (Capacity Building or Capital Supports, depending on how your plan is structured).
• Documentation from your treating clinician (psychologist, psychiatrist, GP, or OT) confirming an assistance dog is an appropriate support.
• A dog (or a clear plan to source one with appropriate temperament).
• The capacity to commit 5 to 10 hours per week to training across 12 to 24 months.

How to make the application stronger

If you're preparing an NDIS plan review or initial planning meeting and want to include assistance dog work, here's what tends to strengthen the case:

• Clear, task-specific functional goals. Not "emotional support" but "the dog will be trained to interrupt panic episodes in public, reducing the impact on my capacity to work."
• Clinical letter from a treating professional stating why an assistance dog is the appropriate support relative to alternatives.
• A trainer (us, or someone equivalent) prepared to deliver the full pathway, with NDIS registration.
• Realistic understanding of the time commitment shown in your plan goals.

We can supply a written quote, our service letter, and registration details for inclusion in your plan documentation.

How to start with Walkys

Book your Initial Consultation →

If you're unsure whether NDIS funding is currently in scope for your specific plan, the right next step is to talk to your support coordinator. Or book a free 30-minute call with us to discuss your situation.

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This page is general information based on our experience as an NDIS-registered provider. It is not financial, legal, or NDIS planning advice. Always confirm specifics with your support coordinator, plan manager, or the NDIA before relying on funding decisions.