+ An introduction to the program

Defence Community Dogs (DCD) provides highly trained Assistance Dogs to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, who need physical and emotional support for mood, depressive and anxiety disorders including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Assistance Dogs can increase independence and self-esteem and are trained to provide home support and community access support. Veterans who have received Assistance Dogs through our program have described their dogs to be a truly invaluable part of their rehabilitation.

Read on to see the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our program.

+ Who is eligible to apply for a DCD Assistance Dog?

Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members can apply for the Defence Community Dogs program. Veterans will also need to meet the following criteria:

• A primary diagnosis of a mood, depressive or anxiety disorder from a Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
• Must be able to handle and adequately exercise a 30-40kg dog on a daily basis.
• Has resided at a permanent residence for at least 3 months before applying.
• Be willing to allow the dog inside the house the majority of the time.
• Cannot have any pending criminal convictions or court appearances which have not yet been finalised.
• Must be currently under the care of an appropriate medical professional to manage their medical and mental health conditions.
• Cannot be currently undergoing treatment for substance abuse.

+ Is it a Service Dog or an Assistance Dog?

When dogs are first placed with their Veteran, we refer to the dogs as Service Dogs. It is a requirement of the program that Veterans continue the required training (which is taught at the handover workshop and during follow-up training sessions) and then undertake regular Public Access Tests (PAT) in order for the dog to be legally accredited and recognised as an Assistance Dog in their state of residence. PAT testing is then required annually to maintain this accreditation.

+ Should I consider a DCD Assistance Dog?

Each Veteran will be asked to seriously consider whether an Assistance Dog is right for them and their circumstances.

Veterans will be asked to assess whether a dog will suit their lifestyle, their family situation and their budget. This is not designed to discourage applicants, but rather to ensure applicants are being realistic when considering how having an Assistance Dog will impact their life. For example, an Assistance Dog requires a daily commitment to care and exercise the dog. Veterans are also responsible for all costs associated with feeding and caring for the animal and veterans need to ensure they maintains Public Access Testing (PAT) accreditation throughout the working life of the dog. It is also important that the whole family agrees and is fully aware of the implications of owning an Assistance Dog.

As with all dog training, it takes patience, persistence, dedication and consistency. An Assistance Dog is not the answer for every Veteran, it is not a magical cure, and your bond with your dog will not happen overnight. There will inevitably be some challenges and frustrations to overcome, and you will have to make some changes to your life to accommodate your dog.

So, before applying for a DCD Assistance Dog, please ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have the time?
• Am I dedicated enough to sit a Public Access Test (PAT) with my dog on an annual basis?
• Do I have the physical and mental energy required?
• Is this the right time for me?
• How will a dog affect my family and friends?
• Are my current living arrangements suitable to house a dog?
• How will I complete my everyday tasks with a dog?
• Can I live with a dog 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
• Can I afford a dog?
• Am I willing to clean up after the dog and regularly vacuum up the hair?
• Can I agree to the expectations of Defence Community Dogs?

Refer to the appendix in the fact sheet above for additional information to consider when answering these questions.

+ How could an Assistance Dog help me?

Assistance Dogs can be a very valuable part of a rehabilitation program. Assistance Dogs can increase independence and self-esteem and are trained to provide home support, community support and community access support. Recipients of DCD Assistance Dogs have reported improved sleep patterns, reduced episodes of stress and anxiety, reduced reliance on medication, greater independence and a renewed ability to reconnect with family and friends. Partners and carers of recipients have also reported increased independence, and some have even been able to return to work.

+ Can you provide any additional support for my condition?

Defence Community Dogs specialises in training dogs specifically to help Australian Defence Force Veterans with mood, depressive and anxiety disorders. We don’t specialise in providing individuals with medical, psychological or PTSD support. We prefer to work with an individual’s existing mental health expert who knows the veteran well. We also encourage veterans to maintain contact with their local veteran support groups (such as Legacy, Soldier On, Mates4Mates etc) to ensure ongoing support can be provided before and after taking ownership of a new dog.

+ Where do the dogs come from?

Every dog that enters the DCD program has been surrendered or rehomed, and must pass a strict health and temperament assessment before being accepted to undergo training.

+ Who trains the dogs?

All training takes place in Correctional Centres with the assistance of professional dog trainers and under the guidance of one of Australia’s leading Dog Trainers, Steve Austin. Each dog is allocated to a handler for the duration of their training – a specially selected, minimum security inmate. Each dog spends 24 hours a day with their handler, who looks after all their needs – they even share a cell together. It costs around $30,000 over the life of the dog to train, place and support each Assistance Dog and Veteran in our program and these costs are met by the Defence Bank Foundation, our donors and sponsors.

+ What type of dog will I get?

DCD predominantly trains Labradors and Labrador-type dogs. These dogs tend to be medium to large in size and are generally active. All dogs in the program must have the right temperament to be an effective Assistance Dog.

+ What’s involved in training a dog?

All dogs are trained to Assistance Dog level, with training specifically focused on assisting Veterans to cope with their illnesses and injuries. Our dogs undertake at least 8 to 10 months – a minimum of 250 hours – of professional dog training and must pass numerous assessments in order to graduate. This level of training equips each dog with the competencies and skills required to complete a Public Access Test (PAT), through which they attain Assistance Dog accreditation.

+ What are my obligations after receiving an Assistance Dog?

DCD Assistance Dogs are highly trained and well-socialised. However, you will need to practise skills and reinforce behaviours with your dog every day. It will be your responsibility to maintain the high standards that will enable your dog to assist you and you will need to sit a Public Access Test before your dog is legally recognised as an Assistance Dog in your state. You will also be responsible for completing regular PAT requirements to maintain this accreditation.

+ How do I apply for an Assistance Dog?

Each applicant will be required to provide:

• An Expression of Interest / initial application (click the "Start an application button")
• A fully completed Application Form (Stage 2)
• Evidence that you are (or were) a serving member of the Australian Defence Force
• A primary diagnosis of a mood, depressive or anxiety disorder from a Psychiatrist or Psychologist and a recommendation that an Assistance Dog would be of benefit
• Details about your medical and PTSD support network that will continue during and after the application process
• Where applicable, written permission from your landlord and/or employer to allow a dog on the premises
• Satisfactory completion of an Environmental and Suitability Assessment for the dog

Further requirements are outlined in the initial Application Form. Applicants will be assessed and approved by the team at Defence Community Dogs based on the criteria above and all decisions are final.

When you're ready to apply, click on the "Start the application process" button.

+ What is the process once a Veteran is approved to receive an Assistance Dog?

After an application is approved, please remember that it may take some time to find a dog which is suitable and compatible to the needs of a Veteran, so patience will be essential. There are also a limited number of dogs available through this specialised program.

All dogs are specifically matched to their Veteran based on suitability, including environment, housing situation, family situation and exercise requirements. Initially, our Veteran Support Team will consult with the Veteran to determine the applicant’s eligibility and suitability. This team will also determine what type of support is needed so the training of the dog can be customised if required.

Once the dog has completed their training, the Veteran will be invited to attend a comprehensive handover workshop. The handover process will help recipients to bond with their dog and learn how to correctly handle, command and care for their new companion.

+ What’s involved with the handover workshop?

The handover workshop is held over eight days at the Correctional Centre where the dog’s training took place. Successful applicants will be required to make their own travel arrangements to attend their designated handover session, including covering travel costs. Subsidised accommodation is provided during handovers.

+ What next?

We strongly suggest you consider all the points outlined in these FAQs before deciding to proceed. This is not designed to discourage applicants, but rather to ensure you are being realistic when considering how having an Assistance Dog will impact your life. If, after honest self-examination, you decide that the benefits of having an Assistance Dog will outweigh the challenges, we welcome your application.

Ready to apply? Simply click the button below to start an application.