We won’t fund an assistance animal if there’s a risk to its wellbeing and safety. So it can do its tasks and be an effective and beneficial support, we need to be sure the animal will:
- be properly cared for
- be treated well
- get enough exercise, rest and play time.
We also need to make sure:
- you can provide the right diet for the assistance animal and feed it regularly
- you can provide a safe and caring home
- if there are other pets in the home, they won’t stop the assistance animal from working effectively
- your home environment won’t disrupt or stress the assistance animal. For example, if there are young or noisy children who might stress the assistance animal
- the assistance animal will be safe if you or anyone else in your home has behaviours of concern that might pose a risk to their welfare
- there are no risks to the assistance animals when it performs tasks. For example, lifting or pulling heavy items or leading an electric wheelchair.
The assistance animal shouldn’t be at risk of neglect or harm because of where it lives or works. The health care professional who prescribes you an assistance animal is responsible for making sure you can properly care for it. This isn’t our responsibility, but we need to know you’re in a stable situation and can care for the animal. We generally won’t fund any assistance animal if:
- you have behaviours of concern including aggressive or violent behaviour
- you’ve been admitted to hospital for suicide attempts or self-harm in the past 12 months
- you’ve misused drugs or alcohol in the past 12 months.
Cruelty to animals is against the law in every state and territory.