What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

That’s a great question! We’ve written a blog post outlining exactly what AAT is and who its for!
Read all about it here.

Where are you located?

We are based within the community of Seaford, Melbourne, VIC. We do however do in-home visits as well!
Contact us to see if your eligible.

What’s the difference between AAT and Service dogs?

A common question is whether a therapy dog is the same as a service dog. Each of these dogs has a very different job from the other and the terms are actually not interchangeable. In addition, different regulations and laws apply to Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs.

Service Dogs (also known as Assistance Dogs) are trained to perform tasks and to do work that eases their handlers’ disabilities. Working as part of a team with their disabled partners, service dogs help them attain safety and independence. Most service dogs have a “no petting” policy established by their owners. These dogs are not considered to be pets. In fact, they are considered to be vital like medical equipment.

Therapy dogs also receive training but have a completely different type of job from service dogs. Their responsibilities are to provide psychological or physiological therapy to individuals other than their handlers. These dogs have stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personalities. Typically, they visit hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes and more.

Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they are on-duty including petting the therapy dog. Therapy dogs may also visit schools, daycares, group homes and rehabilitation centres

We have a family dog we have a bond with, can you do sessions with our pet?

It is possible that a program can be built to include your pet! Just like people, dogs just sometimes don't like other people. Given that your pup likes us then we can absolutely create a program that includes your dog!

Can we have two dogs in our session?

As of right now, the only way to have two dogs in a single session is to have two handlers. So yes, you can have two dogs, however, that means you would be invoiced for two handlers. 

Can we have two people participate in the session?

We would recommend solo sessions so the participant can get the most out of each session. However, should that not work with your schedule, we can include a second participant in the sessions.

How long do sessions take?

Sessions can be booked in 1 or 3 hour blocks with programs running between 6 to 12 weeks with the availably to continue on after completion. 

Do I need a referral?

We are a private practice, and as such you do not need a referral to book an appointment.

Can you come to my home?

Absolutely! Home-based is usually provided at the kitchen table or in a living room. In these settings, children and teenagers may feel more comfortable with us. The ability to see a home environment and observe how people use their space can help us get to know you better and build good connections quickly. This personalised approach may not be as easy to achieve in an office space.

Do you bulk bill?

We are a private practice and do not bulk bill. However we are a NDIS recognised provider, as such we follow the NDIS price guide.

The NDIS provides the necessary funding to people with a permanent and significant disability so they can access the supports and services they need to live and enjoy their life.
Learn more about NDIS funding here or Contact us to find out more.

Are your a registered NDIS provider?

Not at this stage. It is lengthy and very expensive process that we haven't got the financial capacity to cover. It is something we hope for in the future. We are however recognised by NDIS.